Plains, GA Rain – 73 Degrees
I haven’t answered to question, “What’s it like?” in a while. It’s like changing schools all the time. My poor son knows all too well that dynamic as he went to a new school every year from K-3 grade. You arrive feeling a little alone and tentative about what the people will be like. You meet and engage with strangers during your first few days and before you know it you are part of the group even though in your heart you know it will be short-lived.
Our first impression of Plains has been formed and we are getting used to the casual pace of this small SW Georgia town. I started my time here as I normally do with a recommended book that gives me a feel for the area we have landed in for the next 90 days. I am reading a book written by Jimmy Carter called An Hour Before Day Light. It is a memoir of his childhood. Aside from the stories of his youth it is a very good narrative of life in a segregated southern, rural community from pre-depression era to the Civil Rights movement. I highly recommend it if you are interested in the culture of this part of the country.
I’m learning quickly that southern culture in Georgia is very different from southern culture in Texas. The NPS dominates the commercial property here. Plains downtown district is a single street 2 blocks long that includes a women’s boutique store, a very good restaurant called The Buffalo Café, 2 souvenir shops, a pharmacy and two veterinarians. (Good since my Buster is due for shots) By far the busiest place in town is the Dollar General a block south of Main Street. Aside from two gas station/convenience stores it is closest thing to a grocery store in town. We’ve learned in our travels, and knack for ending up in small towns, that Dollar General is wisely improving and enlarging their stores in the very small towns. Goliad, our location last winter, had just opened a beautiful new one. The one in Plains is large, clean and has a nice variety of things that will prevent many trips the 10 miles to Americus where the larger stores are located.
The Plains Peanut store, that sells all things peanut and Jimmy Carter, is open daily till 6pm. They have PB Ice Cream which made Champ’s eyes twinkle when we were told about it. I think that will be a regular haunt for us this winter.
The people are laid back and friendly. The dichotomy of the segregated neighborhoods is obvious, though now it is a sort of self-segregation rather than legislated. There is a stark economic line in town that ironically seems to be divided by the rail road tracks the go East/West through town. The other side of the tracks is a literal thing here. The only apparent industry is the Peanut Plant and a seed cooperative. With Secret Service and town police present, Plains is quite subdued and I think maybe one of the safest places in the United States. Given its population of only 800, the Cop to Citizen ratio is quite high. The other unusual factor is that there are often celebrities in town to visit the Carters, adding even more private security detail. I think it is one of the most interesting places I have ever been. Small town stereotypes are constantly dispelled by the fact that such a high-profile couple calls this place home and moves about town as if they don’t care how famous they are. It is an interesting social dynamic, or dare I say struggle. The big fish in this small pond is very big!
There are 9 churches here, no bars. I chuckled at that since in the Midwest bars and churches seem to take up equal space in small towns. Plains is a proper town, ask anyone who has spent their life here. I learned from my book that when it was incorporated in 1896, decided by it's founders that it was to be a ‘good Christian community’ that would not sell alcohol or allow prostitution. The two convenience stores sell beer so in 130 or so years they seem to have eased up some. At least there are no hookers on the corner next to the Peanut Store!
We were told upon arrival that we would be welcome and any church we decide to attend. The statement implied an assumption that we would want to go to church each Sunday. Church is the very center of the life here. I will go once this winter for my own selfish reasons. Hopefully, I don't burst into flames as I enter.
We have met most of the Ranger staff and other volunteers. Some of whom are stationed here in our RV park area, and some local volunteers, who are quite engaging and open. One of the seasonal rangers is leaving this weekend and we were invited out to her going away dinner last night. We left the restaurant feeling welcome and in the midst of a very nice group of people.
When the rain stops this weekend I’ll get out and take some pictures for next time.
Until then…
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