Small town ideas vs. reality
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Equality & Nixburg News
Jennifer Williamson
What does “small town” mean to you? Small town culture means to some, but can be a different reality to others. Small towns are often characterized by close-knit communities in which neighbors know one another and share a strong sense of belonging.
This connection is strengthened through everyday interactions at local events, such as farmers’ markets, community gatherings and high school football games. But reality is connections are within groups individuals are part of; whether church, family, or sports; and not whole community wide.
Economically, small towns often depend on a limited number of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. These industries support local businesses, provide employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
A typical small-town main street may include family-owned stores, restaurants and service businesses that serve both residents and visitors. In reality, even in large towns/small cities such as Wetumpka, local businesses struggle to survive because locals prefer large conglomerates, assuming lower prices and the convenience of one-stop shopping walking acres in one establishment and back again because the store rearranged inventory to get you to buy more than what you intended on buying during your shopping trip.
The environment also plays an important role in shaping small-town culture. Natural features such as rolling hills, forests and farmland can influence residents’ values and lifestyles. For example, a community surrounded by farmland may place a strong emphasis on sustainability and conservation in order to preserve its agricultural heritage for future generations.
Reality is not really conservation or agricultural heritage when land values increase, and heirs prefer living in the suburbs or cities, and at the first opportunity sell to developers or out-of-state transplants who will pay a premium. Or aging homeowners see that the community has no way of helping in their elder years, so they sell themselves to move to communities that offer amenities they need in their senior years.
I dreamed that Equality could be more than just a dot on the map, that it was that quintessential small town tight knit, economically strong with a butcher, baker and candlestick maker (that’s a joke), that offered some jobs as well as goods and services that locals appreciate.
There is the gas station, package store, liquidation store, and Jenny’s General, which to those that are not aware is more of a healthy alternative store. But other than the package store it seems the rest of the businesses get out-of-the-area customers more than locals.
So, should businesses in Equality ignore trying to support locals and instead attract commuters and/or tourists? Or perhaps cut their losses and sell out to the large chains and conglomerates locals spend their dollars at?
Community activities that are available in the Equality and Nixburg area:
- The Equality quilting group meets every Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jenny’s General Store. We do more than quilt; some embroider, crochet and other needle arts. And yes, we still meet every week!
- Kendrick Memorial Baptist Church’s yard sale, held most Saturdays starting at 8 a.m. Address is 5152 Ala. Highway 9 in case you haven’t noticed it driving on Highway 9 in Nixburg.
- Elaine Rutledge of Nixburg hosts Rummikub at the Alexander City Senior Center in the Sportplex every Friday starting at 10 a.m.
I depend upon my readers to share with me what is happening within your organizations, churches, neighborhoods, groups, or family to share in next week’s column. Please contact me; leave a voice message or text 256-794-3801 or email at coosacafe@gmail.com.
