“When you speak of the American way of life, everybody thinks of cherry pie, Coca-Cola, and Marilyn Monroe.”
That quote, from the early 1960s, is attributed to a Russian magazine. I cannot remember when I initially heard it, but it was quite a long time ago. Coming off the 4th of July holiday, it has popped into my mind. Perhaps it is because it is timeless — cherry pie is always a summer staple, a Coke never tastes better than in the summer heat, and “Some Like It Hot” is forever a favorite movie. And, yet, the quote has persisted, if only for me, because there is something so existential about it. It speaks to both an idea and actual things. And with both, it summarizes quintessential America. But what is the quintessential America?
That is undoubtedly a loaded question, but I believe it is the place that everyone calls home. No matter the population, no matter the size, no matter the hustle and bustle, Main Street is quintessential America. There are 1,600 designated main street communities in the USA. And no doubt thousands more with very similar programming. So whether designated or not, Main Streets do more than just house local businesses. And yet these businesses represent our neighbor’s sweat and aspirations. It fosters entrepreneurship by identifying and supporting existing and would-be business owners. And connect us. On the same blocks, public spaces become entertainment hubs with dynamic street festivals and tasty culinary tours, enriching celebrations, and music-filled evenings. Perhaps celebrating the existing culture one weekend and then celebrating those of our newest residents the next. A variety of people come and stay. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Main Street America emphasizes that everyone deserves access to a vibrant neighborhood — a place that has a thriving local economy, is rich in character, and features inviting public spaces that make residents and visitors feel that they belong. It is everyone’s home.
And like anyone’s home, there is undoubtedly a sense of history, if not outright nostalgia with each and every Main Street. Its histories can be traced to the history of early America. From Monroe to Boston. Nationally, there has been a return to brick and mortar shopping. Shopping that Monroe, thankfully, has never lost. But, while our shops may carry the latest and greatest, they also appeal to the majority of us who eschew outright trendy, instead aiming for the tried and true. Main Street is traditional but trendy. The buildings are historic dating back generations, but the shops have adapted to the times. For decades, Main Street stood for the local, but opportunities with technology are more accessible than ever. E-commerce, is not solely a concern, but also an amazing opportunity.
Over the past six decades since international writers summarized America as they saw it, Main Street America became a nationwide organization and the thoughts and things of what America is have been better brought together. Forever changing but forever authentic, quintessential America is Main Street because it is America at its best.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. Complete details on Main Street Monroe and its efforts can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org.
