Last Country

Somewhere along the old Route 33, lies the village of don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-it Shade, Ohio. This pastoral community of 1400 people is regarded as the last living in country by its industrious people as they rally together to discover what it means to be a rural community. Common bonds, relationships, love for land and respect for neighbor has been the 'last country' ideals fading away in rural communities. This essay explores the ideas of community, land and way of life.