I am often amazed at how fast my little town has grown, houses being built where there was once nothing but woods, Starbucks and other chain restaurants and stores moving in, forever changing my once small community. Those of us who have deep roots here are referred to as Swamp Yankees, a name we are proud to accept. Swaampers are known to be old school in every way but mostly, fiercely protective of preserving our town. We certainly don't mind folks moving here to join us, just don't like it when people move in then want to bring in the nonsense they left behind. My dads ancestors settled in South Kingstown in the 1600's and we've been here ever since, with no plans to leave. Maybe that's why we care so deeply about the goings on in our community, we have an obligation to protect it for our future generations. SK has continued to grow, new neighborhoods popping up wherever possible, but fortunately many of our old farms have been preserved for open space, bought up by the towns land trust. The old dirt fire trails that I use to ride my pony along are now paved and lined with new, expensive houses....go figure! The woods I use to play in filled with houses and the only restaurant I could ride my bike to has become a favorite for hipsters, far from the dive bar it once was. The two post offices in town both closed and were replaced by a large one in a building that was once Almacs grocery store. There's a yoga studio where Adams drug store use to be, the one I use to walk to from my grandparents house on Kenyon Ave...quarter in my pocket I could buy a candy bar. The quaint shopping mall became one large CVS and there are more storage rental facilities and banks than any town needs. As I drove through our neighboring town and caught sight of their tiny post office, I had to smile, happy it hasn't been engulfed by bigger and better just yet. Things change, grow and life moves forward, but remembering our roots is important, at least to us Swampers.
Yes!!!
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