Alan’s TTIM Stories #40

“The ability to adapt determines the possibility to survive and thrive. It is a lesson thought in evolution, intelligence, and character building. It includes an inventory of talent, opportunities, available resources, current world situations, and courage.”    AV ‘24

A lesson in adaptation exists in the village of Idrija in the middle of Slovenia – from the toxic to the delicate. The beautiful village of 6,000 residents is set in the foothills of the Alps, along the banks of the Idrija River.

Mercury was discovered around the village in late 15^th Century, possibly 1497. The discovery grew into the second largest mercury mine in the world. The liquid metal is found embedded in other rock. Mercury was used in thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, electrical equipment, and batteries. Prosperity from the mines built the village with the Gewerkenegg Castle overlooking the valley.

Then came devasting information – “all mercury is toxic.” Exposure can damage the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and immune system. Vapors damage the lungs. Pregnant women can pass developmental problems to unborn children. Mercury poisoning is linked to physical impairments, mood swings, memory loss, and muscle weakness.

This information crushed the market for mercury. Mines closed. Could the village remain economically viable by promoting another resource?

In early June the streets are filled with visitors to
enjoy the Lace Festival. A switch from a dangerous
metal to the most delicate and beautiful fabric –
celebrating the artistry of hand-made lace.

Not a new enterprise, the Idrija Lace School opened in 1876 –
the oldest lace school still active and largest in the world.
Students learn the bobbin tape lace system. The intricate and
time-consuming art consists of threads wrapped around
numerous bobbins with the weaving held in place by pins stuck
in a pillow.

In addition to famous lace, the village has made lemons into lemonade. The collapsed mining industry became a tourist attraction. Tours of the mines with history exhibits are available. Mercury mines became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Idrija was named Alpine Town of the Year in 2011.

Idrija provides an important lesson in adaptation for communities in economic distress. Think hard, research – what do you have to offer? From toxic to delicate – Idrija wins.

Sources:
Slovenia.info
Travel Slovenia.org
South Carolina Department
  of Health and Environmental Control
Visit Idrija.si
Cipkarskasola.si

Town photo is licensed under the  Creative CommonsAttribution 2.0 Generic.
Lace photo is licensed under the Creative CommonsAttribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Follow announcements of Alan’s TTIM Stories at Facebook.com/alan.vandervoort or Instagram & Treads vandervoort_author, with all available posts at www.alanvandervoort.com. Novels by the author include: Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer, found at Booklocker.com and other online booksellers.