We’re Number Four!

I live in Macomb, Illinois—population something under 20,000. I was not born or raised in Macomb but with the exception of two years at the University of Florida in Gainesville, I have spent the last 56 years here. I’m pretty much committed to the place.  I never expected that to be the case. When I arrived in 1964 from suburban Hinsdale, Illinois, as a freshman, I was quite apprehensive about the location. It seemed to me to be mostly about cows, corn, soybeans, barns, farmland, and people who spoke with a bit of a drawl. Yet, as a student I thrived participating in intramural sports, meeting what would become lifelong friends including my life-partner Diane, getting a job as a resident assistant which would define my life, and even getting a college education along the way.

Macomb has no professional sports teams, no Macy’s, no Capital Grille, no Magnificent Mile, no major museums, and no Lake Michigan. We also do not have much crime, no rush hour (unless you try to navigate the downtown Square at 5 p.m. on Friday) and certainly no false airs about who we are as a community. What we do have is a feeling, an ambiance if you will, that binds us together and allows us to live lives that are as exciting or tranquil as fits each of us. We have nice restaurants, tree-lined streets, excellent public services, a park system with something for everyone, fresh air, and a Chamber of Commerce that, with lots of other entities, provides myriad activities throughout the year.

The balloon rally, an arts festival, park n’ cruise car show, Heritage Days, library books sale, and seasonal farmers market are events offered in the community. A movie theater, a totally renovated downtown Square, and a state park a mere seven miles away are also found in the area.  Five or six times a year, the Flags of Love are raised to honor the men and women from McDonough County who served in the military whereby volunteers place flags around historic Chandler Park from sunrise to sunset. It is both breathtaking and impressive to watch the flags go up and then to gaze at the finished product as flags fly proudly in the wind celebrating those who served so we can live in this land of the free. 

Macomb was recently accorded recognition on the website realtor.com as one of the top ten most affordable small towns where you’d actually want to live in the United States.  We are number FOUR on the list.  How about that!!

Of course, Western Illinois University with talented sports teams, great faculty, music, art, drama, a marching band, and talented students is in Macomb.  Like waves on the shoreline, WIU is always here, a constant in the tumultuous world that surrounds us.  The university provides stability even as it adjusts to the changing dynamics of higher education.  Spoon River College provides another academic dimension making this a great place to live. Town/gown relations are excellent as everyone works together to provide an atmosphere that is accepting of diversity and encourages cooperative endeavors.  Our local school system thrives as well.  All three of our kids were able to carve out a path to their future and participate in the activities of their choosing.   

Macomb is also blessed with quality employment in local industry and twice daily Amtrak service to Chicago. Draw a circle around us, and we are located within 70 miles or so of Quincy, Quad Cities, Galesburg, Peoria, and Quincy. This allows us to enjoy all the perquisites of life in a small town while still having access to the big city. Citizens tend to take them for granted, but we also have an environment with quality police and fire protection. What’s neat is that we know the folks who serve in these jobs as they are our friends and neighbors. Same goes for City Hall with an easily accessible mayor and his staff.

Yet, for all of the aforementioned, what really makes life in a small-town work is “the people.”  We are by no means Mayberry; we do have issues over race, public priorities, and taxes. When a person lives in a town like Macomb, you are not a stranger. When I take my morning walk, people will holler out to me. A stroll around the Square is an adventure in who I’ll see with a nice conversation attached.  When entering a restaurant or attending a concert in Chandler Park, you’ll see at least one friendly face.  In a small town, citizens interact with folks who you really get to know, who care about you, and are there for you if you need them or even if you don’t. They will give you a ride uptown, pick up your mail when you’re out of town, and call if they haven’t seen you out in a while.  

Macomb has a wonderful hospital with a terrific staff of professionals. When COVID was raging, the CEO of the hospital worked with me to get four of his top administrators to appear on my local access tv show and alert citizens to the danger that surrounded us. The willingness of these doctors to reach out was heart warming while dealing with life and death situations.  

Is Macomb nirvana?  Of course not but it is a pretty nice place to live. I feel safe, I can socialize as much as I choose to do, I can get anywhere in nine minutes (Diane has timed it) or a little longer if a train comes a long or there are two red lights. I can go out for a lovely meal and be assured of good service or I can do carryout and enjoy a meal at home. Want to read a book? Macomb has a quality library the director keeps up-to-date.

Recently, I spoke at the funeral of Dr. Malcolm “Mac” Torgerson, former department chair of Marketing and Finance, at WIU who lived to be 100. The minister in charge kidded me a bit about my remarks, and it was all in good taste. The next week I was getting a haircut and my barber said, “This one’s for free.”  I inquired why and he said, “The minister thought you did a fine job at Mac’s funeral, and he wanted to say thank you.”  

There you have it.  Life in a small town.