Start where you are, use what you have
By Joanna Brazil
Director, Peabody Main Street Association
When you think Peabody, what is it you see? Is it fireworks? 1880s Main Street? Is it Indian Guide and our Native American history? POW history? What is it that makes Peabody stand out among other communities? These are the proverbial questions that seem to come up every time we work on a project. Most recently, as we completed our community brochure, prepared Peabody's booth for the Sampler Fest, develop the strategic plan, design welcome signs, the website
Image is the very thing that makes us automatically recognize a Coca-Cola when we see a red and white cola can. It's that thing that helped us identify Guess jeans or Ked sneakers (am I revealing my age?) even from a distance. It's a brand. So as various committees, organizations, and the city work together on various wonderful projects, we find ourselves asking that question, "How do we define Peabody?" This usually is followed with pondering what it is about our fantastic community that first brought us here or keeps us here. We then contemplate things about Peabody that will pull drivers off U.S.-50 to discover our charming businesses and attractions.
I often think of a line said by Arthur Ashe, "To achieve greatness, start where you are, use what you have, do what you can." That sounds simple enough, right?
So, we apply this to Peabody. We understand that first we must build on our strengths. There are many of them, so which is the one(s) we pick to run with?
I am curious about what it is about Peabody that you absolutely love. What is it about Peabody that brings you a smile when you think about this community?
I asked myself this question and had many things flash through my mind (and smiles). I remember my first visit to Peabody was over the Fourth of July. I laughed many times as I got to see some of the personalities in the community before I even met any of you. Between the Peabody Fourth traditions, the entertaining parade, the random Santa cruising down Main Street, the amazing fireworks, and the way everyone seemed to enjoy each other, I knew this was a community that felt good and comfortable, like a favorite hooded sweatshirt.
I also have developed a sincere appreciation for this community's preserved historic buildings, for the interesting history of Peabody's silk station, POW camp, Indian Guide (which I am hoping someone will educate me about, I only know tidbits and it sounds fascinating), horse racing, and historic events such as a long history of hosting the Fourth of July celebration and the state fair in 1885.
We have some unique and wonderful businesses in Peabody that have many treasures. Antiques, gifts, books, unique items, high quality furniture, home accessories, tasty foods (even fresh homegrown and handmade foods and products) and just about every household necessity and/or needed service are found in our quaint little village.
What I find interesting is that all of Peabody's various strengths share a common link: people. Events, unique businesses, preservation of the past in our museums, and preserved buildings
So what will be our legacy? What will the great-great-great-grandchildren of Peabody think about their ancestors and what we are doing now? What will Peabody look like in 20, 50, 100, 300 years from now? As said best by Neal Donald Walsh, "The only way to predict the future is to create it."
Earlier, I asked you what it is about Peabody that you absolutely love. What is it about Peabody that brings you a smile when you think about this community? Please consider this question and send me your answers via mail at 300 N. Walnut, Peabody KS 66866 or e-mail pmsa@peabodyks.com. Where would you like to see Peabody in 50 or 100 years? Okay, what about next year? "Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can."
