I have been away from you, but not gone. I am sorry.
I just returned from a 9 day drive/vacation crossing 6 states with the majority of the time in Virginia 1oo feet from the beach. Very Nice. The United States is Awesome! In so many ways it is very beautiful in the rolling hills of Ohio, peaks and valleys of Pennsylvania and the rolling and crashing waves in Virginia Beach. In the little towns on Milan and Norwalk, OH as well, not much different than the town I came from, although more near the interstate highway.
This trip was good for me and my family. I am always thinking, even when I try to stop for a while. In my recent thinking, I began to relate the beginnings of America and the formation of the villages, towns, and cities. There was a settling and development by the people who were looking for a place to settle down, work and raise a family. Along with that were the development of farms, schools, stores, shops and other businesses that would sustain the community. And as needed or wanted, people would travel to other towns or cities for luxury items or items not available locally. The time and how we settle have changed.
We do not settle anymore, in the historical sense. We settle in the sense that we cannot do or get better that we already have, or what someone else has settled us into. Perhaps we have to re-settle, or un-settle. Or, settle and/or work for better.
The town of Monon, IN was platted as New Bedford in 1838 and post office constructed in 1853, and the town of Monon was incorporated in 1879. It contains 56 sq. mi. of land and a population of just under 1800. One stop light, 3 gas stations, one factory, stone quarry and a school that supports 2 neighboring towns Jr. High and High School students. No grocery store to speak of, and a butchering facility in town. There is a current rejuvenation project being developed by the town. The below could be a great addition to the project.
My goal is to research and determine if there is the willingness and economic feasibility in developing a complete and sustainable foods source within the Monon community. My incomplete and early estimate is to use 10 – 20 acres of land to plant 20 fruits and vegetables in succession planting and off season soil nutritional restoration planting as well. One of the many goals is to involve the community. From the students in the school, to the retired folks who want and see the need for community and reconstruction of a strong, vital and healthy population.
A similar model is already being developed in 12 new communities around the country today, where the community is being built around the farm (see my July 10th blog). This model is to utilize the existing community and all of its resources to be independent from, healthier and more proud of itself. This type of community will also, if conceived and completed will develop and sustain these areas below:
- Construction jobs
- Maintenance jobs
- Education opportunities
- Farming Jobs
- Canning and recycling opportunities
- Community growth
- Attracting other businesses
- Additional individual entrepreneurial endeavors
Let’s not settle for worse, anymore!
