Re: WHATS going on in rural USA

Posted by john d on June 20, 2007 at 06:44:20 from (69.130.177.15):

In Reply to: WHATS going on in rural USA posted by marlowe on June 19, 2007 at 17:49:28:

Some folks will say it's the "Wal-Martization" of our society. In reality, it's fundamental economics.

In the early 1900s, there was a MAJOR exodus of people from the farm to urban areas. Fewer people on the farms meant less need for small town support. Many small towns across the country simply vanished.

Improved communication and transportation in the last half of the 20th century put even more pressure on small towns. With people commuting to urban areas for work, they shopped there before returning home. Small towns close to major cities became "bedroom" communities, and many have been swallowed by urban sprawl. Small towns too far away to be bedroom communities struggled to maintain the quality of life people wanted, and many people left.

I'm 63 years old. I live about 15 miles outside of Indianapolis on the farm where I grew up. When I moved back to this area in 1970, I was one of three people within a two-mile radius who commuted more than 20 miles to work. Easily 3/4 of the farmers within that radius have since retired. I can only think of one in that area that's under 45 years old. The farms, banks, stores, and everything else are larger today than a generation ago. I think this trend will continue.

As I was driving home a few evenings ago, I started counting the number of houses (or remains of houses) within two miles of my home that had vanished within my memory. I can think of 14. Within that circle also stood one general store, three schools, and two churches that are no longer here. The more rural areas will continue to decline in terms of population and amenities. Suburban sprawl will continue to grow. The pendulum swings....life goes on.

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