I’ve lived in Lawrence a little over two years now, and have met someone from just about every walk of life. What has surprised me the most from my time here in college is that very few people can even contemplate what it would be like to grow up in a small town.
Little do many know, but Marysville, with a little over 3,000 people, is the city of our county. You think my town’s small, you should see some of the even smaller ones sprinkled around it. I mean c’mon, we have a Wal-Mart. So you could say we are big time.
I absolutely love where I grew up. It was a great place to live for my first 18 years of life. But because I didn’t know anything besides Marysville, I was pretty taken aback to meet people in college who would rather tweeze their arm hair than live in a small town.
I decided to speak with a few people about some of the ridiculous things they have been asked about living in a small town. I’ve also included a gem of my own.
“Someone once asked me if we even drove cars where I’m from… I’m from southeast Kansas, not a different planet.” – Reagan Argo
“Do you drive tractors to school? Does everyone take guns to school during deer season? Where’s the closest Target? You DON’T have a Target or a McDonalds?! Is everyone related?”- Kristen Hays
“I’ve been asked if I ride a horse to school. And any time I mention we don’t have a Starbucks, then everyone seems to think it’s the end of the world.”- Ashley Hrabe
“So…do you live on like new land, or old land?”- (This was asked by my roommate, I’m still trying to figure that one out.)
So, what is with all of this speculation? I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but I have a car, a cell phone AND a laptop. I’m not Laura Ingalls Wilder. (Even though those books were fantastic.)
After hearing questions and comments like those above, I decided to confirm or deny some of the taboos associated with small towns.
Gone are the days of horse and buggies. At least in modernized towns. Yes, we own cars. Many small-town kids started driving before anyone else, because farm permits were the real deal. It was legal for 14-year-olds to drive to “farm” related activities. I won’t define what farm related activities are, but let’s just say the rules could be bent.
Nooo, we don’t have a Starbucks. I must say I didn’t have a sip of the nectar of the gods until I was 18. I know, SHOCKING! But don’t make us seem deprived of all caffeinated beverages. We have a local coffee shop, and before changing its name several years ago, it was called, “Pony Espresso.” Marysville is home to one of the Pony Express Stations. We like plays on words.
You may cringe at the thought of driving nearly an hour to the nearest Target or shopping center. But, I must say, that was a blessing. Shopping trips were an all-day event. They were certainly not a time to lollygag around. And, don’t you even think about not trying on that sweater. Because if it doesn’t fit, you can bet your bottom dollar we aren’t making a trip to return it.
Like I mentioned earlier, Marysville is the largest town in our county. We have fast-food restaurants. But no, no McDonald’s. What we have is Hardee’s, and if you can find me a fast-food restaurant with a better bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, I will pay your next month’s rent. (I’m kidding…but seriously…kidding.)
Yeah, life may run a little slower sometimes in a small town. And yes, often that’s because you are waiting behind a tractor or combine. But I think we get by just fine. Contrary to popular belief, we aren’t all hillbillies, who ride horses to school and shop at the local trading post……A lot of us are related. I can’t deny that.
What are some crazy misconceptions you’ve heard/been asked about small towns?