My hometown is similar to many small communities across the nation. Harrisburg, IL is known as the 'Gateway to the Shawnee National Forest' and is considered part of the Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky tri-state area. Far south of the bustling Chicago skyline, the area I grew up in is not even known to most. We often shopped for Christmas presents in Paducah, KY or Evansville, IN, because there just wasn't anything closer. Over the years, that has changed with the addition of some larger stores, but it still has that charming, small-town feel.
The economy strongly hinged on the coal mines, and corn fields and livestock spotted the rural landscape. With clean air legislation in the 1990's closing many of the surrounding coal mines, Harrisburg has struggled, but the community still makes things work. Small town folks, small town values, and everything that's good (and some of the bad) about a small town.
I grew up 'out in the country' near Harco during my elementary years, and bussed to school in Harrisburg. I remember the very large garden we had, the ponds we fished just out the backdoor, and the gravel roads and wooden bridges we couldn't always count on to be passable. Goodies from the fruit trees, grape vines and strawberry patches made for great snacks on a summer day. I ate lots of green apples back in those days!
These pictures now hang in my home. I took them back when I was in high school for a photography class and actually developed, matted and framed them. The bridge in the top picture ran over the creek behind the house I grew up in, and the barn is the one that I played in and sat south of the house.
My parents both worked in the health care industry, but I still felt like I grew up on a farm. Our house was surrounded by field corn and milo. The Moore family who worked the land around us would let me ride along on the combines and help put up hay in the barn. I was probably more in the way than anything, but they were always kind and never made me feel unwelcomed. They took the time to teach me about the importance of their work.
We had dogs, cats and rabbits, and I spent most of my time outside playing with them. The neighbor down the road had chickens that I didn't really enjoy all that much because they liked to badger me. If you haven't ever been chased by a rooster, just be thankful. This was my first exposure to where my food came from, and I wouldn't eat chicken for many years. Now, it is my favorite, and can't wait to have some chickens of my own!
The Furlongs babysat for my sister and I every summer, and after school. Junior was always wearing his white t-shirt and overalls, and I remember him working really long days. When the coal mines bought the land our house sat on, the Furlongs bought the house and moved it to their property. I often wonder if it is still there, and what has become of them.
Most of the businesses were and are still owned by hometown folks that have spent their entire lives there, passing the businesses down to their children. I went to school with most of the now owners, and really enjoy watching the goings on through Facebook posts and the like. It makes me still feel connected in some way. Mackie's Pizza was always a special treat on Sunday after church, and we would play Pac-Man while we waited on our pie. The Farm Fresh store where I worked as a teenager sold milk and RC Cola in glass bottles, and the small drug store on the square sold us vanilla and chocolate colas on our lunch hour in junior high.
I was in such a hurry to get out of that small town when I was young, but now I feel like I have come full circle. I have a better appreciation of the small town way of life now. I am thankful for having experienced the 'city life' I yearned for as a young lady, but now I see things differently. I appreciate the quiet of nature around me, and feel more connected with my upbringing now than ever. I recognize the benefits of small communities and hometowns, the friendliness of neighbors and sense of belonging that the small town affords. It isn't perfect, but I am so glad I found my way back.
The recent outpouring of support for our ranch venture from my hometown was astonishing. I was nervous to share the site and let everyone into my little world, but I am so glad that I did! Congratulatory and excited for us, many of my high school friends and others have reached out. I realize I am still a part of that community, even though I am no longer living there. I am proud of my hometown, and hope that I make them proud as well!
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