This Place Matters - Small Town America

This book is about one small American community. It is not about any one person, even though there are "significant characters" in this story. Rather, it is about many so-called ordinary people who have the characteristics Horace Mann described and Arthur Morgan expanded on and have shown an interest and ability to do things or even to try to do things to improve that community - their community - Snohomish, Washington. How is it one small Western Washington town named "Snohomish" prospers, while many other small towns lack re-investments and loss of identity?How does Snohomish maintain its historic character and quality of life in the face of a rapidly changing environment?How does this small community continue to grow without losing its heart and soul, its scenic beauty and sense of community?How does Snohomish capitalize on its distinctive assets - its architecture, history, natural surroundings, and home-grown businesses?How can living or working in a small town like Snohomish have more appeal and opportunity than big cities?How is it that when someone says, "Ask John," hundreds of people know who you're talking about?In 1973, the residents of Snohomish rejected the recommendations of an expensive, so-called expert consulting firm to tear down their business community and start over. Instead, and for many reasons, the residents identified the assets they already had and built on those (a lesson most consulting firms now accept as 'common sense'). Snohomish, the town I chose to live in, was, and remains, an amazing place! A Place That Matters!I was a witness to many amazing community-building events and projects. I took notes as carefully as possible and now, through this book, I share my notes and some from others about this wonderful place with wonderful Americans who live in "sdoh-doh-hohbsh."