Characteristics of Mayberry-like towns

[maharmon]

 As I've mentioned before, my radio show includes a Mayberry Corner where we 
ask a trivia question related to the AGS, play music/sound clips from the show, 
and give out recipes (thanks for the horseradish pickle recipe). We have now 
expanded "The Corner" to include asking our listeners to tell us if they 
believe the town they live in or grew up in is like Mayberry. As we begin 
investigating and interviewing folks from these towns, I was wondering if you 
folks can help come up with a list of characteristics that would qualify a town 
to be called Mayberry-like. I have my own ideas, but I wanted to come to the 
experts. I look forward to hearing from you. 
 
 FYI: The first town we are investigating is Fairbury, Nebraska. If you know 
anything about that town, I'd appreciate your input on that topic also. Thanks, 
for your help! Marti "The Red Rooster Party", whus.org, Sundays 2-4pm EDT. 
Besides The Mayberry Corner, we also play roots music.
  

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Mayberry-like towns

[Janet Anderson]

>>>Not sure if this has ever been mentioned before, but I would like to know if 
>>>any of you are aware of any modern Mayberry-like towns where there is a 
>>>sherriff who is kind of similar to Andy, and where there are nice, downhome 
>>>folks who really love and care for one another.<<<

Yes, Valerie, there are still small towns with a Mayberry-type atmosphere.  One 
of them is Clay City, Indiana, with a population of just over a thousand.  I 
grew up about ten miles from Clay City and went to high school there.  The 
friendly folks of Clay City are proud of their town and are determined to keep 
it a viable place to live, work, and do business.

The town made headlines a few years ago when it decided to adopt the slogan 
"Mayberry of the Midwest."  They felt that their town had many of the qualities 
that made the fictional Mayberry so special and wanted to identify with it.  
(This was before New Castle, Indiana, started using "Mayberry *in* the Midwest" 
for its Mayberry events.)  Two residents were even invited to appear on the 
"Today" show to talk about it, and newspapers across the nation carried 
articles about the town.  Since then, prominent signs at each of the town's 
three main entry points declare "Welcome to Clay City, Indiana, Mayberry of the 
Midwest."

Clay City doesn't have a sheriff because its not the county seat.  However, for 
the past several years, the town has owned its own Mayberry squad car.  Two 
local residents dress in uniforms like Andy and Barney and drive the car in 
many local parades, including the town's annual 4-H fair parade. 

To see a photo of the sign and read more about Clay City, go to 
www.claycity.net<http://www.claycity.net/>.

Thelma Lou
(Janet)

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