Remembering . . . The Pledge, thinking forward

$523,175.91 . . .

That figure is proudly displayed on the Community Information sign on Main Street in Lawrence.

The figure is impressive in one way, and disappointing in other ways.

Impressive in the fact that it represents the cash on hand the Lawrence Community Building Committee has raised since the community committed to replacing the American Legion Hall with a newer, larger, facility.

Impressive in the fact that the money has been accumulated with only one "large" donation (a $150,000 donation from an estate controlled by Lyle Kohmetscher). Most has come with smaller donations, but a lo...