I remember Auburn.

The trains stopped in Auburn going north and south, east and west. Bus No. 150 ran down Auburn Way South and picked up along the way 15th, now the Park & Ride, on into Seattle.

Main Street had four drugstores. There was Rottles, Penny’s and Benjamin Franklin, along with numerous small fun stores. Then there was Massey’s grocery. Who could forget Massey’s?

My friends and I would arrive at least an hour early for the Good Ol’ Days Parade. We’d park or chairs in front of Cavanaugh’s Hardware and then we’d go to the Mecca Tavern for hamburgers and coffee to go.

I remember the first senior center on Division Street in a vacant fire house, then the small one on 9th, and now the large one. No thanks to this mayor.

I remember the walking path at Les Gove Park and the exercise areas along the way.

I remember City Hall with plans for a third floor when needed. “Too expensive,” the mayor said. So now, we have a $3 million white elephant towering over City Hall.

I remember past mayors asking for public opinion on various issues. I remember when Auburn operated on a budget. Now, it’s tax, tax, tax.

I remember Auburn, but mostly in my dreams.

– Frances Cooper