Pierceton, one of 4 communities that make up the Whitko school district. In our surrounding communities, that’s probably what we are known for especially right now with all the turmoil that has been brought about by Whitko’s consolidation process. Those not directly involved may roll their eyes and think it is silly, that is a valid response for those on the outside looking in but to be on the inside it is painful.

Being part of Whitko is only one aspect of Pierceton, it is not what defines us. Before we are anything else or a part of anything we are first the Pierceton community. I want to take a moment and set aside the pain and current conflicts to share what I think defines Pierceton.

First, the community members – we are truly there for each other, we celebrate everything, from births, to someone getting a puppy, to someone’s adult children moving back home. We support each other in times of pain, loss and illness sometimes it’s a small gesture like a thoughtful card and sometimes it’s a heartfelt fundraiser at our American Legion, we do whatever we need to do to help. Figuring out what someone needs is easy in Pierceton, everyone talks to everyone, therefore everyone knows what’s going on in everyone’s life. That is the curse and the blessing of a small town – that’s Pierceton.

Pierceton is our community events – they are small but constant from Harvest Home, Movie Nights, Ice Cream Socials, and our Community Dinners (where there is a number to call if you need a ride, because we really want you there). We even have an annual Tomato Festival- in honor of a factory that closed like 50 years ago, don’t ask me why, just enjoy that its part of who we are.

Pierceton is our kids – in a world of technology it is wonderful to see groups of kids outside playing and riding bikes, hearing laughter and youth throughout the streets is a happy sound.

Pierceton is our little league games, which makes our town park the most happening place to hang out in the summer. The concession stand is a common place to get dinner during tee-ball season.

Pierceton is walking down the street and knowing everyone, and if by chance you pass a stranger you still say hi, because chances are they are either in town visiting someone you know or shopping at one of our many antique shops. Which is another part of Pierceton, antiques, our little shops allow for all to journey back in time, each shop is unique as their owners, with whom always take the time to visit and share the stories behind their many treasures.

Pierceton is our skate park it may seem small compared to other towns but it is something we are so proud of, but what makes us prouder is the teens that hang out there how they never complain when smaller kids show up to ride their bikes they clear the ramps and let the little ones play, sometimes even taking the time to teach the little kids some tricks.

Pierceton is our little hidden theater that looks like it has been forgotten about but it still gets used, by kids of every generation that have discovered it and spend days with their friends pretending to be rock stars in front of an audience of none – there must be magic on that stage because it really does make you feel like a star.

Pierceton is our police officers who everyone knows and trusts. Our kids look to them for guidance, and they always take the time to listen and help our kids find solutions to some tough problems and some silly problems. They put effort into being part of the community, they go the extra mile to keep us informed and safe.

Pierceton is our townbBoard, they never forget that an important part of a small town is taking the time to talk to the community. They are present and approachable.  It is a thankless job, filled with small town crisis after small town crisis. They carry the weight of the town on their shoulders and yet they never complain.

Pierceton is our city hall, which is also our fire station, and our community building and where we pay our water bill. Word of advice, never go into that building if you’re in a hurry because everyone in that building is very friendly and social – they will talk your ear off. In Pierceton stopping into city hall is never a quick process.

Pierceton is our industrial park and the surrounding companies that have grown to shield our little town. Sure, it was scary at first, fear of our small town changing at the core by influence. But we soon found out those companies we call “ours” hold the same small-town values that we cherish, so they became a really good part of our town.

Pierceton is a small patch of graffiti under the viaduct it’s been there since 1989 and now it’s been there so long it’s kind of like a historical landmark and it would be wrong to remove it.

Pierceton is our beautiful brick buildings that have been the back drop for hundreds of pictures of weddings, families, seniors and plenty of selfies.

Pierceton is generations of family- quite large and they have been here since day one. If you have a question about any Pierceton history your starting and ending point is the generation family – they know every detail and are happy to show you the pictures.

Pierceton is “Pierceton Days” our grandest event of the year, a day and 1/2 town festival, we start counting the days in July to the first weekend in August. Always making sure we are in town that weekend because we can’t bear missing walking around Bowers park running into everyone we have ever known from Pierceton.

Last, but not least Pierceton is welcoming, it doesn’t matter if you have been here a day or been here 100 years we still feel the same about everyone in our town, we are so happy and thankful for every face in our community.

So those who took the time to read about my little small town, thank you. I wrote this because my community is hurting, because I am hurting. I wanted to remind myself and everyone in my community how lucky we are to be part of Pierceton.

We are wounded but we are not broken. Life is a journey, at times you pick your path and other times the path is chosen for you. Even if a path is forced upon you, no one can make you walk it. You have the right to follow the path till it ends or turn around and walk away from the path. Pierceton has seen darker days, this is not the first time Pierceton has been pushed down but throughout the history of our little town every time we got knocked down we stood back up stronger and together.

The Pierceton community is compassionate and supportive. But what truly makes Pierceton shine is our concrete set of strong morals and values which guides our community to always be fair and respectful even when we encounter the monstrous face of meanness.  We know when all is said and done Pierceton is a small town with a big heart – and that is our truest identity.

April Collette-Slone
Pierceton