Bits of three buildings that burned in Nelson in 1972 and 1976 are still with us, but you have to know what you’re looking at.

For a period in the 1910s and ‘20s, if you wanted to rent transportation, you’d head to the nearest livery stable and be asked: “What’ll it be, horse or auto?”

I can’t remember another year in my lifetime that has seen so many West Kootenay buildings torn down. Eight are gone and two more will disappear imminently.