This coming weekend, October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, my hometown is throwing open its doors and inviting everyone to come join in celebrating Carroll County's 175th Anniversary.
The experiences of growing up in such a small town simply cannot be bought or replaced. Memories of enjoying honeysuckle on the walk to and from school, spending many afternoons at my granddad's grocery store across from the courthouse, hand-delivering groceries for his customers, catching lightning bugs, remembering my great-grandmother's garden and the fresh-picked vegetables she'd cook every day....we just don't get to enjoy that kind of life anymore. I remember occasional times when the town would be open for "pilgrimage" weekends, and I loved seeing all the new people coming in to tour what was simply home for me. I remember, too, the streets beside the courthouse being closed off for flea markets where I helped my dad cook food to sell, and him making leather products too...the evening mini-concerts and street-dances...wow those memories are as fresh as these words on my screen.
Come visit us! Carrollton's uniqueness is that it has been preserved, not restored. The houses and buildings that will be open for tour are all actively used. The court square will be buzzing with activities too. We'll be glad to show you around, and hopefully give you a taste (and maybe a longing) for a truly simple way of living, which is simply home for us.
i too loved those pilgrimage weekends, and i loved your grandfather's store....he was carrollton.
ReplyDeleteand i was and still am fascinated by carrollton.