I was amazed (and disheartened) after reading the article (“City content to ignore lessons and lives of the past,” The Reporter, Nov. 27) regarding the Sammamish Heritage Society’s plight.

As a volunteer at the Issaquah Historical Society for almost 2 years now, I can’t imagine a city being without its past – especially since this area is so young.

The city council, mayor, and most importantly the citizens of Sammamish need to wake up and realize what they are forgetting.

While economic growth, opportunity and new shopping centers are great, so is the past that made those things possible.

I have heard the oral history of a man who grew up when Issaquah was just beginning, read love letters between a woman and her fiancé who was fighting in WWI, and identified men in Issaquah’s semi-pro football team from the 40s and 50s.

These stories are what made Issaquah, and I haven’t ever felt more connected to the community in which I live.

Perhaps those in Sammamish don’t think that anyone cares – but there are many who do.

This area’s history is so interconnected that to lose Sammamish history is to the lose the history of Issaquah, North Bend, Preston, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Redmond, and more.

In the spirit of the season, my husband and I will make a $50 donation to the Sammamish Heritage Society, and perhaps give some of our time.

I encourage all residents of the area to do the same and to write their city council to push for the preservation of our past.

Julia Belgrave

Issaquah