Style has gone out the window and has been replaced with convenience and economy. Now we have metal buildings instead of brick, cars that all look the same, music created by pimply-faced adolescents who got their training playing drums in their garage. I could go on but let me get back to the firemen.

All of the firemen shown in the 1954 photo endured the Great Depression of the 1930's. Many of them fought in World War II and even one fought in World War I (Walter Oncken). These men knew hard times and they certainly appreciated the freedom that they fought so hard for. Surviving adversity is a good way to appreciate what you have or could have lost. That generation of men was a tough breed.

Like the current firemen, those firemen in 1954 were also hardworking active members of the community. Mayor John Ketchmark was a plumber. Fire Chief G. H. Leffers was a carpenter, Babe Smith an electrician, Otto Durre was a mechanic, John Hattan ran a service station. Most were native sons who stayed in Minonk to work and raise a family.

Minonk has changed considerably since then. With the changes in opportunity, many of Minonk's young people left town for good to pursue their life's work elsewhere. This meant that a greater burden was placed on the people who stayed in Minonk to carry on the community functions. A greater proportion of Minonk's population now consists of retired people.

As a person who is approaching sixty and attempting a semi-retired life-style, I suggest that those individuals like myself consider their retirement as an opportunity to make a contribution to the community. A small community like Minonk does not have the financial resources like the wealthy suburbs. We have to depend on volunteerism from local citizens. Too many times people retire and then fade into obscurity. That is a waste to the individual as well as to the community.

This summer Craig Meyer is organizing work for painting the downtown buildings. The Fourth of July committee always needs some help. City Hall can use extra help in doing work around the city. Getting involved is a good way to enrich your life as well as prolonging it. Try not to equate work with having to make money. I worked 36 years writing computer programs for money for clients who would give me all kinds of headaches. Now I am doing a web site for free to provide news for the residents of Minonk and, so far, the feedback has been very positive. Believe me, the latter is more rewarding.

Whether you are a native or a transplant, Minonk can only improve through the involvement of its citizens. We all have a vested interest in making Minonk a better place to live.

Spring is back