There are so many interesting things to see out on the islands that it’s easy to forget that there’s a mainland. That’s where it all began, on region named Da Boom. In a way, islands are a virtual form of suburban sprawl, leaving our original gathering places neglected… and in some cases, preserved.
In exploring Da Boom and it’s surrounding regions, I found that, like in real life, much of it has been plowed under and replaced with new builds by new owners. Some areas are remarkably, anachronistically original, however, like Governor Linden’s Mansion and it’s surroundings in Clementina. Linden Lab has marked this as a Heritage site, so we can expect to remain a reminder of Second Life Past for some time to come.
These were times when things were much less sophisticated, and it’s fascinating to see how things used to be (especially if, like me, you joined only a couple of years ago). Beneath the mansion (enter through the hole in the pool or the stairway in the building) you’ll find a gallery of early pictures. System hair! Not-so-sexy shapes! Back then, everyone looked like a newbie.
Speaking of which, the mansion still seems to be a rez point for newbies, so be gentle and kind. At least I found a lot of them wandering around. I know the mansion has historical value, but I don’t know if it’s the best place to impress new residents with everything Second Life can be. By today’s standards it’s a pretty amateurish build (though I’m sure it was impressive in it’s day). Take a look at what passed for fashion (and a fashion model) in the old days.
Many of the surrounding parcels contain old structures as well, or so I gather from the rez date of their creators. Sometimes I wish prims had a date stamp on them. This is an old store selling musical instruments.
Nearby there stands what looks like a very old park. One of the interesting things about the virtual world is that old things don’t get run down. They are perfectly preserved and look dated, instead.
Look for these two birds in the sky. Not bad for old stuff!
Near the mansion someone has set up a tire swing and a place to read. Peaceful. Just because it’s old doesn’t mean that it didn’t have atmosphere.
Here’s a big old tree that looks like a big old tree until you discover… it’s a hat shop. The hats are fairly primitive by today’s sculpty standards, but I vaguely remember buying a hat here in my early days. What’s old is new!
Posted by Garth Goode 
