A few weeks ago, I posted a couple of pictures from Ruby's bar, which is set to close on the boardwalk of Coney Island, N.Y., along with several other near-legendary mom-and-pop businesses there. This evening I ran across these pictures of the bookmobile and the beautiful, old home. The bookmobile has already seen its last day, and it sounds as though the mansion will soon follow.

Things that have long stood in America give her character, her wrinkles, if you will. Are we soon to forget who we are and where we came from as a result of this continued botoxing of our landscape with shopping malls and housing developments? It's a shame that the hope of making a quick buck or the cutting of funds in certain areas frequently precipitates the destruction of buildings, businesses and traditions that we will not likely see in a form we can recognize...much less again.

 Am I being overly dramatic? What are your thoughts?

Chris Stewart / Dayton Daily News

This Nov. 22 photo shows the Dille limestone mansion in Centerville, Ohio. According to the Dayton Daily News, the house will likely be demolished to make way for a multi-million commercial, retail and residential development. Developer George Oberer has filed a request to demolish the landmark home that has been vacant for a decade. At least two public hearings will be held before the home can be demolished.

Jefferson County, Texas / AP

Jefferson County Texas's first bookmobile is seen in this 1935 photo provided by the Jefferson County Library. Jefferson County commissioners voted in July budget hearings to close the 80-year-old library and bookmobile because of cost concerns and low usage rates. The library's final day was Wednesday Nov. 24.