The Disappearing Ties of Community
In reflecting on his family’s history, Eric, a Burns Village & Farm member, shares a story that spans multiple generations, each one experiencing a gradual shift away from deep-rooted community living. What once was a way of life built on interdependence has, over time, given way to more isolated lifestyles.
Roots in Cooperative Farming
His mother’s family, Polish farmers who immigrated to Michigan in the 1860s, arrived with little more than their savings, determination, and farming skills. They built their own homes, cultivated their land, and, most importantly, built a culture of helping one another. Harvest season was a community affair: neighbors gathered to work one farm at a time, ensuring no one was left behind. Life was hard, but the shared labor and mutual support made it not just bearable, but rewarding.
A Childhood with Neighbors, But Less Connection
By the time his mother raised her own family, that tight-knit agricultural model had faded. Growing up in a Michigan subdivision, he still experienced a sense of neighborhood camaraderie. Families shared access to a lakefront, participated in cleanup days, and enjoyed community events. Neighbors knew each other’s names, and children played together, but the cooperative spirit was already a shadow of the one his grandparents had known.
Parenting in the Digital Age
When it came time for him to raise his own children in California, the contrast was stark. Instead of gathering outdoors with friends, his kids often preferred video games and computer time. Encouraging them to participate in activities beyond screens became an uphill battle. He wondered if this was a reflection on his parenting, but also recognized it as part of a broader cultural shift, one where shared community activities are no longer the default.
Looking Back to Move Forward
His family’s story is more than nostalgia; it’s a reminder of how much has been lost in just a few generations. The journey from cooperative farming to suburban neighborhoods to digital isolation is more than a personal experience; it’s a reflection of broader societal changes. Rebuilding community today may require intentional effort, and as his family’s history shows, the benefits of connection are worth the work.
Join us for an event or become an explorer to discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
Sept 17th at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
September 20th at 12:30 - 1:30
October 12th at 2:00 - 3:30 pm