For those reading who don't know, Acushnet is a very small town in Massachusetts that tends to get looked over. It is a quiet place with many farms, woods, beautiful lakes and memorable people. I wrote about some memories that other people and I may never forget about growing up in Acushnet!
1. You knew every kid your age.
With Acushnet being three squared feet, you probably went to school with every kid your age in the whole town. You knew them from kindergarten all the way until eighth grade and formed close relationships with all of them. You have also probably welcomed new students so deeply into your life in order to have some change.
2. You could square dance by the age of six.
Everyone who went through the Acushnet school systems learned how to square dance. Why? Nobody knows. But, we all learned our rights from our lefts in the process, and it’s a memory we will never forget.
3. The Apple Peach Festival was not just about fruits.
It was about going to ‘The Whip’, getting candy from the parade, and hanging out with your friends on the steps of the Long Plain Museum. Your parents probably gave you a few dollars to spend on lemonade or princess hats, but it was more of an event for getting together and seeing old teachers and friends that you haven’t talked to in years.
4. Little Toy to Big Toy was a big step in your life.
As tiny children, we had recess on Little Toy; knowing on the other side of the wall was a much bigger, more awesome playground that the “big kids” got to play on. The day that you got to play on Big Toy for the first time was so exciting, as if you were in a whole new world. The only thing missing was the digging toy that everyone fought over.
5. You went to junior high 100 feet away from your elementary school.
As you graduate fourth grade your next step is to cross the parking lot to Ford Middle School. What a big change! The same people that you’ve grown up with since kindergarten are all coming with you across the way. The only thing different was no recess, but a way better gym class! (And we got lockers!).
6. Choosing a high school was the hardest decision.
Because Acushnet has a very small population, it doesn’t have its own high school; which made it so much harder for us. We could choose Old Colony, Bristol Aggie, New Bedford High, Fairhaven High, Old Rochester, or Bishop Stang. The schools would come with their students and try to one-up each other in order to persuade us to go to their school. But in the end, I think everyone chose the school that was best suited for them!
7. The Community Center dance was the place to be.
Once you hit sixth grade you got the privilege to go to school dances at the community center. These dances were the talk of the month due to its dramatic events. They pretty much consisted of a crew of hyped up kids on candy and soda, dancing to songs that may or may not have been a little too risqué for preteens.
8. You've sided in the battle of 'The Whip' vs 'The Creamery'
The two best ice cream shops that exist. You’re either the type of person who has tried both and cannot decide on which one is better, or you are someone who is an extreme advocate for just one of them. There are always lines out to the street for each shop, so as a member of the Acushnet community you know the best times to get to each one.
9. Until this day, everyone says you're a great kid.
There must be something in the water because I have heard from teachers, employers, and so many other people that kids from Acushnet are the most polite, intelligent, and outgoing kids. So, if your hometown is Acushnet, take pride in yourself and where you come from because this town is filled with so many great memories and great people!
