My Instead: I visited the four corners of Belleville's public square.
A nice, warm summer’s night…how about a swim? Well, maybe not a
swim, but definitely an up close investigation of Belleville’s Veteran Memorial
Fountain. I drove to downtown Belleville, parked my car on the street behind
the courthouse building and started walking towards the fountain. After
about 25 paces, I realized that the fountain staring back at me was bone dry.
What the heck! Now what was I going to “instead” about? Then it dawned on me
that the essence of Belleville was not this fountain, but rather all that was around
me. The four corners of the public square contained the history, the people,
the art, and the beauty of my hometown, Belleville.
The first corner contained five large stones bearing the names of
Belleville’s war veterans. My dad, Melvin J Becker, was among the 1,560 names etched on
both sides of the monuments. I stood in silence for a few moments to honor
those that served our country to maintain its freedom…the freedom that I take
for granted every day of my life…but not right now.
The second corner honored Curt Weisenstein, Belleville’s “special
servant”. He was our city’s self-appointed errand runner, weed puller, street
cleaner, and time keeper. Through the years, I remembered witnessing Curt on
the move and always on a mission. He was going in all directions doing favors
for the various store owners that valued his services, his honesty, and his generous
spirit. A clock with a plaque is a tribute to one of Belleville’s finest, Curt
Weisenstein.
The third corner was adorned with polished metal artworks and
granite benches engraved to immortalize cherished loved ones. One could gaze for
moments or hours at these pieces and leave feeling enriched.
The fourth corner was right in front of the St. Clair County
Courthouse. This huge building is a busy edifice in the light of day; but in
the evening, the fountains come alive with an ambience that renders a
likeness to that of a vacation attraction…but it’s right here in my hometown.
Was I disappointed that the fountain was shut off for the evening?
Yes, for a moment I was. But, instead, I was given the opportunity to know,
feel, and embrace where I’ve been for the last 62 years…my hometown.
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