Written by Miss May 2014, Talya Boerner
As the AWB calendar girl for May, I was told I could write about anything. Okay, probably not anything, but you know what I mean, right? Today I’ve decided to talk about something that’s been weighing on my mind—small town Arkansas.
As a kid I had big plans to escape the farm and Arkansas. I hid behind what I thought I wanted to be or was told I should become. It took me years to figure out I owe a debt of gratitude to the small towns that created me. We’ve all heard the saying you can take the girl out of the country… Well, it’s true. For me anyway.
I am small town Arkansas.
I wouldn’t be the same person had I not grown up in the Delta just down the road from Cottonwood Corner between the Keiser turnoff and Osceola. I just wouldn’t.
But here’s the reality. Throughout Arkansas and rural America, our small towns struggle to reinvent themselves. Towns that prospered and thrived fifty years ago, even twenty years ago, search for creative ways to attract industry and grow population. Historic downtowns sit partially empty and void of activity, vacant big box stores have fallen into disrepair in favor of newer, giant super centers near the interstate.
It’s our own fault. We worked ourselves into this depressing situation as the culture of our country evolved. The American dream changed.
Once upon a time, the world was smaller. Families raised children in and around these bucolic towns. Public schools provided solid educations. Kids played baseball together down at the field behind the gym, then sat side by side on hard wooden pews in church every Sunday morning. Yet after growing up as best friends, they left home for college or jobs in larger cities with more opportunity. Maybe in Arkansas. Maybe not.
Many never returned.
As a generation sought a future elsewhere, small towns began to suffer as the tax base diminished. Factories pulled out. Small business owners retired or passed away leaving no one to take their place. Schools deteriorated. Families moved in search of better education and higher paying jobs. The cycle repeated.
I am as guilty as the next person.
With the farm in my rearview window, I graduated from Rivercrest High School in Mississippi County, moved to Waco, Texas for college, and returned only for occasional visits. For almost thirty years I have lived in Dallas. Although I frequently return home to visit our family farm, I never intended to live or work or raise my children there.
Now I understand.
Our small southern towns need us. You and me. It’s our responsibility. These are the places most special to us, filled with folks who know us best, people who remember us as cheerleaders or math whizzes or simply Thomas Tate’s daughter. These towns helped make us who we are today.
Yes, the houses may seem small and tired, and the windows of the junior high are covered in plywood. The cotton gin, once the hub of town, was torn down years ago. But we remember what was once good and worth saving.
It wouldn’t take much for me to pack up and move home. My husband? He’s not so convinced. He has his own Arkansas town to remember. But even so, there are things we can do. Support local businesses. Visit. Spend money. Spread the word. Participate. Do something. Anything. Before these towns circle the drain.
The next time you plan a three day weekend, think about the special places in your own back yard before you spend time and money elsewhere. Arkansas is over-flowing with scenic spots and fascinating history. Pull off the beaten path. Stop at that diner or museum. Maybe you’ll discover something unusual about your town or county or state. Maybe you’ll learn something incredible about yourself.
So true. Wouldn’t it be great if we could have that closeness again.
Yes Jeanetta. I often wonder what my kids will look back on and think about their childhood. Such a different way to grow up.
As a little country mouse-turned city dweller, I never thought I’d be back in a small town-I loved it so much. But, I love Arkansas {and, um, Thom-lol} so living in a small town again isn’t so bad. I’ve enjoyed your posts this month, Talya.
Thanks lady! I know I would love being back in a small town. Maybe someday… One more post next week:)
As a teacher, I have found that my students are already nostalgically attached to their hometowns. Maybe it’s because they haven’t had great educations so far and don’t feel empowered to seek opportunities outside of Arkansas, but most intend to stay. These kids are likely never going to be exposed to anything that they haven’t already seen at seventeen, and that’s a tragedy. It wouldn’t be such a tragedy if these delta towns supported more business and provided more access to the arts. I am absolutely an advocate of bringing business to our small communities and encouraging folks to come home, but as an educator I advocate with this caveat: we must continue to encourage our kids to get out of town (at least to see what’s out there) until our towns have more enrichment to offer them.
Keely – I completely agree. Kids need exposure to as much as possible. And for many, teachers provide their only stability.
I love the idea of looking off the beaten path for a three day weekend! There is MUCH to discover! 🙂
PS LOVE the tractor shot of you. Super cute.
Thanks Alison!
Great blog. I’m still looking for the perfect house for you and one that would lure John from the big D. Small town or rural country? Older or newer? Large or small?
rural. older. medium. 🙂
Loved this blog. I have one foot in both worlds, one still on the farm and one in the city. I guess I have the best of both worlds. I love the rice and soybean fields of home, but I do enjoy the Angelika , the Main Street Cafe, birthdays at Snuffer’s, etc, etc, etc. Lol. Even when you are a famous author, in Keiser and Osceola, you will always be Thomas Tate’s daughter.
True. Best of both worlds.
Well told. Passion evident. “circle the drain” says it best. Every town has memories, but not every town has the vision or ability to reinvent itself. It’s a dilemma. Thank you for posting.
Thanks Jane!
Loved this! We have gone back and forth between country, city, and back to country. Sometimes I long for the city but I sure don’t want to give up my country life.
I can see why Colene, your country life pictures are always wonderful!
I love this. I grew up in small-town Arkansas and swore that as soon as I graduated high school I would leave and never come back. Here I am, 17 years after graduation, and happily raising my kids in this same small town. We visit the “big cities” and I am so thankful for my town and the closeness we share.
I live in a small town. They are closing the K-12 school. Not enough children here. Probably part of the problem? But I do love the peace and quiet, the Mayberry USA quality of it. 🙂
Yes Mayberry quality describes it best.
I can’t imagine NOT living in a small town. I can always drive somewhere else to see a movie or get a meal not available in Hope. But I can’t drive to that big town to get comfort when my daddy dies…nobody in that bid town says “I saw your Mom at Hope Haven, she’s looking good”…that big town doesn’t provide Christmas baskets for the needy or coach t-ball…I wouldn’t have memories of such unforgettable people as Daddy Ray Turner or Mrs. Frances Miller if I’d lived in that big town…I’ve been fortunate to have a life I could only dream of…and it wouldn’t have happened anywhere but a small town…
And, Mark Keith, you are an integral part of why small towns thrive. Your kindness, love for and promotion of Hope is an inspiration.
Great words Talya. I moved back home 3 years ago. I guess somethings have changed cosmeticly, but the people whom decided to stay and raise their family that have strong roots here are the same wonderful people. I guess what I’m trying to say is that somethings never change. I think moving back here, was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s sometimes harder not having the convience of the city, but things are alot simpler here as I remembered as a child. Thanks for the article. It was great!
Thanks Charles!! I appreciate your comment. Looking forward to my next visit home.
I grew up in a small town and experienced the closeness with classmates you remember, and, yes, most of us left, but now that we’ve retired many are moving back there. It just happened to be a town that has grown and prospered. I’m glad I live close enough to go back and visit them on a regular basis. I hate to see the boarded up stores in the very small places and wish there were ways to revitalize them all! I’ve enjoyed your posts Miss May!
Mark, my dream home would to turn the gin in the curve in Chelford into a beautiful dream home. So many fascinating memories there for me there.
A gin turned home would be very cool. Go for it!
Like you Talya, I grew up in small town Arkansas then moved to Dallas where I enjoyed the big city and all it has to offer. Over the years, as I came home to visit family I noticed I was able to breath better by the time I drove past the exit to Hot Springs. The trees, the water, the hills all welcomed me home like a pressure cooker release valve. I will always love going back to Dallas and who knows where I will end up before my life is over, but I truly am an Arkansas at heart.
Thank you for you beautiful article that’s reminds me of the place I call home!
Thank you Donna. I feel better each mile past Texarkana. Once I turn north at West Memphis, I know I’m almost home.
Unlike you, I grew up a military brat. I still feel as I have no roots. However, I did live in a small county seat town in the piney-woods of deep east Texas from age 30 to 40. My three children spent most of their childhood in the wonderful town where everyone knew them and watched out for them. My life is so much more enriched because of a decade in a small town.