I went back to my hometown this summer to visit family and friends, and to do research for my nearly completed novel, set in Buffalo during the late 1960s. As is so often the case when I write stories, I learn things about myself in the process that surprise me. I discovered, for example, that I still love Buffalo with a fierceness usually reserved for my fellow human beings. So I started to wonder, how is love for a place different from love for a person? Am I simply feeling an aching nostalgia, or am I feeling something deeper, more profound?
When I left Buffalo, shortly after graduating from college, there were few jobs and limited prospects. The best job I could find with my new bachelor’s degree was selling children’s clothing in a struggling department store. Industries along the Lake Erie waterfront were laying off workers in droves and the economy was collapsing. “Urban renewal” was carving up my beloved West Side, where homes and schools were deteriorating and the crime rate was high. Those able to find jobs fled to the suburbs on brand new highways that carried them quickly away from the city. I watched in horror as Buffalo, like a lover bent on self-destruction, moved inexorably toward certain doom.
Part of me still grieves for the Buffalo I loved and lost, that tragic Buffalo that didn’t know how much trouble it was in until it was too late. I knew I missed the Lake Erie beaches, the ethnic foods, the mild summers and low humidity, the next-door neighbors living so close you could smell what they were having for dinner. But I knew there was something more I loved about Buffalo, something that gnawed at my psyche, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on, until this recent visit.
It came to me when I was on the Skyway heading north, 100 feet above the Buffalo River, looking west toward Canada and the setting sun. In front of me was the city skyline, its Art Deco buildings a gentle reminder of Buffalo’s gilded age. Off to the left was the Lake, its mighty waves crashing into the slate grey cliffs along the water’s edge. Straight ahead, the Peace Bridge to Canada rose high above the Niagara River as it journeyed toward Niagara Falls. What struck me, as I looked at Buffalo from my lofty perch, was its grandeur, its history, its natural beauty. That was its essence. Its degradation was not a permanent condition, just a temporary blip on its narrative arc.
I felt a thrill as I took an exit toward downtown and smiled at old, familiar streets that now sport a new look. The derelict grain silos and factories along the waterfront have been transformed into fashionable restaurants and sports venues. Tour boats ply the rivers and their passengers wave to local kayakers paddling by. Young families live in my old neighborhood again, and parents walk their babies down city streets at dusk, without a hint of wariness.
The locals wear a t-shirt now that says simply, “Buffalove.” Is it possible to love a gritty, rust-belt city like Buffalo enough to pull it out of its death spiral and lead its rebirth? I believe it is. I’ve learned that it is possible to love a city, even when it doesn’t love you back. You just have to be patient. Eventually, it will come around.
I enjoyed your memories of old Buffalo. I moved from Buffalo in the mid sixties just when you mentioned the city was down and no jobs. I wanted something new so California here I come. I have lived in California since that time and visit every few years. My family still lives in the area and at one time I thought I would return but now know I won’t. I like how the city has rejuvenated and refreshed itself with a more positive vibe than when I left. After reading your article, I hope to visit the parks you visited especially Front Park where my family spent a lot of time. Thank you.
We left in 1961, not long after my Dad died and moved to the wiles of Montana. It was winter and there were huge snow drifts on the Thruway but by the time we reached Montana, there were crocuses blooming in my aunt and uncle’s garden.
Have only been home once, but still miss the food and being so close to Canada. Most of my old friends have also moved but we still keep in touch.
I love Buffalo,,always did and always will,, it’s my home,, it’s where my roots are,,, make no mistake,l will return,,
Delighted to hear it, Dorothy. Buffalo needs the people who love it to return if they can, and if they cannot, to at least speak of it with affection.
Moxie, I not only enjoyed your musings about Buffalo, lost and found, I love the photos…..very evocative. Your sense of loss visiting ‘home’, the place that gave us our memories, resonates deeply with me. I grew up in a New York world far different from Buffalo….Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, one long block from the ocean and less to the waters of Sheepshead Bay. A few years ago I went back to visit and reminisce and was shocked to see my lovely little (yes, it was rather small) home had been torn down, replaced by an obscene looking million dollar McMansion filling the entire lot with concrete…….
Thank you Judy, for your comment, and for sharing your experience. Going home again is often a mixed bag of joy and sorrow.
I moved to Buffalo from the Bronx when I was 7. We lived on the West Side. My parents were still New Yorkers, but I became a Buffalonian, even after marrying and leaving my hometown in 1956. As others have said “You can take me away from Buffalo, but you’ll never take Buffalo away from me.” I now live in Los Angeles, but Facebook has taken me back home. Your vivid description of this wonderful place is now deeply etched in my heart!! Thank you for putting in words what is in my heart!!
How lovely, Joan. Thank you. The most heartening thing about reading all these posts is the realization that Buffalo has left its mark on so many people, all over the world. It is extraordinary, don’t you think?
By the way all, when you see these responses coming from “admin” it is me, Moxie, responding. I haven’t figured out yet how to configure my replies so you know they are from me. I am still learning how to make my website do what I want, so bear with me! Also, if you would rather communicate with me privately via email, then enter it in “Drop Me a Line.” Your comments will not show up on the comments page unless you enter it under “Leave a reply” at the very bottom of the blog. Thanks to all who have already left me comments and sent me feedback, and thank you for your patience as I learn how to be a webmaster!
Buffalo can become re-newed but with that will come the realization that it will be different than it was in your memories. The people will be different and mportantly the society norms will be different because nothing stays the same forever. The Westsode Buffalo of our memories was inhabited by largely first or second generation immigrants who brought their own cultures into the neighborhood. It was a time before people were mobilized to move out and explore the rest of the world. The change started when economics and awareness that there was another life away from our secure roots and many left never to return. Today the Westside is inhabited by a different immigrant culture and it will be up to them to rise the city back from the ashes and establish a more vital community. We can never go backwards in this world.
Well said, Michael. Thank you.
I agree Mike. I grew up on Lafayette between Parkdale and Hoyt, Went to School 45. I remenber you and so many others.
The Westside has changed so much and to a different culture. I have relived so many memories of the Westside with friends that we all grew up with.
The old Westside will live in all of us who grew up there, we were all like family and everyone knew everyone. It was a safe place to be day or night.
We will all have to reley on our memories of the Westside because it will never be the same.
Ironically, the 50 year decline, the years of dwindling population and exiting business, has given Buffalo a base to rebuild on. It’s all here. The abandoned buildings, the solidly built homes in disrepair, the infrastructure able to accommodate four times the population of the city. Skeletons ready to be redressed. The grandeur of it’s heyday coming alive again.
That’s an excellent point, Anonymous. Not every city has the opportunity to begin again, almost tabula rasa. Buffalo is a beautiful and affordable place. It’s a shame more young people outside of Buffalo, seeking to begin a family and career, are unaware of that.
I moved to Rochester almost 8 years ago and miss Buffalo. It’s only 85 miles away for me and I visit whenever I have a special family event. It’s funny how you appreciate your hometown more after you leave. I’m so proud of the new Buffalo with all its development along the waterfront. I love Buffalo, but feel more at home when I see a picture of the Buffalo Bills or Sabers in their news and bulletin boards in Rochester (a sister city). My grandsons , who attend Canisius High School in Buffalo . even play teams in Rochester, which I enjoy going to. There’s no place like home. You can take the gal out of Buffalo, but you can’t take it out of her heart ❤️
So true Fran! It is interesting that you mention Rochester. For the first time this past visit, I spent some time in downtown Rochester as well, visiting things I’d never seen before. It is a wonderful, often overlooked city as well. Perhaps I will blog about Rochester some day… But in the meantime, you’ll be seeing more blogs about Buffalo.
Looking forward to your book!
Thank you Pat! I am in the process of looking for an agent. Will keep everyone posted when I do find one, and have a sense of when the book might be published.
This is awesome! Your reminiscence of the old Buffalo we knew brings such wonderful memories we have back to life once again…and let us not forget the beauty of this city often overlooked…
So happy you liked this Peggy. I agree, Buffalo’s beauty was hidden for a while, but it was always there.
I know exactly how you feel. I’m 77 years old, a native Buffalonian, and have recently returned to spend my final years back where I was born. It feels so right! And even though I have lived in New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Central and South Florida and could have chosen any of them for a return at this time of my life, Buffalo is where I belong —- my heart tells me so.
Jean
It makes me so happy to read this, Jean. People like you are bringing the city back to life again.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts & memories of our beloved city. My heart will always belong in Buffalo and I am hoping someday in the near future my husband & I can return there and make it our home once again.
I am so glad you enjoyed it, Sharon. I plan to post other blogs on Buffalo, so stay tuned.
Moxie, this is a lovely piece of writing. I have forwarded the link to your blog to a very dear, originally- from-Buffalo friend of mine. She was an incredible English instructor at the U. of Md., and we have stayed in touch all these year. Although she has not lived in Buffalo since the late 1960’s and now resides near Cape Cod, I thought she might enjoy also reading your blog. Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading the novel!
Thank you so much! I hope your friend enjoys the blog. We members of the Buffalo diaspora need to share our stories.
Ditto well said
Thank you for the feedback. I love to hear from former Buffalonians.