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 Middlefield, NY, is a rural community
with a spirit and pride that will make you feel good all over
Article and photo
by Eric H.
Over the hill and not too far
away from Cooperstown, N.Y., resides a community that looks nothing
like the famed baseball village. The most activity going on here
might be browsing a low-key holiday fair or stopping your car
to let cows cross the street.
Many of the people in the small
rural town of Middlefield, N.Y., are not wealthy, but find ways
to survive. The love of their community allows them to revel
in the fresh mountain air, the art of farming and the hard work
that goes with it, and beautiful scenery and friendly neighbors,
making this an authentic representation of our great country.
Our family attended an autumn
fair in Oct. 2004 at the The Old Middlefield Schoolhouse Museum
-- a warm and inviting former school that houses a collection
of artifacts, printed materials and photographs relating to the
history of the Town of Middlefield. Some local vendors sold their
goods outside, and others came by to eat hot dogs, hamburgers,
tell stories and see some good friends. The feeling was relaxed
as the bluegrass band played authentic bluegrass music -- not
the kind you hear on the assembly line, urban country music format
radio stations. People danced in the rain and children ran around
an imperfect playing field and through a maze made out of hay,
all surrounded by the cool, crisp fall air and stunning fall
foliage. You had to wonder what the next several months would
bring for some of the people -- some with few teeth and tattered
clothing -- the cold, harsh winters can be unforgiving in Leatherstocking
Country -- but one suspects that they would be just fine, seeing
them in their old age rejoice in another season.
In Middlefield and some surrounding
rural communities, there are people who live in beautifully maintained
farmhouses worthy of a Home and Garden Television (HGTV) special
and others who live in homes in real need of repair; many of
them came together on this grand country day. The wealthier crowd
mixed well with the impoverished, wishing each other well and
giving hugs. Special attention and kindness was offered to some
developmentally disabled children who had an absolute ball at
this community event. It was touching to see so many different
types of people connecting, enough to bring a tear to the eye.
It just felt so right.
As I looked across the field
and saw this fine mix of solid Americans, the feeling hit me
that this was the real life. Absent were the strip malls, fast
food chains, and the "anytown USA" look of rampant
commercialism, heavy traffic and lost highways. Middlefield is
different, for it is internally and externally exquisite from
the soul of its people to the unspoiled rural surroundings. We'll
be back soon with big smiles on our faces and a deep respect
for the residents and their lovely land, making one wonder why
it is said at the end of a vacation, "Well, time to return
to civilization." Funny, I thought, this is civilization
right here.
For more information on
Cooperstown, NY, view the Cooperstown
Travel Library, Attractions Resource
Guide, Calendar of Events, Dining and Lodging sections, and photo gallery
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