It has been, and continues to be, a very interesting community in which we live, the City of Clinton, North Carolina. Being raised in McDaniel’s crossroads, Clinton was ‘big city’ and a daunting place indeed. It is the place of the county seat, and the place that ‘sets the tone’ for our county and surrounding communities. It is not perfect, but I wouldn’t trade it for any other place in the world.
Having the opportunity to travel somewhat has afforded me the opportunity to visit other communities, and rest assured, none even comes close to Clinton, or Sampson County for that matter. Visiting a lot of nice places and meeting nice people, they all eventually look good in the rear view mirror as I return to the place and people I love. If for no other reason, that is why this place is special, at least to me, and, possibly to you.
In my line of work, I come into contact with a lot of folks from other parts of our great nation. I always enjoy taking the time to take them downtown, and show them what a real southern city looks like or at least, in my opinion, should look like. Centered on the county courthouse, our town spreads its tentacles in many directions, with both housing as well as business areas. It is interesting to me that the city is centered on our hall of justice. That tends to tell this observer that right and wrong, and justice, were very important to the folks that originally established this community. It was so important, in fact, they made it the centerpiece of their community. It remains so even until this day.
Another interesting observation about our fair city is that you drive in virtually any direction from that center of the community (the courthouse) and you run directly into a place of worship. So immediately behind it being a civil community, these folks treasured their freedom of religion, and it is, indeed, reflected in the very fabric of their community and the manner in which it is laid out. To me, that speaks volumes about where I live, and the people who founded my community. As the song goes, if that is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
The next time you get the opportunity to ride through our community, make note of what you see. It may give you some clues to what our founding fathers were thinking. No, it’s not perfect, but I wouldn’t trade it for any other place in the world.
Post a Comment
