Norman Rockwell was a master of illustration and representing the American people through his art. And in many of the small towns we have been passing through, I have been reminded of his legacy. The towns are neatly laid out with churches, schools and libraries supported by their local communities as he portrayed it so many times.
But in many of these towns that are off the beaten track but on the bicycle route, there is an overall malaise and decay that cannot be missed. Today we stayed in South Charleston readying ourselves for tomorrow’s 50-mile-plus ride to north of Columbus. Entering the town is lovely with a new park that is backed by well-maintained homes and lawns. The old railroad depot sits adjacent to two restored cabooses in a park-like setting.
But once we enter town, things change.
The houses are in different states of repair. Some are well-kept but many of the homes with a long history are in need of much work. They are lovely but well past their prime and need attention. There is little traffic in the town and the few shops that exist close early.
Ironically, as Ted and I walk the town we are astonished at all the hidden beauty and potential. A huge grain storage facility rises behind the town’s lone supermarket with many large silver cylinders dwarfing anything else in town. A freight train approaches the town with its plaintive whistle warning of its impending arrival. Architecturally lovely houses grace the main thoroughfare. South Charleston is not unique in this distinction; many other towns we have been to share these characteristics.
It used to be like this in many towns along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), which Ted and I have travelled. They have been restored to the vision that Norman Rockwell so loved and represented with his art. Hopefully that can be replicated in Ohio.
