Saturday, May 24, 2008

Weekend Video: Utica 1941, Part 1

Lou Barile has to be one of Utica's greatest assets. I had the pleasure of working with him at General Electric and his warmth, kindness, and intelligence made a major impression on me.

It's a real pleasure to offer up this video from his extensive historical collection on YouTube, but I have to admit it's rather bittersweet viewing. When you compare the Utica of today with the vitality and innovation it displayed over fifty years ago you begin to appreciate just how much has been lost. That said, this footage is an amazing look at what was once a thriving, influential community.