As a child in the 1960s/1970s, growing up in a small town provided a unique experience of life that helped shape an entire generation. It was a life where everyone knew you, you felt a strong connection to the community, and there was a slower, yet fuller, way of life. The small-town experiences and freedoms that kids in the city and suburbs had to do without molded a way of thinking and behaving that would prepare them for life in the larger world. Here are some of the ways that small-town kids grew up in a unique and special way.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. The One-Screen Movie Theater
- 2 2. Party Line Phone Etiquette
- 3 3. The Town Square Events
- 4 4. Walking Everywhere Safely
- 5 5. The General Store Credit System
- 6 6. The Swimming Hole Hierarchy
- 7 7. Friday Night Football
- 8 8. The Volunteer Fire Department Siren
- 9 9. The Local Radio Dedication Hour
- 10 10. Main Street Cruising
- 11 11. The Corner Store Candy Selection
- 12 12. The Town Gossip Network
- 13 13. The Local Diner Culture
- 14 14. School Bus Adventures
- 15 15. Farm Animal Encounters
- 16 16. Community Festivals
- 17 17. The Bank Teller Who Knew Everyone
- 18 18. The Town Doctor’s House Calls
1. The One-Screen Movie Theater
The small-town movie theater only showed one movie at a time, and they changed the movie weekly. Saturday matinees were social occasions where all the kids in town got together. When you arrived, the ticket taker, who knew you by name, would welcome you, and you’d enjoy the popcorn that the same woman had been serving for decades.
Save for later
Want to come back to this story? Save it with your email so it is easy to find again.
2. Party Line Phone Etiquette
To keep the phone line from being interrupted, the first two rings were yours, while the last was the neighbor’s. It was common courtesy not to speak when a neighbor’s down line was talking. News traveled fast, and you could always be sure to learn about any local occurrences through the round Robbins meant to communicate among neighbors.
3. The Town Square Events
The town square was the most vibrant place in town. Whether it was the Fourth of July or Christmas, there was no better place to host a community gathering or concert. The events were not just entertainment; they created a strong sense of community and togetherness.
4. Walking Everywhere Safely
With no limitations on our ability to walk through the town, we felt completely free to explore. Since every adult in the community knew us and looked out for us, it made the whole town feel like a family. Walking to school, to the store, or to friends houses was an adventure rather than just a means of transportation, and we loved saying hi to all of the people we knew along the way.
5. The General Store Credit System
The trust-based credit system that the local store used was a unique example of community commerce. The owner would take notes sent by parents in order to bill them later, and used each family’s purchasing history to personalize their monthly tab. She would even set aside special items for regular customers.
6. The Swimming Hole Hierarchy
Just like every other town, we also had our own special swimming spots that were separate from the main social areas. The best spots were earned through age and reputation. Swimming holes were our summer social clubs, and older kids would teach the younger ones where the safe spots were and where the hazards were located.
7. Friday Night Football
Every single high school football game was a massive social event that the entire community participated in. The stands were full of familiar faces, and the same announcer called the game every week. It was a sport event, a town reunion, and a weekly ritual all at the same time.
8. The Volunteer Fire Department Siren
The fire siren was like the heartbeat of our community. Watching the volunteers leave their jobs was a firsthand lesson in community service. Each specific tone of the fire siren meant something different – fire, accident, or a weather emergency. It was not just a fire siren. It was a call to arms for the entire community.
9. The Local Radio Dedication Hour
Local radio stations would take song dedications and announce them each afternoon. It was really special to have your name mentioned over the air. The song stories were themed around local romances, breakups, and friendships. Local DJs would remember everyone’s nicknames and familial relationships. This was not really radio. It was the soundtrack to the live history of the town.
10. Main Street Cruising
Saturday nights meant driving in loops on Main Street between the drive-in restaurant and town square. Teenagers filled cars and drove past each other in waves. They coordinated where to stop next. This was no longer driving. It was the town’s social media.
11. The Corner Store Candy Selection
The penny candy counter was a glass case full of colorful candies that children could buy using their own money. Each child’s excitement was palpable as they awaited their turn to buy candy. This was not just candy. This was budgeting and decision-making in real life.
12. The Town Gossip Network
Beauty salons, barbershops, and porches were places where people gossiped socially. Parents typically found out about their children’s mischief before children got home. This was not just gossip. This was town accountability.
13. The Local Diner Culture
Diner waitresses knew their customers by name and knew their favorite meals. This was not just a restaurant. It was the place where the community’s heart was. It was the center of the town.
14. School Bus Adventures
Extended bus trips across the countryside were opportunities for socializing. The same bus driver transported multiple generations of families, learned the names of each child, and looked out for their interests. These were not just bus rides – each day was a new adventure where new friendships were created, and community ties were reinforced.
15. Farm Animal Encounters
Daily life included regular contact with farm animals. Whether it was helping a friend with chores on the farm or visiting the local dairy, we learned where our food came from and understood the rhythm of agrarian life. These moments with animals were lessons in responsibility and the living world.
16. Community Festivals
Every year brought new festivals that celebrated our local community milestones such as strawberry festivals and harvest celebrations, and founder’s day festivities. There were baking competitions, and parade floats, and everyone joined in the celebrations. These were more than just festivals – they were traditions that spanned generations and safeguarded the distinctive character of our community.
17. The Bank Teller Who Knew Everyone
The local bank teller knew each family story and their financial situation and would cash a check without asking for an ID. Banking was based on personal relationships. This wasn’t just banking – it was community trust banking.
18. The Town Doctor’s House Calls
Community doctors knew the medical history of the families and, if needed, made house calls. They were caregivers for several generations, and were part of the community. This wasn’t just care – it was deeply personalized medical care based on her knowledge of the family.
