Bulls, Boys, and Blessings — Harrington

Is this what momentum feels like?

Julia Jacobsen Harrington Locals revival rural small changes small town

Is this what momentum feels like?

This little farming community that I’m from is experiencing momentum in a wave that we haven’t had in quite some time.  The 80’s were rough on rural areas.  As a kid growing up here I had no clue about the business’s that closed their doors or the impact that would have on my community in the decades ahead.  I have memories of getting out of school and heading down to the drugstore to buy candy.  That big heavy door with the large bell on the front that would let the shop owner know he had a customer.

Read more →


Waving the Month of May.

Julia Jacobsen friendly Harrington small town wave

Waving the Month of May.

When I arrive the room feels somber. I’m not sure what I walked in on but I can tell it feels heavy. The discussion is about our only bank in town  “temporarily closing” due to staffing issues at a nearby branch. There was little to no notice or communication so when people stopped by the bank they were greeted with a locked door and a sign describing the “temporary” closure.  In my head as I write this I’m using air quotes over the word “temporary”. It reeks of writing on the wall. That it won’t be temporary at all.

Read more →