OUR SUMMER IN CARMEL (3)

Excerpted from my book; OUR SUMMER IN CARMEL-AMAZON.COM

This completes my story about Carmel's history and how it developed into such a unique place. The entire story is posted at http://carmeltheworldisoursecondhome.blogspot.com/ 

  GRETEL-1925
             GRETEL-1925


             HANSEL- 1924

Over the years, builders such as Hugh Comstock in the 1920s, constructed quaint cottages that came to symbolize Carmel’s special character; and special it really is! Paving the streets was a hotly debated development issue opposed by many as an act of “boosterism” that catered to commercial interests. Neon signs were banned, and even today, Carmel’s bars are not allowed to have live entertainment because they would attract the “wrong crowd.”

But changes in lifestyle, over time, can erode even the strongest will to resist altering what was once accepted and honored. Holding on to the past while resisting the power of money and change is impossible. The Carmel artistic colony today strives hard to retain its former charm. The city clings to its unique traditions such as no mail delivery and no stop lights, and promotes the arts to an extraordinary level considering its small size. But one also gets the sense that paying homage to quaint traditions also has something to do with presenting an attractive image; an image that caters to what visitors have come to expect. Keeping Carmel somewhat like “earlier Carmel,” is what the visitor is mostly looking for; but not necessarily what residents today want for themselves. Tourism has won the battle that was fought between earlier Carmelites, some of whom sought to preserve the idea of an artistic enclave, and others who wanted to modernize and develop.

The city planning document of 1929 had an extraordinary mission statement, especially considering the rampant commercialism of the time: "The city of Carmel-by-the-Sea is hereby determined to be primarily, essentially and predominantly a residential city wherein business and commerce have in the past, are now, and are proposed to be in the future, subordinated to its residential character."

Today, property interests, meaning the all-encompassing real estate sector, dominate Carmel-by-the-Sea’s commerce. Housing is so expensive only the elite can afford to own a home. The days of the underpaid artist, poet, or writer starting out in life with little but their inspiration, seeking the solitude of Carmel to nurture their talent among kindred souls, has long ago left the scene. Carmel is delightful and entertaining. The inhabitants are successful, culturally sensitive, and intelligent. Their lifestyle is like few places in the world. But Carmel-by-the-Sea is no longer a small town village or a unique place of artistic inspiration.

Tom

"The World Is Our Second Home"

www.marshallpublications.com