Sojourn Chronicles

by D. Brent Miller

In the franchising of America, many main streets are starting to look alike. But, not so in small towns. One size does not fit all.

Small towns and rural areas are different. They have fewer resources, and a culture all their own. That’s the focus of this column, Rural Chronicles by D. Brent Miller. Although many believe the myths of small-town living, and there is much to be debated, it is only after you have moved to a small town that one realizes the differences.

Fewer sources of recreation and entertainment. Shopping may be 30 miles away or more, and often prices locally are higher. Nor is it likely that you will find a McDonalds, Wal-Mart, or Home Depot in a town of 5,000 or fewer. And … just exactly what is an anchor store in a small town business district? Main Street is not a shopping mall.

Many small towns near metropolitan areas do not want to call themselves small, as if it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. After all, many believe bigger is better, so to call your town small is to say you are less worthy. Not so. Many people want to live the “Andy of Mayberry” experience, and that’s a myth. Not only was “Andy” a fictionalized TV sitcom, but most small town residents are quite intelligent, anything but the bumbling residents of Mayberry.

Many people who have never lived in a small town, and yet moved from the city, report disappointment and “nothing to do.” They bring big-city values that usually don’t fit in a small town. Many are still outsiders after living in a small town for 20 or more years!

Small towns are great! Complete with their own culture and way of doing things. For instance, where else can you serve on the school board, be an elder in the local church, run a small business and participate in the volunteer fire department, Lions Club, VFW, and chair the annual town festival? And, … be mayor!

Larger towns have specialists. Small towns have generalists.

What are the issues facing small towns and rural areas? It’s a large list. Small towns generally have lower wages. That goes along with lack of advancement opportunities and underemployment. Employment opportunities are fewer. One study from Nebraska indicated that about 50 percent of rural and small-town workers were self-employed. Lower wages means lack of affordable housing. New home construction in a small town costs about the same as in larger cities.

With a lower tax base, small towns have fewer dollars to build or rebuild streets, sewer and water projects. Many fall behind EPA standards and occasionally find themselves the target of EPA penalties for noncompliance. How can a small town with a $50,000 annual budget pay a $25,000 per day fine for a sewer treatment plant that is not in compliance, and will need $3 million in repairs?

What can you expect from Rural Chronicles? Informative columns providing insight into the trends and issues facing our small towns. Expect to hear examples of success stories as well as the drama of communities struggling to thrive. Occasionally, Rural Chronicles will bring you a little rural arts and culture–the real reflection of small towns and rural life. Cities will also benefit from Rural Chronicles, for it is all connected.–DBrent