Welcome to Freeburg
I shared in my about page that I live in the small town I grew up in and that I’m all about community. By small town, I mean that when we drove down the hard road, we pretty much knew everyone we passed and we waved. When I look back on this, I wonder, is waving characteristic of all small towns or was I raised in a family and an era where there was a true appreciation for community. I’m pretty sure that a simple wave was and is a very accepted gesture in small towns and it wasn’t only my village and my family. With our population now topping 4,000, it’s nearly impossible to know everyone and the wave seems to have literally gone by the wayside.
One Block Off The Hard Road
Community – You Pick The Size
For me, a community can be experienced in all shapes and sizes. From a simple exchange with Angie the mail lady to a yell across the lawn to a neighbor, all is meaningful to me. I have an appreciation for the familiarity and comfort that I find in the simplicity of my small town. Family, church, neighborhood, the grocery store, and don’t forget about the club – there’s fellowship everywhere. Many years ago, BF and I lived in Ohio for 2 1/2 years because of a job transfer. The population of the town was 35,000, and I’ll never forget the first time I saw someone I knew at the grocery store. Now for most people that’s not a big deal and some people may prefer the anonymity, but for me, running into someone you know at the grocery store was and is the norm. So there really was a reason my mom never left the house without lipstick.
The Family
It’s a numbers game. Coming from a large family meant the probability of multiple family members staying in the area was high. So it happened. Out of the 10 kids, 5 of us are in town, and one just 40 minutes away. Oh, and don’t forget about the extended family of nieces and nephews. What a blessing this is and even though we don’t see each other as often as you’d think, we know we are close by. I’m sure that while I was growing up, the idea that a large family was a blessing, never crossed my mind. Well, as soon as adulthood hit, and then, of course, children of my own, a real appreciation grew for this community I call family. I wish I had a more recent picture of the clan, but feel free to head over to the post on The Story Behind The Box,(click here) and you will see a photo, circa 1963. For me, this picture really encapsulates the feeling of our generation. LOVE. IT.
Gelatin, The Weather, ‘Hilz’ and ‘The Donald’
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – club days. What could be better than knowing the same group will be there to push you along with encouragement, laughter, and updates on everything from how many inches of rain we got, to when is ‘the Donald’ going to change that hair. Any kind of conversation is welcomed and knowing they are there makes rolling out of bed at the crack of dawn just a little easier. This time of the day and this part of my community have really become important to me. I call it ‘the club’ but it’s this beautiful metal building at the edge of town. Don’t expect a sauna, coffee bar, hot towels or the amenities you might experience in a larger city, but for me, it’s perfect. Love these girls!
Mom and Dad
Thanks, Mom and Dad
I guess I have my parents to thank. Yes, I left for college and twice for jobs, but I kept coming back to Freeburg. Small-town living might not be for everyone, but for me, it works. The history of being baptized in the same church as my parents and attending the same grade school and high school has a lot of meaning for me. Sure our village has ups and downs but it’s the history and the appreciation for the simplicity that makes everything OK. This weekend it will be two years that I’m back in town and living in the house my mom grew up in. No, it’s not the big house in the country, but I’m loving my walks to church, my yells across the yard, a mail lady I know, the club, and just about everything else.
I would like to encourage you to think about the many little communities you encounter throughout your day; your job, the stores you visit, the neighbors you interact with – all making up your community experience. Share your comments below and start the conversation. I look at this blog as being a community and would love to hear your thoughts. Let’s do it!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Rose
From one small town gal to another….I get it!
Hey Maria- Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a message. Yes, we do get it. Luv me some small town living!
So many good memories! !! Love your writings. Xxoooo 💜
Hi, Sherry! I love that you are following along. Thanks so much for adding your comments, it means a lot.
I’m happy each time I see a new Sock Box 10 blog! Thanks Rose!
Thanks so much, Rachel (#6 #1). It’s fun in the ‘box’. Good to hear from you and hope to see you soon!
Love this
Hi, Lori! Thanks so much for leaving a comment. We know there’s something very special about growing up in a small town. Thanks, Rose
HI Rose! Reading this story made me so happy! I share the love for small towns. Brad and I often take long rides in the car to come upon a small town. We have a meal and love the feel of the warmth a small town brings. I truly enjoyed reading this! Love your pictures!
Miss you,
Wendy
Hi, Wendy! Thanks so much for the message and especially about the pictures. I had trouble getting the right picture of my street, so Sunday evening I had Tom drive his truck up the block and I stood in the back of the truck to take that picture. Crazy. Next time make that drive to a small town 5 hours south. Miss you, Rose
One of the most horrific events growing up in Freeburg was our 1968 tornado. We were celebrating our dear sister Mary’s graduation from nursing school the night it occurred. Several people’s lives were taken and many injured. After the realization of the great loss of life it hit me the next day that everyone in our little town came to its rescue. Peabody Coal Co sent groups of its heavy equipment operators and equipment to help begin the cleanup. It seemed like in just days everything was operating normally. I am sure this sense of pride occurs in every town but it created in me a spirit of how we should respond in our community.
One other event we just celebrated was Memorial Day. While attending the ceremony in our city park I walked thru the crosses with the names of our veterans. Our mother and father are represented in this group and it was stunning to realize that I knew most of the people who also had a cross. Now of course “he is getting old” is your first response. Which is correct. But because I was raised in this small community I got to know these men and women and thus the significance.
Hi, Richard (#2)- You knowing the majority of elders and veterans in our hometown is truly a treasure and your stories are priceless. I will never forget the night of the tornado of 68′ and you running upstairs to wake us and get us to the basement. After we were all safe you went uptown and helped the injured and helped with the rubble. A very sad time for our little community. Thanks for stopping by and God Bless Our Veterans! Rose
Hi Rose. Love the Sockbox 10! I didn’t grow up in Freeburg, but In St. Libory. Husband Jim grew up in New Athens, We moved to Belleville about 35 years ago. Our Moms and Dads are deceased, but the towns still feel like “home”.. Like in Freeburg, that small town living shaped us into who we are today. Last week our son Kyle, with his wife and new baby (from Omaha) visited an old friend in the New Athens Home for the Aged. He was amazed that people knew who he was and welcomed him even though his father’s family is long gone from New Athens. Even in a larger town like Belleville, we try to embrace that small town mentality. The world will be a better place if we all treat neighbors and acquaintances as friends and family. Love you!
Hi, Julie- thanks so much for stopping by and writing such a wonderful message. I have to admit, I teared up just a little. Maybe there is something special about being raised in a small town and no matter where we land we take with us an appreciation for our neighbor and a love for community. Yes, Belleville is very lucky to have you and Jim. Hugs