Why is Montello, Wisconsin so mean? (Sheboygan, Manitowoc: transplants, work, house)

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by Drover

You know what? I don't want to talk about Montello with you. I've lived in sucky places before, but for Godsake, I got over it and got on with my life instead of letting it traumatize me for years. In fact I make a concerted effort not to badmouth those places on these forums out of respect for the people that still live in those places and like where they live. I don't like it when people run down where I live so I try not to do the same to other places no matter how much I dislike them. I will still share my honest opinions on those places but I try to be diplomatic about it. And I sure wouldn't start a thread specifically to whine about what a terrible place it is. I'm sorry you had a bad experience in Montello, but your inability to let go and move on suggests that it had less to do with the city itself than you're willing to admit.

Well said !

[Cactus Sam]

Heartbroken 2004, I have been reading this thread which started in 2006.

We went through similar circumstances in a small town in Iowa. We were able to sell at a loss, also - and moved to the other side of the country. We couldn't get far enough away from that place.

I am so glad to hear that you are out of there! Yay for you!!!

I noticed that many of the people who disagreed with your post were born there, or in the area.

Well, that basically reinforced what you were saying!

Congratulations for getting out of a place you dislike, and enjoy your new life!

[heartbroken2004]

Cactus Sam, THANK YOU! We are very happy now, and I see you are too, from your post that starts, "We moved to Iowa in the late 1990's...." It's good to be able to put on the Internet how it really was in Montello. I do hope I've made someone, somewhere, aware of how it can be in that town. I'd never seen anything like that before, and I hope never to see it again.

Some of the replies I've gotten have been rather rude, and one of my responses to such a reply was actually reported to a moderator and deleted as a "personal attack." I really didn't think I was being any more rude than anyone else on the forum, but apparently there are rules I'm not aware of. Sounds like Montello!

The thing I needed from this forum, which was a chance to tell the world what I had observed in that town, I have gotten; and it actually helped that some of the people who disagreed with me, such as the one who said "Montello just doesn't like tourists or newcomers," demonstrated how these people think much better than I could have!

[spieker]

Alright, you guys are scaring me. I'm planning on moving back to WI, but hopefully Sheboygan Co not Montello. I've lived in the Pacific Northwest for 18 years and have to say that the complaints about people not being friendly are true everywhere I've lived here.The diference here is they act very friendly but it's just superficial. They don't want to go beyond that. I think sometimes the older we get the harder it is to make friends. And it must be true everywhere that if a person has a lot of family and or friends there is a "full up" point where there is just no time for anymore. And considering that introverts do not have need for a lot of friends that takes away a segment of people right there.

What is also worrying me after reading this thread is the conservatism. Are there really still people whe sign there names Mrs. husbands first name, husband's last name? Whew. I suppose I better do a lot more research.

Thanks for everyone's comments.

[nanannie]

There is no one town that is all one way. What is this "Village of the Damned" ? Its time to take inventory of ones own actions and attitudes even thouigh its far easier to say something is wrong with a whole town and you are a victim. Sorry it didnt work out but there are alot of other towns to choose from.. Why are you attracting these people into your life. There ARE other choices no matter where you live.

[3River]

Seems odd to see so many people with opions about Montello. Most of them have either never been to Montello or don't have a good understanding of what the city is. I've lived here for over 40 years. The locals are mostly very nice. They want the same as every other person in America with small home town values. It's hard when "big city outsiders" move into a small city and are to good for the town. Then the locals are not friendly enough or something else is wrong because the outsider doesn't fit in. Montello is then just a hick town with no future. It is a nice town where people care about their neighbors. They care about their community, churches and school. And yes, sometimes it is nice to see people like heartbroker move away. We want to grow, we want to prosper and we want to enjoy life like everyone. Some people are sad where ever they are, and if that is the case with heartbroken, I hope you are happy where ever you are and I'm sure we are too.

[ekg56]

3 River, well put. We have friends that have lived in Montello for the past 10 years and they love it. Started out with a weekend place about 15 years and then 5 years later they made the move to Montello. We have been down to visit and loved the town.
We've eaten at Burreson's and found the staff wonderful. Also Mike and Cathy's Good Old Days has some great ribs.
Also have visited the Copper Penny Ranch. Great artsy stuff.

[3River]

Thank you ekg56. You are always welcome in Montello and I bet you feel that way.

[antiquer51012]

We move around a lot so have had both good and bad experiences in communities. Here are some basic rules that might help any who have to relocate.

1. Do not expect people who have lived in one community to welcome you with open arms - they have no desire to add you to their inner circle.
2. Find people who have moved into the community. They will become your good friends and will be your support system. You have to seek these people out and one question "have you lived her all of your life" will give you the information you need as to whether to pursue a friendship or not.
3. Unfortunately, you probably found none of the #2 people, thus making your time there miserable.

We have made many, many good friends in our numerous moves but every one of them has been a "transplant" into the community and we still have contact with most of them. As a matter of fact, we are now in the process of relocating to Kronenwetter, Wisconsin shortly and will have to work on getting acquainted all over again.

[ekg56]

We live in Kronenwetter. Where are you looking to live? We have found the old timers just as nice as the newer people.