Ivan Matthews

Fort Hickok: a Green Community Ivan Matthews

Oceans of ripe wheat bending in the wind, the smell of fresh cut alfalfa, and the thought of juicy strawberries on shortcake are things that go with living in Fort Hickok. The strip mall may suggest an old time frontier fort, but beneath this facade is a realistic planned development of shops and services to the patrons that go there. People thirst for new experiences and forms of entertainment, and some of the most delightful and educational experiences can be watching basic food making processes take place, such as wheat milling, cheese making, and baking breads, pastries, and other fattening delicacies. When is the last time you watched a cow being milked or a bunch of frisky pigs playing in their food? And the little calves and chicks in the hen house are also a treat to see. This isn't make believe folks, it is a real and everyday part of rural America, and you owe it to yourself and your children to be a part of this down to earth human drama. So let's revive the "we can do it" spirit that has made America the great place it is and show the world that we can live within our means and can be very happy doing so.