by Daniel Curtis

Created on: March 05, 2007   Last Updated: October 28, 2011

Taps To My Town

It was in the 1980's that my hometown of Wellsville, Ohio drew its last breath and died. It was painful to see this once vibrant, outgoing, and one time city reduced to a mere shell. The color had gone out of her face and she was dark and pail as if a cancer had surged through every part of her. She was reduced to a village and as if overnight she became worse, until she just could not hold on any longer. It was tough to watch her go.

Her death was untimely in my opinion. As she laid there weak and struggling to survive no one came to her aid. They willingly let her go.

It all started back when the industry started to leave the Ohio Valley. The once thriving mills and factories left the area or went out of business. As they left so did the people. Many went southward where reports of good jobs and a fresh start were talked about. Within a couple of years, the once beautiful little town started showing signs of her disease. The neat homes and beautifully manicured lawns grew ragged and unkempt. Now the town looks like it is in decay. It is like the ruins of a once great empire.

There are many things that could have been done to turn her around and make her well. But the cities (now village leaders) just do not feel it necessary to reinvent her. A few years back I had heard that the mayor proposed a walking park along the Ohio River but the people in the area did not want it. Apparently the fear of change is greater than the poverty that they are in.

Wellsville, like most Small Town U.S. A., is in the same situation. If the people of these towns just had the sense to reinvent them it would make a great difference. I look at Wellsville nestled along the Ohio River with its Victorian buildings and see a tourist attraction. I think that fixing up some of the buildings and encouraging small businesses like coffee shops, bakeries, and some nice eateries would make a difference. The beautiful Ohio River runs along side of the town. I cannot figure out why no one is taking advantage of this. There should be boat rentals, Jet Ski rentals, and other water sports activities to have a draw to the area. A bed and breakfast would also be a nice added feature.

I believe that these small towns are at deaths door because the people in these areas just do not like change. Instead of mourning what once was, they should be looking at what it could become. If it was beautiful in the past, it can shine in the future. The key is getting people into office that share a common vision. Jump start the area by issuing tax breaks to businesses that are willing to start in the community. Don't fight out corporations just thinking that you are saving whatever mom and pop establishment may be lingering on. The fact is that small towns do fight out "the big guy" and when the small business goes out of business then nothing is there to fill the void. Mom and Pop businesses just need to be creative and unique in their practices and deliver the service well and they will not be harmed.

The medicine is out there to save these towns, but people have to be willing to step up and administer it. We all play a role in saving what is left of the Small Town USA. Creativity is the key.

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