I live across from a landmark. In fact, I’m fortunate enough to see this landmark from my living room window. You might have heard of this famous ship, the Queen Mary.

When I first moved into my apartment, I sat in the late afternoons to watch the sunset dip under the Palos Verde Peninsula and the Queen Mary. It was a beautiful sight, but as time has passed I rarely notice the ship anymore.

I wanted to write a bit about these decaying landmarks, these spots of history that loose meaning as the generations that created them (and used them) are replaced with other generations. Many of us live within a short distance of these histories; whether it’s an old neighborhood house or a road marked by the treads of time. It could even be a park that has been with a city for many years.

I understand that nothing lasts forever (yes ladies, not even diamonds). Everything comes. Everything goes. Those bits of history that sit outside our windows or down the street may not be around after seven generations, but when they’re still here they can be a good way to introduce ourselves to the history of the places we call home.

The Queen Mary was an important ship during the second World War. She carried more than 700,000 military personnel; cruised more than 560,000 times; and completed more than 1,000 crossings of the Atlantic Ocean. On Saturday, December 9, 1967, she arrived in Long Beach, California where she sits today as a hotel, a museum, and a landmark of the city. I’ve been on board this ship as a tourist and, most recently, as a barfly. The hull (and much of the interior) is in dire need of new paint, and the decor could be refurbished. The charm still remains as does a deep sense of history, resonating from the peeling paint and smell of mildew.

Of course there’s more to be said about the history of the Queen Mary. She’s a ship worth visiting if you are in the Long Beach area, but before you visit her I challenge you to check out some of the places near your own home. Take a visit, a drive, a walk and discover what you might be taking for granted outside your own living room window.

Copyright © Tyler Gant 2009
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