I recently visited downtown Campbell and was, as always, grateful to see the many reminders of my youth. I was born in the Orchard City and lived on Poplar Ave until I was 14 in 1961. Every time I pass through the city and linger, I take a moment and whisper, "Thank you city council and whomever else for preserving this section of my hometown."

To turn off Hamilton Avenue and drive into the center of town is virtually a visit back to 1956-59. Before lunch my wife and I went into The Courtyard where shops and boutiques now sit. Inside this little cul-de-sac I used to feel so protected and in a fantasy world apart from the rest. The shop owners are a cheerful bunch and we really enjoyed chatting over everything from antiques to animals. I can definitely attest to the fact that the Campbell's personality of the '50's lives in the Courtyard and avenues.

After a delicious lunch at Alie's Corner Cafe we walked behind the buildings to view the bad boy of 'em all: The Campbell Water Tower. This 130 foot structure watched over me for eight years as I rode my bicycle along Railroad Avenue to St. Lucy's. I took photos and again muttered, "Thank God they saved this."

From the tower one could see everywhere. The structure even tolerated two 12-year-olds who climbed its ladder one evening. My buddy reached the catwalk but I stopped at the second crossarm. It seemed as if I was in an airplane.

I remember when the cannery was in operation with the office door right next to the two giant walnut trees by the tracks. And Clark's Drugs for a soda fountain treat. It all comes back to me because the Campbell historians thought it was a worthy venture to preserve. For this native, you did an incredible job.

Theodore F. Meyer lll

Santa Cruz