What Makes My Community Special

by Ethan Busbee, courtesy Wagener Monthly

Settled among lots of pine trees is my very own special community, Wagener, SC.  The average passerby thinks this is some hick town in the middle of the sticks.  From my perspective, however, my community is truly special.  Wagener is a self-sufficient community where someone always has your back and there is always something to do. 

Who needs Wal-Mart when you have Family Dollar, Dollar General and, my personal favorite, Tyler Brothers?  If I need paper for school, I go to Dollar General.  If I need groceries, I go to The Pig, which, for those who haven't been exposed to rural life, that would be the Piggly Wiggly.  If I need the latest Guy Harvey or Carhartt apparel, I go to Tyler Brothers.  Apparently, I am not the only one who buys the latest Guy Harvey and Carhartt from Tyler Brothers because there are people who travel over two hours just to shop at Tyler Brothers.  Can't find Tyler Brothers in a big city!

In order for a small town to be self sufficient, everybody has to have their neighbors' back.  Whether you are pulling your truck out of the mud or just need someone to talk to, all you need to do in Wagener is reach out and ask for a helping hand.  Someone always shows up to help.

Living in Wagener, you never hear anyone with any gumption complain they are bored.  In a rural town, there is always work to be done.  Once the work is over, trust me, we know how to have fun!  We can go mud bogging on the dirt roads, fish in the river, campout in the woods, and turn an old car hood into a ton of fun.  When it snows, those city sleds cannot compare to a good old car hood and a four wheel drive!

If you have never lived in a rural community, I would suggest you try Wagener first because it is so special.  In my quaint rural community, self sufficiency is a must.  In my quaint rural community, everybody has each other's back.  In my quaint rural community, we never get bored.  In my quaint rural community, life is great!