Volunteers sing carols outside the Walmart in Franklin before Christmas as they collect donations for the Bells of Franklin charity. From left are Robert Ernst of the Franklin Band with his son Samuel; Ian Scott and his wife, Kaylee; and Bill Truran. (Photo courtesy of Bill Truran)
We are starting the brand-new year of 2024.
How was 2023 for us here in Sussex County?
I’d like to write from a personal point of view more so than I usually do. Once a year, reflection and looking forward is a suitable task, I think.
During the past year, the world has seen much conflict between people. Different beliefs and strong attachments to those beliefs have created what seems to be insurmountable difficulty to gaining resolution to them.
Between land claims, religious orientations and environmental perspectives, the world as we know it has been torn with anguish.
Here is a summary of my views from “shadows on Plato’s cave.”
These events turn into facts. As the facts fade into time, they tarnish with a luster. The result is what we have every year. That can be recalled as “history.”
So, how does this new storage of data impact Sussex County history?
Well, my take is that the older body of residents mostly retain the image of rolling hills, cows, horses, and the woods and trails.
Newcomers since the pandemic include many from the urban area coming for a variety of reasons. Many are of different backgrounds and heritage as well. Our youth may have different aspirations, and those ambitions may influence whether they stay here in the county with us or search elsewhere for happiness.
That’s my take on 2023. What is yours? Feel free to send your insights to me at my email at billt1425@gmail.com. Maybe it’s worth more discussion.
Having looked back on 2023 here, I will look forward to 2024 in another column. There’s a lot of exciting news to talk about. Thanks for listening.
In closing for 2023, I’d like to repeat Ginny’s great-grandfather’s last line:
“And meanwhile, let us be happy and merry for God’s blessings this past year.”
Bill Truran, the Sussex County historian, may be reached at billt1425@gmail.com