How do you save a small town? (Pekin, East St. Louis: jobs, crime)

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Bradley-Thomas

If you don't have anything good to say about the home of my ancestors, of which I am proud to be a native inspite of the negativity, don't say a damn thing at all, please. thank you

Good Lord. All she did was mention she's interested in a book about the subject. What on earth is your issue?

[aragx6]

You can be mad at jojojohnson for joking about something important to you, but whether you or I like it, he/she's not wrong.

I think everyone can agree the are has major major problems.

[jojojohnson76]

Uh, jojojohnson wasn't joking. That is Brooklyn, whether you like it or not.

here is my "damn thing."

I will say it again; Brooklyn is a gas station and 2 strip clubs.

Where do you live now? What do you know about it? I live about 5 miles to it in Fairview Heights. I've been to Brooklyn. I've been to East St. Louis. I've been to Washington Park. I am not talking from 600 miles away going off of what my sisters friends aunts mother-in-law told her.

[aragx6]

You're right it's not joking- I think what I meant was more taking the situation more lightly than Bradley-Thomas would like. But I was sticking up for you- what you speak is truth.

[via chicago]

Theres little to nothing one small town can do to bring people back. You can market the little quirks but in the end its not going to save it. It will take the region, and a regional focus...you have to look at the bigger picture, and why the midwest has declined in stature, and what it will take to bring it back. You may find this Tribune feature of use:
Can the Midwest regain its economic clout? -- chicagotribune.com

[jojojohnson76]

Originally Posted by aragx6

You're right it's not joking- I think what I meant was more taking the situation more lightly than Bradley-Thomas would like. But I was sticking up for you- what you speak is truth.

Oh yes, I know you weren't joking, I guess I was just re-iterating what you said. 8)

[fantasymaker]

Originally Posted by jojojohnson76

Uh, jojojohnson wasn't joking. That is Brooklyn, whether you like it or not.

here is my "damn thing."

I will say it again; Brooklyn is a gas station and 2 strip clubs.

.

I think the gas station is gone someone stole it and put up a stripclub.


Funny thing it could be the greatest location in the area but no one wants it the way it is.

[linicx]

If Brooklyn is the oldest black town in America, this IS historical. Do you have schools, churches? Maybe one of those is the oldest in America, or the oldest in your county. You need a Chamber of Commerce if you don't already have one. What about the library? Is it a Carnegie library?

Do you have lakes or rivers or a state/national forest nearby? What is your county noted for ie: prime farmland, fishing, hunting, certain cash crops?

If you want the tourist dollar, you either promote the nightlife - which isn't family orientated - or you create a nature-based tourism to promote Brooklyn. Start by interviewing seniors to learn Brooklyn history and build on it.

Nearly 40 years ago, a group in Lewistown, the county seat of Fulton County, started Spoon River Drive. The annual event brings every town in the county to life through century old clothing, baking, farming and hand-made crafts. Held the first two weendends in October this event attracts 50,000 or more visitors every year to Fulton County.. .

The Marigold Parade in Pekin, the county seat of Tazewell County was so named to honor the love of the lowly flower by native son Sen. Everett Dircksen who tried in vain to make it the national flower. It's really a simple parade with carnival nearby, but it has a hook: The Medallion Hunt.
Clues to the location of the medallion (in poetic/rhyming form) are aired by local radio stations and printed in newspaper daily for seven days. On the last day the location is revealed IF the medallion was still hidden. The first year the medallion was hidden in front of the police department and the grand prize (there is only one winner) was a black/white 13" tv from a local tv store and a $25 savings bond from the bank. Last year the grand prize was a trip for four to Hawaii including air fare, hotels, events and pocket change.

It takes organization, a belief that a few CAN re-invent the city, and time. A lot of time. Time takes time to pass ... and sometimes it seems too slow. And don't forget to believe in what you are doing.

[jojojohnson76]

^^ If you've never been to Brooklyn, visit there, and then re-visit your suggestions.

[Manigault]

I have been to Brooklyn. Per the reprinted information, most of town revenue comes from strip clubs and speed traps for the unwary.

Now, if you are trying to preserve its existence, try to make the casino hire some area residents, improve the schools and insert some industry. It won't be easy.