I always think of Louie Nye when I read the weekly “man (or woman) on the street” question and responses on our editorial page.

For those whose memory isn’t as long as mine, Nye was one of the wickedly funny comedians on the old Steve Allen show from years gone by. Yes, Virginia, there was a time when comedy was just funny and didn’t have a message nor any “swears,” as young kids say.

I’ve come to the conclusion that, in general, a lot of people just don’t pay too much attention to what’s going on if it doesn’t have one of their kids attached to it.

I remember being absolutely appalled at the ignorance people have about how town government works – or even who is involved – and most recently, the lack of knowledge of one of the few pre-Revolutionary War houses in our area. No matter how much publicity the historical society generates, many will ignore it if it doesn’t involve their children.

In this case, it does involve children. Each year, hundreds of third graders from Windham Primary School visit the Parson Smith House and get a guided tour, learning about the way life used to be and how it affected the world around them. Reading their letters and odes they wrote on assignment, reveals how much they absorbed about the house and the rest of the Windham history tour. As part of its stated goal, “educate”, the historical society provides the tour and volunteers who assist in the event.

Once, a few of our town councilors said they had never visited the museums at the historical society. I wondered why not? The headquarters of the society is located in what was the first town hall, built in 1833, and is in view of the current town hall. For decades, the society members have taken care of this ancient historic building, relying solely on donations, dues and a few fundraisers. Last year was the first year funds from taxes ($2,000) were utilized.

Our town doesn’t ordinarily provide tax dollars for the maintenance and/or upkeep of historic buildings and sites. I think of the covered bridge, the Little Meeting House in North Windham, which was saved by a group of interested citizens and most recently, a couple of buildings adopted by the historical society. While educational tax dollars are spent for field trips to historic and significant sites in Maine and elsewhere, this same attention isn’t paid to what’s in our back yard. Regardless of how dedicated volunteers are, and that they’ll work countless hours without pay, they like to at least be warm and have the buildings they work in safe for all, especially visitors.

This spring, when the museum opens to the public (around Memorial Day) there will be new displays of historical significance, at both the main museum and the Old Grocery (near Corsetti’s). In addition, work will complete the renovations to the “library” building next to the headquarters. This was the first library in Windham Center – the present one is the second.

Hours will be announced in local newspapers and on cable television. It’s hoped that more people than ever will come visit!

See you next week.