Sure, there were problems. That's life. But everybody knew everybody else's business and people were willing to extend a hand to help others. It was particularly true in the smallest of the small towns, like those with populations of 500 or people. "Hey, Jim's barn burned down last night. Thank God he got his horses out but he doesn't have anywhere to keep them. Tom's boarding them for him until he gets his barn rebuilt. Got a little insurance but it won't totally take care of it. Want to head on down that way this weekend for a barn raising?" "Yep, I'll be there."

That's the kind of thing that makes one nostalgic for that time and those places.

They came to be when the farmers caused small businesses to start up where all the farmers could come and get their supplies. Some of them get a little larger because they could offer more services. Then eventually, you had your Wal Marts move into town and drive the small businesses out. One reason I detest Wal Mart. It may be progress but I don't really think so. It's just corporations trying to take the last buck from consumers. Wal Mart couldn't give a shit about Jim's barn but Ralph's feed store did and Wade's implement and Hal's hardware and Cyndy's Cafe.

Ever read Thornton Wilder's play, Our Town? You might look it up sometime. It really has the flavor I'm speaking about.