I agree with Mr. Melnyk— to a degree. We can’t save everything, we must pick and chose carefully.

Of course, a year-old building would not have the history that a 200-year-old mansion has. To my knowledge Auchmar would be the only historical building “saved” on the Mountain.

Many people did not enjoy history as children. In some cases, this continues into adulthood. If anyone has had the opportunity to visit Europe, they would surely return home with more understanding and appreciation for the historical buildings that have been preserved.

Where I disagree with the writer is that, in fact, Auchmar is indeed something special.

The Auchmar estate was built by Isaac Buchanan, a prominent Hamilton citizen who contributed to the early economic and political development of the City of Hamilton. Obviously, Sir John A. Macdonald and the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) thought it was worth a visit.

If we fail to know our history, how can we understand the present, let lone the future? For example, if Hitler during the Second World War had known his history, he would have realized attacking Russia in the winter was foolhardy. He paid the same penalty as Napoleon.

Hopefully the city will not let Auchmar slip through their fingers, but will refurbish it as they did Dundurn Castle. In fact, with the proper leadership and direction, Auchmar will become the Dundurn of the Mountain, attracting tourists and Hamiltonians alike.

Jacquie Reid, Hamilton Mountain