A History in Concrete

A History in Concrete

                A History in Concrete, written by Blaine Harden, is a reflection of Hardens memories of his home town and the dam that is in the middle of it. Harden explains in detail about the dam, how massive in size it is, and the power of the water rushing through it. Blaine proceeds to explain how the dam is the center of his town, providing the structure for the current middle class. Along with the dam, his hometown is located in the middle of nowhere. The dam is described to be massive in size, the biggest single thing in the remote area. Harden calls the dam a “tonic to the great depression”, meaning that due to the dam the town was able to remain alive and well during the depression. Along with being a staple for the town, the dam has personal meaning the Harden. It was the place of his first job, and the place he made up with his father many years after being fired from his job.

            Blaine Hardens dam reminds me of Ohio University in many ways. OU, like the dam, is the center of a small town, which is located in what many call “the middle of nowhere”. Without the college the city of Athens would not be in the same economic situation that it is currently in. OU brings a lot of money to the city and allows businesses to grow and prosper. Ohio University is also like the dam in the sense that many people have a personal connection to the area. The school has graduated thousands of students, many of which have a deep love for the school and the area. Many adults who have graduated from OU have nothing but good things to say about the school and the time they had their. People always have different emotions about specific areas, which makes locations very important not only in writing but in life.