Tower effort needs the ‘we’

By: Editorial, Coalfield Progress
September 2, 2008

When it comes to rebuilding High Knob tower, now is the time for “they” to become “we.” “They” alone can’t rebuild the old tower, destroyed by fire last year. It will rise from ashes only if “we” help rebuild it.

That message comes from Rita McReynolds, who chairs the tower fund-raising committee. Her words should strike a chord with anyone who has ever spent time on High Knob atop that old tower. “It is the people’s tower and we need the people in order to rebuild it,” McReynolds says.

How true. For as much as visitors to the area have enjoyed the stunning views, that tower doesn’t hold the same special place in their hearts. Here at home, it had become entwined in the fabric of our lives. We don’t want it rebuilt because of tourists, but for us.

The efforts of county native Jack Hatcher and The Texas Club bring home how far High Knob really reaches. The place touches the memories of members of this post World War II social club. They grew up in its shadow, Hatcher recalls, and have taken this bit of life history with them where ever their lives took them.

While big bucks from big donors make big strides toward the $572,000 goal, we must not forget the importance of the smallest donation. Consider the “What if’s.”

At every Friday night ball game, cheerleaders typically sell programs. Fans routinely give without a second thought, recognizing that their small donation isn’t as much about the program they hold in their hands as it is about helping cheerleaders and athletics. If asked, these same fans would probably chip in an extra dollar if the money was going to another worthy cause — rebuilding the High Knob tower.

When fans line up for refreshments at the concession stand, they buy popcorn, hotdogs and soft drinks knowing that proceeds go to athletic or band boosters. If they were asked to donate their change to the fund for rebuilding High Knob tower, they’d likely say, sure, keep the change for a good cause.

Those nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars might not seem like much, but they would really start to add up if every single solitary adult and student organization in Wise County made a point to include the High Knob tower rebuilding fund in their own fund-raising efforts.

Every penny counts. Take up the cause and, together, we will rebuild High Knob tower.