Dear editor,

As a new member of the Napa County Historical Society, I am very concerned about the future of the Goodman building. It appears that the city of Napa is forgetting the historical significance of this 105-year-old building, not to mention the intention of the man who had the foresight to see the educational importance of a public library housed within the downtown area. By bestowing this building upon the Napa County Historical Society, George Goodman, an important figure of Napa County history, obviously wanted to preserve this building as an educational repository.

Speaking for a generation that was never able to patronize the Goodman building when it operated as a library, or when it housed the Napa County Historical Society, such a loss creates a lack of appreciation of local history. By preventing the Napa County Historical Society from returning to its home, as George Boyet so aptly stated in his Oct. 3 letter to the editor ("Historical Society wanted what E.T. wanted,"), the city of Napa is not only doing a huge disservice to the collection and preservation of Napa's history, but also to the memory of George Goodman, a man who greatly contributed to the city of Napa.

Downtown Napa has lost so much of its history already by the loss of historic buildings and homes, and all for what -- money and redevelopment? If the Napa County Historical Society is not allowed to return to its rightful place, what will become of this historic building? Another short-lived business or restaurant geared towards a clientele who have absolutely no clue or appreciation of the building's significance? And what will guarantee that such a business will prosper? So many new establishments in the downtown area have failed and have left behind dark, empty shells.

With the dedicated officers, members, and volunteers of the Napa County Historical Society, the Goodman building will continue to be appreciated and guaranteed longevity as a library. It will remain an establishment of education as its founder, George Goodman, intended.

Tobi Eakle-Shields

Napa