By Elijah Mckenzie
The French have a popular saying that translates into the English language as: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
University of Louisville archivist Tom Owen would very likely agree with the sentiment.
Louisville prides itself on being a diverse city, and the historian strives to keep that tradition alive. Owen has created several documentaries for the public, with each chronicling an era of the city’s celebrated history.
This past Sunday, Owen was in the Chao Auditorium answering questions and displaying his latest film, “Life in the Old Neighborhood: How Soon We Forget,” a compilation of various photos, anecdotes, testimonies and other archived material, illustrating what life was like in a post World War II community.
“Those weren’t exactly the good old days,” Owen said, reflecting on a period when racial segregation was considered a normal practice. “There were doors slammed in the faces of capable people.”
Although he acknowledges that much has improved by way of civil rights, according to Owen practices such as “front porch living,” strolling along the sidewalks, greeting your neighbors and utilizing public transportation are still lacking in today’s busy society.
“Those acts showed that you were looking out for your neighbors,” Owen said. “Communities were built one ‘howdy-do’ at a time.”
A professor in the History Department, Owen began teaching at U of L during the 1960’s then later worked on the Louisville Board of Aldermen and as a councilman for Metro Council District 8. However, despite his political efforts, his commitment to Louisville’s culture has failed to waver.
Beginning in 1993, Owen started collecting data for his upcoming DVD project. “I took in countless e-mails, letters, phone calls and suggestions from people who lived back then,” Owen said. After years of assembling stories, he developed the “Tom Owen’s Louisville” DVD series.
Katie Hay, a student worker at the University Archives, stated that Owen’s undertaking seems to be half entertainment, half information.
“I think it’s meant to give a background on how people in Louisville have changed over the years,” said Hay.
For Owen, “half entertainment and half information” may just be the tip of the iceberg; he also attributes his dedication to this line of work to his loyalty for the community.
“It’s had its share of pros and cons,” said Owen, regarding the achievements the city has had.
“The only real thing that’s changed is how things are done. For example, back in the day people would rake their leaves and burn them in front of their house,” he said. “But now, with pollution concerns, people compost them. They all still rake their leaves like they used to, but the methods have changed.”
With examples like this prevalent throughout Louisville history, the more things change, the more they really do stay the same.
