Last week I shared some old photos of Forman on our Facebook
page. After I post these pieces of city history I’m always amazed at the number of comments and
reactions. My favorite thing to see happening on these vintage pictures is watching
Forman residents reconnecting. They maybe haven’t been in contact in years but
a comment on an old photo suddenly has classmates or neighbors reminiscing
together. A photo has an amazing ability to bring back memories of another
time, like it was just yesterday.
Seeing the comments
and connections posted I was reminded of our city motto. We are a Forever
Hometown. Whether you are coming, going, or here right now we want Forman to be
that place that brings back a smile on your face as you recall your first job, that neighbor who was like a grandma to you, or playing baseball out by the
fairgrounds.
Another great thing about sharing old photos is that people
who have longer memories can recall dates and locations to help us identify businesses
or houses that are no longer standing. We’re always on the look out for more
photos of Forman, so if you have any to share with us we would be grateful.
While looking at pictures from the earlier days of the town
is a delightful walk down memory lane, it can become easy to compare those days
to now days. Sometimes those comparisons can lead to discouragement. “Wouldn’t
it be great to have a theater again?”, “ I remember when Main Street was full
of businesses and now look at it.” “I never thought we wouldn’t have an open
grocery store.” While it’s important to be realistic about where we are
currently and be serious in addressing challenges, we should never forget the
positives as well.
Main Street might be quieter but there are a half dozen
businesses on the highway that were never there years ago, not to mention a new
housing development to the south. While retail services are not as plentiful
we’re seeing growth in service industries and manufacturing in our area.
Growing up in Forman in the eighties and nineties I remember walking past an
empty lot on Maple Ave for years. Today that lot is home to a large industrial
building that is part of a growing business.
Multiple sources show our median age as being younger than
many other parts of the state. Young people are moving back or settling in
town for the first time to enjoy the safety and relaxed pace that small town
life has to offer. We have a museum and a wellness center that would be the
envy of many communities, as well as new assisted living facility and a recently
expanded nursing home.
As we work to come up with viable options for Main Street
spaces and attracting businesses and growth in town we remember where we came
from, but we also have faith in a bright future for our Forever Hometown. We hope you'll join us with your ideas and energy to make Forman a better place in 2020.
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