Living in a small rural town gives one a sense of belonging. As a child growing up in Piqua Kansas I walked (on good days) to school. Which is about a mile to the school and a mile home. At the time I never considered that it was a fairly long distance...one could say that I had an adventure everyday. Well, almost everyday!
I had route on the way home from school that usually took me past the homes of the wonderful widow ladies that lived in town. I would start by walking past the Switch Board Office otherwise known as Emma's house. (for those of you that don't know what a switch board is...it is the telephone connection board) Emma was always good for a cookie. Then I went onto Anna's home (she was a distant relative) she always had apples, and then Lizzie's for a strawberry soda, and of course there was Clara's house she had lemon aid. Last, but not least was Mrs. Kipp's house who had it all! From there it home. Home was about a block from Mrs. Kipp's house. Yes, I had it made or so I thought until Mom found out! Much to my chagrin she put a stop to the treats except for special occasions. Special Occasions, which I will admit I some how found ways to create!
I miss those times. Consolidation of schools came to Woodson County Ks. in 1968. No, more Sisters of the Sacred Heart teaching classes or 7 children in a class room. We rode the bus to Yates Center and had an hours bus ride. (Another story for another time).
I grew up and married a local boy and we stayed in our little town. Those same ladies or part of them would show up on my door step just about every afternoon to have ice tea in the summer and hot tea in the winter. I think they thought that at the very least owed them the time, visiting and the tea! Who was I to argue, besides I loved every minute of it. My children came to know them as very small children. Sadly,one by one we lost them. But the memories will last a lifetime.
Yes,there is something to be said for life in a small rural town...Oh did I mention we are classified as a village?
