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When American Profile posed this
question to readers, responses brimming with passion
and pride poured in from across the nation. Some cited
their hometown's unique history and charm, while
others described breathtaking scenery and the kindness
of townspeople.
Rhonda Corchado says no strangers live in Lyons,
Colo. (pop. 1,585), where residents have very strong
arms. “When you drive down the road and wave,” she
says, “you just leave your arm out the window in one
continuous gesture.”
Bill Cox proudly notes that his hometown of Danville,
Ky. (pop. 15,477), was chosen as the site of the only vice
presidential debate of the 2(HX) presidential campaign.
Cindy Simon loves the backdrop of the Catoctin
Mountains in the fall, when “bursts of orange, red and
yellow frame my hometown of Frederick, Maryland.”
Here are excerpts from other readers describing
what makes their hometown great.
Beautifulsurrouncfinqs
At home here in Geneva, Fla. (pip. 2,601),
che heavens at night are bright with stars, die
evenings lit by fireflies, the spring scented with
orange blossoms, and hoot-printed, crushed
shell roads wind around large cattle ranches,
wooded and fenced horse paddocks, old hams
and cottages on the shores of'Lake Harney. God
Bless and long live Geneva!
—Chuck and Metric Tattuan
Every'July, over 35.(XX) people from all over
the world descend on the little town of Sequim
(pronounced Skwim) for the annual Lavender
Festival. What they discover in addition to the
colorful, aromatic lavender plants grown on
over 40 lavender farms is why Sequim, Wash,
(pop. 4,334), is listed as one of the top 10 best
undiscovered towns in the West, and one of the
best places to retire.
—Don Fourtner
The 1996 Olympic Whitewater Events
were held on the beautiful Ocoee River. The
events, river and soothing blue mountains
make lifetime memories. As I watch the sunnse
over the mountains and see their parade of col
ors as the sun sets, 1 am thankful to live in such
a beautiful place. Benton, Term, (pip. 1,138),
is a place where peace abounds and memories
are forever!
—Helen Chwvhwell
Friendly folks
People in Canton, Mich. (pip. 76,366),
are the nicest people in the world. Well, maybe
not the whole world, but the nicest people in
Michigan. The Canton people hold dtxirs for
cripples and old people. 1 know, because Lve
been both. They do it with a smile; they do it
because they want to. Recently a firefighter was
killed and everyone chipped in to help the fam
ily. Three cheers for Canton!
—Marnone R. White
Waddy, Ky., is a small town in Shelby
County. On Libor Day, the W'addv Day Parade
takes place. Our Main Street is decorated with
American flags flying from street pists and
porches. Friends and family from miles around
congregate, crowding the sides of the street
waiting for the parade to begin. My heart
echoes who 1 am when I see friends, neigh
bors, people of various races and degrees
of relationship come together to celebrate
community. It is a piignant reminder to
me—this is America. This is the spirit of
my hometown.
—Glenda Blair
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