While reading the article by Colin Campbell on college presidents whose pay tops $1 million a year ("36 private-college presidents make more than $1 million," Dec. 7), I learned that the president of Johns Hopkins University receives $1.1 million. That reminded me of a day in Hampden. I was sitting at a lunch counter of an upscale restaurant on 36th street and said hello to the woman on my left. Upon learning that she and her husband, sitting near her, were new to town, I said that I was born and grew up in Baltimore City and that I am a Baltimore historian and tour guide. I noted how profoundly Hampden has changed. Outsiders with higher incomes and college backgrounds have invaded this traditional blue collar area. Families who go back several generations have borne the impact of Joanie and Johnny come latelys who earn more, travel more and act as though they know what's best for Hampden.
I described how these newbies, college educated Millennials from somewhere else, have profoundly altered the character of these streets. "There's nothing here for the people of Hampden anymore," one long time neighbor told me. Many of her friends have moved out of state, to Shrewsbury, Pa., she reported, which they are calling "Little Hampden." If she could leave, tomorrow, she would. Her sadness and loss surround her like a heavy coat.
Suddenly a lunging question at the food counter: "Do you know who you are talking to?" the lady on my left asked, indicating her husband. I had not the vaguest idea. "He's the president of Hopkins University!"
Zippy Larson