Was it really a racist comment? It strikes me as a comment that makes (correct) assumptions about how Marshall views Albion. (Interestingly enough, from checking on the internet, I discovered that blacks made up only a third of Albion's population in 2000 -- Albion is actually 61% white. Marshall is 96% white.) I wonder:

-Is it worth noting that this year's MHS Homecoming Queen appears to be black?

-To what extent the racist element comes out because people connect Albion's black population to its economic vitality (or lack thereof)? I wonder how Marshallites will perceive their town and Albion when State Farm and Eaton leave Marshall (which apparently will happen within the next year).

By the way, Mike, you'll be happy to know that Matt Davis is running for mayor. His platform? Let's develop city-owned land at Stuart Lake. And who is the realtor who wants to develop Stuart Lake? Matt's mother, Rosemary Davis (who also employs Matt as a realtor). You got's to love smalltown life.

Hmm. I read the tone as racist, Joel, but your interpretation certainly makes some sense. He was perhaps commenting on the stereotypical Marshallite reaction to Albion.

It's certainly worth noting that the MHS Homecoming Queen is black. Seriously? That's fantastic! I can't even imagine. Wow. There's another whole backstory, folks, that I won't bore you with regarding practically the entire town's outrage when attempts were made to change the school's mascot from the blatently racist "Redskins."

I can't fathom what will support the economy of the Marshall area when those two businesses leave. Will Marshall, in essence, become a commuting community to workplaces in Kalamazoo and (to a lesser extent) Battle Creek?

I agree with Joel. I think that many surrounding areas view Marshall as a town with definite racist opinions, and rightly so. They've buried their collective heads in the sand about so many issues, the least of which is the racism. They will probably be in for quite a wake-up call when SF and Eaton leave. Should be interesting to see the fall-out.

It's definitely interesting to see Marshall changing and staying the same. On the one hand you've got school board members recalled because they wanted to get rid of the "Redskins" name. On the other hand, the fact that Marshall is a tourist destination is starting to give it a more inclusive feel -- the Ad-Visor's Home Tour edition this year featured a gay couple on the cover. Five or ten years ago, I doubt that the Ad-Visor would have done that, and I doubt that a gay couple would have wanted the publicity. When State Farm and Eaton leave, are we looking at the next Saugatuck?

This is like a homecoming of sorts. SInce I still ive near the area I can say this much the town really does not know which wy to turn with both companies leaving. The upper class in the town want to turn Marshall into a commuter town for some execs. who work for companies in K-zoo and B.C.. So Mike you were right on what they were doing. The blue collar wants another factory to come in so they will have work. Personally I don' care what happens to that town. My mom just retired from State Farm in a early retirement program, my borther is picking up a lot of work building these new homes. As a side note Mike my mom opposed the name change from "Redskins" she thought people were making a big deal out of nothing. She was also asked to run for the school board as a fall out.

Joel's touched on something I just don't get. Marshall is a tourist attraction. But, pray tell, why? I mean, there's a collection of large, old homes in a relatively small area. You can go in a few of them once a year. Wheeeeeee!!! Is the Midwest that starved for entertainment?

(mrw ducks)

Nah. They're just starved for the yummy cheese dip at Schulers.

MIke you haven't been there awhile and let me tell you they have made big changes. the circle is now one lane going around. They have a Applebee's. Most important of all the Speedy Chick is now open on Sundays. So it has more to offer now then ever. Ah sarcasm where would I be without you. The town is dying and the elite that run the town are too stupid to do anything real to stop it. The middle class need something real to cling on to nto just some tour of the homes these people may never be able to afford. Where are the jobs. Now you take this little snippet and expand it out to the rest of the country. You will see we have nothing but idiots running for office, and I mean both sides. We need idealists to run this country. When everyone in Wshington is saying that person is wrong then maybe we need to look to that perosn to lead. Yes, I am speaking of Jesse "the Body" Ventura. Again sarcasm where would I be?