I was actually thinking about the loss of the railroad earlier today. There was an article in Parade Magazine this morning about the possible re-emergence of a large railroad system in this country again. With gas prices continuing to rise and with the need for alternative fuels (and with the lack of decent airline service), railroads are looking at making a comeback. I think it will be ironic if that happens considering all of the small towns across the country that were negatively affected by the disappearance of the train system.
Speaking of new topics .... I'd like to hear from folks who have opinions about SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OR DEVELOPMENTS (both good and bad, positive and negative) that have impacted Holly Grove over the years. Here are a few of my ideas for starters:
-- the arrival of the railroad, connecting Holly Grove to other parts of the county and state
-- the 40+ years of service to the community by Dr. Herd E. Stone, the sole doctor in Holly Grove for many years
-- the demise of many family farms in the area, due largely to economic pressure and the difficulities inherent in making a living as a small family farmer
-- when the Rock Island Railroad stopped coming through Holly Grove and the tracks were removed
-- development of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall as an effort to revitalize the town, along with the hard work of many citizens to have the downtown district of Holly Grove named to the National Register of Historic Places
-- the forced consolidation of the Holly Grove School District with the Clarendon School District, leading to the eventual closure of all schools operating within the city limits of Holly Grove
-- the establishment and long-term impact of the Holly Grove Homecoming Club as a successful vehicle for keeping past and present Holly Grove residents, mostly African Americans, connected to Holly Grove
