Comments on: Struggling on Main Street

By: Sally Jeppson

Sally Jeppson — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:55:00 +0000

Joe Davis & Anon: Thanks for all the great suggestions. Your perspectives are appreciated.

By: anon

anon — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:33:03 +0000

I have seem many small towns that have kept their economy thriving. What is it that draw people to them? Charm , they have kept the old buildings as they were 50+ years ago. It is the desire of tourists and visitors to go back to the past. The shops are small with a specialty to sale. The Haut building could be such a place with small shops inside that are not modern but have the charm of the past. I remember the bank as it was 40 years ago with its brick exterior and entrance at the corner. Most of the other charming old buildings are gone. The movie theater is one of the interesting buildings and keep it that way. They could offer old classic movies once a month. If advertised, it could draw old movie enthusiasts from other towns.
Matinee movies with free popcorn is fun for all.

For the park:
Add a bocce court where the over 60 citizens can play and gather at least twice a week.
Benches, place strategically, can encourage people to just sit and enjoy the outdoors.
A walking path in the park with mile posts will encourage people to walk or jog.
Start walking groups which meet in the park.
Have checkers boards painted on tables with checkers available to check out.

By: Joe Davis

Joe Davis — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:14:16 +0000

I think street dances, perhaps combined with the farmer’s market would be pretty neat too. Gackle is a charming town and it has the potential to draw in folks who don’t want to spend the fuel money to go elsewhere.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:01:07 +0000

I have a few ideas on how you guys can save the little town of Gackle. Have some street dances with an entry fee to make some extra money to keep things in town going. The town of Gackle is mostly elderly. In order for Gackle to grow you need to find ways to get a younger generation interested in moving to Gackle. Try coming up with ideas that suit better to the younger generation, or try to collaborate and get both generations involved more. Have some dances, or do a big July 4th Blow-out again like you had in 2004 for your Cenntenial. Think of way back when. What made Gackle a successful town 20, 30, 40 years ago.