A Tale of Two Cities
Have you ever driven through communities of our state and wonder what is going on? Seeing new things popping up everywhere that aren't Dollar General. Looking at them and thinking why not us. Believing that if we just had this or that our town would start to flourish. It passes through my mind constantly when I am traveling. After being back here for 20+ years I have started to do more than wonder why and to question those who have the reigns.
I have in mind two cities. When we moved back to MS they both were approximately the same size, demographically alike, and possessing the same physical and natural attributes. To watch the change in each isn't staggering because to some that aren't familiar with each it isn't awe inspiring. But it has been a change that is constant and to see it is inspiring in that we are so alike. But therein lays the rub.
In 1990, Wiggins and Quitman were approximately 3-4 hundred souls apart. Demographically we were close as to incomes, households, size, and population density. In fact up until 2000's Quitman had an edge in per capita income. Both were mostly small farming type communities with the stores and downtown areas alike. Both are county seats. Both had freshwater rivers flowing freely nearby and Pat Harrison Water Parks built upon adjacent creeks. Both had a wood mill and new business springing up. Both had been bypassed (or in the process of being) by a new four lane highway headed to the coast. Educationally alike. It seemed like when I passed through there you would almost expect to see the same people walking around, like they were interchangeable movie sets.
Since those dates, the population of Wiggins has increased 40%. The town has grown out and encompassed the four lane bypass and new construction abounds. Walmart, along with numerous other chain and fast foods have bloomed out on the four lanes. Every time I pass there is something new. Downtown has revitalized with most of the old shops full of business. Cars pass through and pull in to shop and eat. It looks and is busy, and is attractive, and I'm sure that everyone involved is happy.
As I pass around Quitman, almost daily, on the four lanes I see nothing. Yes, there is a fairly new sign there that gives one a couple of choices of foods but you rarely see anyone of the thousands of vehicles that drive through Clarke County weekly without stopping unless they are at the local parks. Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas families are regulars with the occasional other state traveler. Going to the coast without leaving their dollars here because there is nothing to stop them. Is that the reason why our population has declined 20% in that same time period? Is there a reason why this hasn't been made part of Quitman? Is there a reason why we don't resemble Wiggins anymore? I don't get it. You will hear some more about this. Until next week. ags
