editorial

Lucky to be here

Most Yellow Springers already know that the village is a great place to live, but it’s always good to get an outside opinion. So it’s an honor that the Ohio Magazine editors think so too, having just selected the village as one of five “Best Hometowns” in Ohio.

Considerable credit should go to the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, for that group’s effort of the past several years. Their stepped-up marketing campaign has spread the word about this town’s charms, and likely helped the village come to the magazine’s attention.

It’s especially gratifying that, asked why the town was selected, the editors singled out villagers’ activism, especially efforts to save Antioch College. Most small town dwellers would simply give up, one editor said, while many Yellow Springers refused to do so. And 10 years ago, rather than despairing in the face of the sudden decision to sell Whitehall Farm, villagers chose instead to organize, thereby preserving a pastoral green border on the town’s northern edge. This combination of activism, courage and audacity, closely linked to the traditions of Antioch College, seems a large part of this town’s singular spirit.

Of course, there are many reasons to love living in Yellow Springs, including its lively arts community, active downtown, green space, beautiful trees and combination of small-town kindness and big-city sophistication. This year’s Guide to Yellow Springs, included in this week’s paper, looks at some of the young artists who live here. It’s exciting that these young people, and others like them, have chosen to settle in the community. Their presence helps ensure that this town’s vibrant heart will beat on.

—Diane Chiddister