When you grow up in a small town, you grow up in paradise, you just are not aware of it at the time. The beauty and history of the town you reside in are lost to you as a child, and it is not until you are older and more accomplished that you realize how truly wonderful it is to grow up in a small, tight-knit community. There are a few things about Marshall, Michigan that all its residents are quite aware of, but if you grew up in this small historical town, as a Millennial, sometimes it was the most boring place on Earth!
1. Home Tour Week Is The Worst Week of The Year
Every year in September Marshall, Michigan puts on a historical home tour. Marshall is one of the most well known small historical towns in the United States and there is a lot of history that floods these streets. But, in September another thing fills our streets: tourists. Being a teenager during home tour week is probably one of the most torturous experiences. especially if your parents decide to drag you along for the ride, or your high school choir forces you to dress in 1800's apparel while singing and dancing to old songs (yes, I did this. And it was horrible every time). The streets are clogged with cars, tour buses, and people while stands fill every square inch of the town catering to the needs of the tourists. I personally find it odd to have strangers traipsing through your home simply because it is old.
2. The fountain is more than just a landmark
The Brooks Memorial Fountain is where so many memories are rooted for the people who grew up in Marshall. Eating ice cream from Ice Cream Dream while watching the colors change in the fountain on a warm summer evening is Heaven on Earth.
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3. You know (and have tried) every way to sneak into the fair for free
Calhoun County Fair, the oldest and longest running fair in Michigan, is a time honored tradition here in this small town. As a kid, I remember all of my friends and I tried every trick in the book to sneak into the fair so we would have more money for food, games, and rides. We almost always got away with it too.
4. If you have ever uttered the phrase, "Meet me at four corners after class."
Ahh, four corners, the most popular place to meet up at Marshall High. This magical place where all the hallways connected downstairs and upstairs (before the remodeling of the building anyways).
5. If you know what AGLP means.
The Alaska Great Lakes Project. The trip that one middle school teacher organized for 80 kids and adults to travel to and across the serene state of Alaska for three weeks. Chances are you or someone you know participated in this once in a lifetime trip (although for me it was twice in a lifetime). Anyone who was involved in the AGLP more than likely still brings it up whenever they can.
6. The holiday season doesn't really start until the annual Christmas Parade.
Candy, hot chocolate, and Santa Claus. What could be better? The beautiful decorations strung up downtown, the sense of community, the chilly weather: a recipe for the perfect start to the Christmas spirit.
7. You know the world's best doughnuts are made at Louie's Bakery.
Long Johns, nutty rolls, seasonal pumpkin cookies, the list goes on and on as does your love for this small town bakery.
8. You still have elementary school pride.
Where you a Gordon Golden Star, a Sherman Shamrock, or a Hughes Superstar? If you grew up in Marshall it is safe to say you still have a weird adoration for your elementary school.
9. Downtown was the place to be on the weekends and after school.
Whether it was the farmer kids sitting on their tailgates, the burnouts playing hacky sack on the sidewalk, or the rebels walking around aimlessly it seemed like everyone could be found hanging out downtown.
10. You know that however far you may travel and no matter where you end up in life, Marshall will always be home.
The quiet peacefulness at dusk, the beauty of spring and fall, and the sense of safety we all felt makes this busy little town the best place on Earth, at least to the Millennial's who grew up here.
