The Rise And Fall Of A Bedroom Community

There was a time when Delphos was an aspiring community. Business was thriving and downtown was full. As is the case with many small towns, people would actually use Main St as a place to meet, eat, and shop. But shopping was pushed to the edges of town and with it, went the downtown activity. Now we are left with empty buildings, many falling to the elements and disrepair. Owners of others try to keep up, but much of the money that it takes is going elsewhere as super centers in county seats all around us promise a better deal for our dollars. While hard to resist, the options are becoming more limited as more local business succumbs to the temptation to save a buck. Little do we realize that those dollars would create tax dollars that are spent on local services as well as money for beautification projects that make us proud of our community. Those needed dollars help to invite new businesses to set up shop in our community. Those new businesses aid to the tax base and give our residents jobs so that a few can actually work in the same community that they live. What a concept!

The next time you think about driving to the super centers in Lima or Van Wert, think about what Delphos can do for you. Think about not being able to buy gas or groceries locally because everyone chose to do their business elsewhere. Think about what you spend to get there and what does not come back to your community when you shop elsewhere. And think about all the empty buildings you will pass on the way back into our little ghost town of the future.