The local newspaper - small town living part #5

**homesteadmamma** · 09-14-2002, 10:28 PM

Awe the local newspaper is so very different than city newspapers. Here is a wee bit about ours.

The local paper

Having lived in a city for almost 20 years, were use to reading a newspaper with murders, rapes, town hall fighting, ads galore and stuff that isn't really relavent to simple living. We gave up reading the newspaper a couple of years ago just for that reason.

Now let me tell you about the 2 local papers we now read. Small, they are only a couple of pages, but those pages tell stories of simple country living. There are pictures of little ones in school, eyes opened wide because a farmer has brought in baby chicks for them to see this Easter. Awe the wonder of little children is so very evident as I gaze at this picture. Front page news.

It is mentioned that the little town, just 20 mins from us will be handing baskets out with silk flowers to be handed to the merchants customers. Front page news.

Inside I read theres going to be an auction of "_______" things. I wonder what type of things will be in that auction. Will my family auction off my things (even though they are few) when dh and I are gone. Then a longing comes to attend an auction.

Oh yes, there having a bull sale on April 6th at _________. There is a picture of a huge bull. You who farm would be in awe at the majesty of this bull. I wonder what he'll go for.

There are deaths, a couple of births and classified ads. A helper is wanted on the farm to work every other day. Dh should apply I think and then wonder if his asthma would be bothered. I will have to ask.

Pictures of children who have been successful this year at skating fill two pages. Each child posing with their skates, triumph on their faces.

Oh yes, can't forget the back page. Farm machinery is being sold and there are pictures of these huge machines that farm the land.

Then there is our even smaller local paper which is FREE and put in our mailbox. ______ has had a birthday and they are wishing them a happy birthday. ___________ was visiting over the Easter weekend and they wish them a safe trip home.

They share about the daycare just opened and little wonder that theres a picture of the 12 little ones on their first day at daycare along with the 2 workers. It is shared how no government money has gone into this, just the money of the local people. Front page news.

As I turn the page, they are advertising the local supper to help raise more funds for the new rink. Again all monies have been raised by the local people and it is debt free. They are also having a pork night.

There are small ads of our little stores (another story in itself).

Then the back page shares how they will be coming around for donations to their "goodwill fund" and YOU decide where you want them to donate the money. There are several agencies you can say you want your money to go too.

Town council news and views is interesting. They are congratulating a couple on their 71st wedding anniversary. That makes town council news. Of course we have Citizens on Patrol and they are asking for help. Oh yes, you might have keys that aren't yours and need to be turned in to the municipal office. Front page news.

And we can't forget the farm safety report.

Awe how refreshing to read local news that tells of country life, that shares how country folk live, their excitements, even their sadness in death. I open both papers relishing the thought that finally I will learn of others who celebrate 71 years of marriage, of those who farm and yes because of an ad I bought some "bison" meat. I anxiously await each Monday just to get these two papers.

Added on today: These newspapers continue to amaze me with the life stories of rural people. I love reading them from cover to cover, not that there is much to read, but it tells stories of rural living and that brings a smile to my face each and every time.

**captclearance** · 09-15-2002, 12:01 AM

I love these stories.... I look forward to each new addition.... I live in a very small town, 20 miles from the city, I often go to a nearby community that is a little larger for things like Library visits, hardware store, ect.... I have since reading your stories taken a closer look at my own community and appreciate it all the more..... Thank you

**KathiS** · 09-15-2002, 03:54 AM

I've always wanted to live " The simple life" in a little town. Thanks for sharing .

**AandAmom** · 09-15-2002, 10:07 AM

I love reading your stories! Thanks so much for sharing

**~Sherry~** · 09-15-2002, 10:13 AM

Your stories make me long for simple country life again.

**debbiepete** · 09-15-2002, 10:24 AM

Thanks so much for sharing, that makes me miss simple country life.

**SouthernJen** · 09-15-2002, 05:35 PM

Your stories are wonderful. Please keep them coming!

**Katybird** · 06-26-2003, 11:14 PM

These stories are too wonderful to be left to languish on the back pages of this forum. I hope you don't mind me bumping them up CJ. You are such a talented writer, you have missed your calling, I think you could give Laura Ingalls Wilder a run for her money, your articles about small town living make you feel like you are right there with you. You are truly talented and we are truly blessed to have you share with us.