Why Is History Important?

Recently, I had the great pleasure to represent a beautiful home on Maybeck Twin Drive. As I continually seek innovative ways to market my properties that differ from the standard cookie-cutter marketing methods often employed, I decided to thoroughly research the history of the property and its surrounding area.

What a treasure trove of information came my way as I consulted with the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association and also the Maybeck Twin Drive Homeowners Association.

I learned a wealth of information about Maybeck, his friends, his desires, his design, and the origin of the street's name (Maybeck had twin granddaughters and named it after them).  More than that, I found a deep sense of community and a commitment to the vintage, older homes in this part of Berkeley, as well as a reverence for the history of Berkeley in general.  

It got me thinking about where we live and how important this history is in ensuring that the care and property concerns I saw in this neighborhood are replicated throughout our fair cities.

Nothing ever happens in a vacuum.  Laws are passed due to events, and our history is often shaped by the unintended consequences of stopgap measures aimed at correcting singular problems that occurred long ago.  We build upon what is already there, and then soon it becomes “we do it this way, because that is what we have always done,” rather than the kind of progressive thinking that analyzes the past and really looks deeply into the causes, effects, and potential future changes that might alter things for good. 

One of the issues is the impermanence of job cycles and the transitory nature of many of our residents.  Why would they care about history if they know they are only going to be there for four or fewer years? Why would they care about their neighbors when they don’t even get to know them? Why would they care about voting on neighborhood issues if they do not feel a part of anything?

Part of the joy of living in a particular place is the giving tree of the neighbors you are surrounded by.  Simple gestures, such as housewarming gifts, block parties, or holiday cards exchanged up and down the streets, are significant.  They make a place feel less like just a place and more like a home. Beyond this, in the times we are living in, we need to protect one another, be aware of our surroundings, and notice things that are important, dangerous, or out of the ordinary for the areas we live in. This awareness can mean life or death, particularly for our older or infirm neighbors.

We all live in a system we share.  Whether it is clear or not, we make a huge difference in each other's lives and the enjoyment of our homes and cities. You can call it entanglement or the butterfly effect, but honestly, the small gestures we can make to be kind, considerate, and positive will have a lasting impact on our neighbors, whether we stay to see the result or not.  

There is an adage that says,” A Society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit”.  When we think long-term, and acknowledge our past, revel in the present, and plan for the future, everyone benefits.