The Parkesburg borough has a long history of close-knit community and neighbors helping neighbors, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News.
The borough was officially incorporated in 1876. Mayor John Hagan shared that Parkesburg grew as an industrial town with the growth of the Parkesburg Iron Company in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Now with a population of just 4,000 people, residents are able to form close bonds with their neighbors and the surrounding community. This has created support in times of hardship or stress.
With local restaurants and coffee shops, it is easy to meet fellow residents in shared spaces. Many small business owners take pride in having a strong returning consumer base.
Spring House Spirits Distillery Owner Chris Demars shared that several customers thank him for his business, and that the space functions as “a gathering place for local people.”
Tina O’Connor, a therapist working with Experience Positive Therapy and the Parkesburg Action Committee, works to connect businesses with residents by posting about community events and business workshops.
Hagan is in his sixth term as mayor. He said that these close ties are what make the town so special, stating, “Everything you want to do here is connected to everything physically or spiritually. It starts by meeting your neighbors.”
Read more about Parkesburg and the borough’s legacy of community support in The Daily Local News.
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