Editor’s note: Jeanne DeWitt recently moved to Tonganoxie with her husband, Raymond DeWitt, a department manager at the new Cabela’s store under construction east of Tonganoxie. She shared her first impressions in a letter to the Tonganoxie Mirror, which first published the excerpts that follow.

We were discouraged, having looked for three days at 30 houses in other areas. Raymond said, “Lots of folks at the store are going to Tonganoxie. Let’s just drive out and look around.”

We missed Fourth Street and took the turn on Washington Street. We saw Judy Evans’ sign in front of a house. It looked like our kind of town.

In driving up Fourth Street, we noticed the brick and cement work with the flowers and the painted and cared-for storefronts. I thought, “This little town isn’t dying as many are it is up and blooming and ready for business.”

We’ve met so many nice people named “Shirley.” The first of them was Shirley who works at Bichelmeyers, the second was Shirley Martin at the post office, and the third was Shirley Tice, a neighbor. I’ve yet to meet a Tonganoxie Shirley I didn’t like, or anyone by any other name either.

We drove past the Good Shepherd Thrift Shop and Food Pantry that’s important to me that I can donate and volunteer. It lets me know this community cares about its people and is generous.

As we walked your main street, folks greeted us and smiled. Cars waited or stopped for us to cross. (I had been walking from our hotel in Overland Park at some peril to my life.) Boys on bikes stopped to let us pass the youth here are smiling and polite.

Whether in stores or on the streets or driving, folks wave, speak and take time for others.

I’ve found the most wonderful desire to be helpful in everyone I’ve met. Dear Mr. Lenahan told us of the town’s history and a little about himself and his late wife. He offered me starts of flowers from her garden. On our first visit to the post office, Shirley Martin answered my questions. Mr. Slawson stopped by the house to tell me about the electrical parts of the house that he’s cared for for 30 years. Debbie at the bank calls out a cheerful “hello” from the grocery parking lot. Steve and Cindy LaForge from Everlasting Specialties delivered a wreath I had ordered in person so they could meet me. Everywhere I turn there’s an immediate feeling of acceptance into the community.

Sitting in the Mom and Pop cafe, folks all seem to know one another. When a table full of people leave there may be conversation about them, we all do that, but the comments are kind and friendly.

I am eager to be a part of the community and folks seem eager to allow me in. My neighbors are great, the town is beautiful homes and lawns and I haven’t even visited the parks yet.

One might think “No wonder this town is growing who wouldn’t want to enjoy this.” Then, “Oh, it might change with growth” But I think not! Kindness, politeness and a sense of community, all the good things being taught here, can accept and include lots of newcomers. Now we personally feel guided and directed here and we didn’t question our “This is the place” feeling. We love it here we worked hard to get here.