A week or so ago, we received an email from a native Columbian. The email writer moved away decades ago, but continued to remain a Columbian, at heart. In the email, the writer mentioned a collection of “old Columbia pictures” and volunteered to share recollections of growing up in Columbia “a long time ago.”

We met with the octogenarian last week and for more than two hours, the email writer shared fond remembrances of growing up in the town by the river.

Beginning today, and continuing periodically over the next week or two, Columbia news, views and reviews will reproduce the writer’s collection of photographs and memorabilia which were provided to us. Over the coming days, we will re-visit the notes and audio recording of the recollections shared during the interview with the native Columbian. A written version of the monologue will be coming.

Looking “uptown” from Locust and Third Streets – early 1900s

In February 1947, the Columbia Opera House burned. The Columbia News reported the blaze with this page one story (below).

“The Great Depression accelerated an economic decline of Columbia. Rail passenger service was curtailed, eliminating jobs. The Pennsylvania Railroad’s service to the north and the south was eliminated. WW II brought increased employment, but did not sustain a long-term prosperity for the Borough. In 1947, fire destroyed the once grand Opera House. As the fire burned the Opera House, it seemed to take the past greatness of Columbia with it.” (SOURCE: Columbia Borough Website)