Church Pew and Barstool Kind of Town

Today I was listening to some country music while studying outside.  I was listening to Jason Aldean on Pandora, specifically.  One of his songs came on, "Church Pew and Barstool."  I have never heard this one before, but as I was listening to it, I couldn't believe how true it was. 

The song goes along the lines of the fact that in small towns there are a lot of churches and bars.  It also tells of how the community judges people based on these two places.  How you are a church goer, or you bar hop.  And that there are some people in between.  I can completely relate to that!

Picture by The Diocese of Altoona/Johnstown

If you asked a group of people from Lilly to describe the town, one person would look at the others, laugh, and say, "Oh, you know, Lilly: the town of about 10 bars, 10 churches, and a couple houses in between."  Take my house for example.  Directly across the road from it is the GBU, a bar.  Down the alley from my house is Sokol's, a Slovak club.  And further down the street is George's Bar and Grill.  That is just within a block from my house!  There is still many more around the town.  Talking about churches, there is 2 Catholic Churches, a Luteran church, a Polish church, and a Methodist church within 2 blocks from my house.  So, regardless of how funny that statement could be, it is actually quite true!

A picture of the GBU from my yard

At community events, there is always talk among people about others.  Let's face it, we all like to gossip.  When I am sitting with my grandmother, I always hear the old ladies talking.  "Oh, you know those McCabes.  Poor Jim has to wheel Aggie in anymore.  But you know, they always make it to 11 oclock mass, bless their hearts."  "Oh boy, that Plummer boy better wise up.  Paul said he has been to the bar every night this week.  EVERY NIGHT! But did we see him in church this week, no we did not!  It's quite a shame.  Especially since his mother is such a sweetheart."  "You have to laugh at Old Shminn.  He enjoys his beer alright, but regardless of how he feels in the morning, he makes it to mass.  I suppose that's all that matters."  The comments go on.  But everyone is labeled by their attendance in church or the bars. 

So I listened to this song and had to laugh.  My family and I have always joked about how many churches and bars are in our town.  I never thought about the fact that other small towns could be like that too!