After much research I've uncovered that Hidey Hole Hollow has several glitzy social circles. Oh yes, it's absolutely true. I've decided to give you a peek into the culture of Hidey Hole Hollow social groups, though not necessarily in their accepted order.
Old Family: Names appear in John S. Minard's History of Cistern County. Owned the first saw mills or saloons or were the first farmers in the area. Most are related and, as a newcomer, you must be careful who you poke fun at because some of those regal egos don't see the humor in it.
Big Money: Now this category is a stretch, but here goes. You would need an annual income of around $35,000 to be comfortable in this set. This circle is not glitzy in any way but I don't see how I could write an article of this type without including them. They want to appear as down-to-earth as the next person. They fit in other groups as comfortably as a $50.00 old shoe in a Wal-Mart shoe society.
Literary: This group is made up largely but not entirely of the Amish. People in this group usually read books other than best sellers (until they can get them at the library), usually romance or mystery novels. They will discuss a book with you but only after the gossip is finished.
Sorority: Somewhat different than what you might be thinking. This sorority is banded by wives with Greek letters that spell out h-o-u-s-e-w-o-r-k. The husbands meet every morning between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the local coffee shop. They take up the biggest table in the restaurant, make a mess and rarely leave a tip for the waitress.
Drinking: This group compares hangovers and they each brag that they can hold their booze better than the next guy (usually while drunk). This is usually the younger crowd because by age 40, the first doctor they go to tells them their liver is already shot.
Musical: Couldn't recognize a symphony even if you explained to them what a symphony is. They own fairly good sound systems for their vehicles but their collection is limited to country and western CDs. They actually go to flesh and blood concerts, but again only country and western and the elders of this group will drive anywhere in a three county radius to attend a square dance; couldn't do a fox trot or a tango if you drew out the steps on the dance floor.
Solid Citizen: Feel others (even Old Family) are a bit anti-American. Casual gait, wearing their Hush Puppies and Dockers. Will discuss politics at the drop of a hat. Can remember details of the war but can't remember what was on the shopping list their wife gave them that they promptly lost.
Sociable: More female than male. Feel forlorn unless they see 10-20 people every few evenings, or the same people several times a week. They welcome everyone within their crowd as if they were long lost family (most are family), but newbies are held at arms length.
Hunting Crowd: This is by far the largest group in the county. They overlap into several of the other afore mentioned groups. They are comprised of men, women and children. The adults have 50 recipes for venison in their heads, but it tastes the same every time they cook it.
Recognize these groups? Maybe the elite in your town mirror these groups.
» left by Brianna Popsickle (7 days 14 hours ago.)
I grew up in a town of 6,000. We now live in a city of around 30,000. I can recognize some of the groups you describe in both places. Fun article Shari.
This town is a total of less than 600 so they're very serious about their little 'clicks'. They think belonging to one of these groups makes them important. I just get a kick out of it. I wouldn't want to burst their little bubbles.
» left by Dianne Lehmann from Dewey, AZ (7 days 6 hours ago.)
Hi Shari.
I recognized some of those cliques too.
I have one to add. When we first moved here, I was at work and a couple of customers were talking about how much snow they had that morning. I piped in with the fact that we had a couple inches accumulation. I was asked where I lived. When I replied, one man commented, "There? You had that much there? Then you must live on top of a hill." To which I replied that I did. It was my first encounter with the clique that I immediately in my mind labeled, "Altitude Snobs." I met other members over the next couple of years. Apparently you had to live at over 5,000 feet in elevation to join. I just couldn't believe it. It saddens me when people can't find worth in themselves and have to resort to identifying with some professional sports team or other group to feel good.
Anyway, sounds interesting where you live. With that many groups seems like there is something for everybody. Joining any, any time soon? :) :)
Thanks for adding to my list of rural snobs. It reminds me of being back in high school again. I'm not really much of a 'joiner', if you know what I mean. I'm very happy with my little family and writing for our little newspaper made up of "outsiders". We get together once every three months, put together our newspaper, say it was great seeing you again, we'll have to get together and do it all again in three months.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Dianne. I really appreciate the support.
Hi Shari. Thank you for an enjoyable, interesting read. As always, you articulated very well this group of people and I know some of them (at a distance). I wanted to thank you for joining my fan club, I am honored and delighted. With prayers, ~Nenita~
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading and commenting. I think we all know at least one of these groups. They may present themselves a little differently in each town but they're there.
I am delighted to join your fan club and will read your articles. Thank you for your prayers. I certainly need them.
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