by
Fred Swift
Hamilton County Reporter
(NOTE: This is a commentary written by Fred Swift of the Hamilton County Reporter. The views expressed are those of Fred Swift and do not necessarily reflect the views of LarryInFishers.com. This opinion piece is posted here as part of a partnership between the Reporter and LarryInFishers.com)
For folks middle-aged and beyond who have lived in Hamilton County most or all of our lives, there is a very familiar rhetorical question we so often get from newer residents. It goes like this: ‘I bet you’ve seen a lot of changes, haven’t you?’
The answer could not be anything but an emphatic yes.
‘In what ways?’ is sometimes to next question. That could take hours to answer. Where do you start?
Numbers somewhat tell the tale. For example, 50 years ago we had 54,000 residents compared to 330,000 today. That should give anyone a hint.
From there on, opinion enters. Some would say life was better 50 years ago, some would say not as good as now. In 1970 and before, the Indy suburbs had not reached most of the county.
Today there are not a lot of counties in America faster growing than ours. There are some in Florida, in Southern California and around Washington, D.C.
Some of those other growing areas have encountered problems with terrible traffic congestion, school problems and insanely high housing costs and property taxes. In Hamilton County, not so much.
A half-century ago our area was beginning to change, but was still largely rural. Noblesville with 7,600 residents was the largest city. Most folks knew each other in Noblesville as well as in the other county communities.
Life did seem more relaxed, easier to get around, find a parking space and be on a first name basis with most neighbors, employees in local businesses and public officials.
Entertainment and recreational opportunities were here, but more limited. The old Diana theatre in Noblesville and the Carmel Theatre were popular. The Rainbo Roller Rink was an attraction along with the Forest Park swimming pool and Northern Beach in the summer.
Going into Indianapolis for major shopping or some necessities was easier with few stop-and-go lights. School enrollments were smaller, which may have been better is some ways although not as many courses were offered.
Today, we have many more shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. Many roads have been built or vastly improved. We no longer have any gravel roads.
We have amazing county and city park systems. There are many more cultural and charitable organizations than in the past.
Hospitals and medical facilities abound along with social service agencies for those in need of various services.
So, that’s taste of the changes we have seen and experienced over 50 years. Does it all make for a better lifestyle? Maybe not in every way, but certainly for most folks, most of the time the changes have been beneficial.
We just have to tell newer residents that in many areas, Hamilton County is an almost unrecognizably different place than in the past, with infinitely more of everything. And, certainly if you like progress, our progress has been top-notch.