Life
in Dijon: 1901 vs 2001
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My
project started innocently enough. I was given a piggy bank
full of francs for my birthday from my friends at the cafe (read
my birthday story - go to "lisa's
writing"). With this money, one of my purchases was
a book titled "Memoire en Images: Dijon" by Jean-François
Bazin. The book is filled with old postcard images of Dijon.
I highly recommend it! As I thumbed through the pages, thrilled
when I recognized so many sights and streets, an idea began
brewing. I marveled at how some things stayed exactly the same,
while others, sadly, disappeared. Happens in every country,
even in small Illinois towns like DeKalb. Hence....my project.
Here are a few examples: |
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| Place Grangier in 2001.
The post office building is grand to be sure. But some residents view
it with mixed feelings, still remembering the chateau that once stood
here. On cursor passover: Place Grangier in 1907. The post office,
under construction in the photo, occupies the former site of Le Chateau
de Dijon. The chateau stored powder and other military supplies during
the wars of Louis XIV. |
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| Dijon -
les halles marche, designed by Dijon native Gustave Eiffel.
In 2001, still a bustling market center four days a week.
Thankfully this tradition continues to thrive. This photo
was taken on a non-market day. On cursor passover: Dijon
- le marche - circa 1900. The Dijonnais have been trading
and selling goods since mid-19th century. |
Pass your
cursor over the photos to see life 100 years ago!
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| 2001-the busiest Dijon
street, rue de la Liberté is blacktopped for heavy bus traffic.
The "Three Sisters" buildings hiding in the rear right are
one example of successful restoration projects in Dijon. On cursor
passover: "On pave la rue de la Liberte pres du Coin du Miroir".
Circa 1900. Paving the street near the corner of Miroir and rue de
la Liberte. |
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| Les Halles in 2001.
An interesting building with an interesting history. The church is
long gone, all in an effort to sell more fruits, vegetables, and meats
of all kinds. On cursor passover: The Eglise des Jacobins existed
alongside the market since the 13th century. Unfortunately, the church
was demolished in the late nineteenth century when the market (Les
Halles) was expanded. |
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| Place des Cordeliers,
2001. I wish the city would restore this square to its former grandeur.
The circle of bricks respresenting its lost past is depressing! On
cursor passover: Place des Cordeliers, circa 1910. The monument of
Piron was unveiled the 24th of October 1909. It disappeared during
World War II. |
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I
hope these
examples will stir your local preservation interests and perhaps
prompt you to visit Dijon yourself. I'm happy to say that since
the 1960s, Dijon has rewarded downtown property owners with
incentives to improve their facades. I certainly see great improvement
every time I visit Dijon. When these projects are complete the
buildings receive public recognition in a seasonal "Dijon
Ville" magazine distributed throughout the city to keep
its residents updated on "everything Dijon". They
also vote on the "best" store signs in Dijon. Some
are quite charming and very creative. Check
them out by clicking here. |
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