I Could Live in a Small Town
Author
Published
10/20/2024
Jennifer Marshall grew up in Milford, Utah but learned the ropes of ranching on her grandfather’s farm in Panguitch. So, it wasn’t a huge stretch that when she married her husband, Sid, they moved to Minersville and started ranching in Beaver County.
Jennifer is a wife, mother, and grandmother, while also keeping things running smoothly at Bar-F-Ranch. You might say that is more than enough to keep her busy, but not for Jennifer. She is a committed Farm Bureau volunteer at the county and state levels. She serves on the city council, mentors young women, and is the facilities manager for the Beaver/Minersville campground and reservoir.
Jennifer Marshall (center) and her husband Syd (right) at the 'Give Cancer the Boot' fundraiser.
When Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer recently, her fight became her community’s fight. Becky Pendleton, a Minersville resident, saw a need and organized a community dinner and auction fundraiser. Word-of-mouth and social media carried the news of the “Give Cancer the Boot” event.
Five hundred people poured into the Minersville fairground, carrying donated items for the auction and food for the dinner. The Muddy Boots Band played live music, there was a bounce house for the children, and a dessert truck was open selling desserts made from scratch by local families. Auction items donated by local businesses and community members were placed up for bid.
That night nearly $40,000 was raised for Marshall’s medical bills from a community with a population of 855 people. Jennifer was overwhelmed by the donation and that people cared so much and wanted to help.
You couldn’t have been there and not be moved by it—all of it. The message was clear, in Minersville, they take care of their own. There was a sense of belonging and stability.
I drove away thinking, “I could live in a small town.” It got me wondering what else living in a small town brings.
Slowing Down
I remembered that one summer years ago when I in charge of a company picnic being held in Richfield. When I got to the park, the pavilion was dirty and needed to be swept. So, I drove to the local grocery store and ran in to get a broom and dustpan. On the way out of the store, an older gentleman in overalls stopped me and asked, “What are you in such a hurry for?” His question stopped me in my hurried tracks! I replied, “I don’t know.” And for just a few minutes we chatted about his garden, his family, and the mice he needed to trap.
People slow down in small towns. Life seems more relaxed with fewer distractions. I could live in a small town.
In Newton, Utah, the Newton Town Celebration is held every July 24th with a community movie, fireworks, a volleyball tournament, and a horseshoe competition. Everyone turns out for the celebration. It’s a tradition that brings former residents back to Cache County each year because they know it’s where they’ll see all their friends. Small-town community events, powered by long-held traditions, create memories that bind residents together.
The Newton Market has the best hamburgers around. “It’s kind of like a gas station without the gas,” says Jori Herzog. “It’s where all the locals gather to drink coffee and shoot the breeze, except for Sundays—they’re closed on Sundays.” I could live in a small town.
A Place for Everyone
Troy Henrie grew up in Panguitch and says the best thing about a small town is multigenerational connections—growing up close to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It’s a large support system. Troy also loves that because his children attended small schools and had many opportunities to participate in every sport. Even if they weren’t the most talented players, they had a place on multiple teams. That helped his children learn to show up, do their best, grow their abilities, and create strong bonds with their classmates.

Some people see more cons to living in a small town – “there’s nothing to do”, fewer entertainment choices, everyone knows your business, there are fewer job opportunities, and in small towns, there’s limited shopping and limited restaurants and take-out.
There is another way to view all the cons. Fewer entertainment choices allow for more peace and quiet and there’s time to enjoy nature. Maybe the “Everyone knows your business” argument is a two-edged sword. Knowing what’s going on in the lives of your community members allows you to show up and help out. It can foster close-knit communities. It’s true there are fewer stores and restaurants, but locally-owned small businesses give back to the community.
Maybe the singer John Mellencamp says it best in his song, “Small Town”.
“Well, I was born in a small town
And I live in a small town
Probably die in a small town
Oh, those small communities
No, I cannot forget where it is that I come from
I cannot forget the people who love me
Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town
And people let me be just what I want to be
Got nothing against a big town
Still hayseed enough to say
Look who’s in the big town
But my bed is in a small town
Oh, and that’s good enough for me”
Belonging and connection are the hallmarks of living in a small town. I could live in a small town.
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