Tuttle a small town with a big heart

by EANNIE DANIELSON STRANDEMOMandan

On Nov. 25, I traveled a familiar road that transported me both physically and mentally to Tuttle, my hometown.

The day was full of emotion. It was a cancer benefit for my sister’s husband, a gentle man, struck not once but twice by cancer, two transplants and huge medical expenses.

The event far exceeded everyone’s expectations. Watching as the Blue Hall filled with people, home-made food and donations, I couldn’t help but remember these same families, friends and neighbors at countless other celebrations — weddings, dances, funerals, school plays and basketball games throughout my childhood. And now, years later, I watched my daughter and her friend slowly being drawn into  the fun of a small-town event, witnessing firsthand acts of kindness and generousity all day long, seeing for the first time how a small town rallies unselfishly for a neighbor.

I’ve lived away from Tuttle for well over 30 years, and while I have strong ties and friendships in Mandan, last Sunday my heart belonged to Tuttle.

The community literally wraps its arms around itself with an immence strength. Much has been written about North Dakota’s smalls towns — dwindling populations, dying main streets and such. Tuttle, too, has had its share of tough times recently. In May, the school closed forever, and just last week, sadly, its post office was gutted by fire.

I’m proud to call Tuttle my hometown, not just for its nice community store and newly opened café on main street or its churches and, yes, its one bar, but I am most proud of its compassion.

Recently, a cousin of mine moved from Florida to a small town in North Dakota. When asked about the move, she replied, “It’s like living in a Norman Rockwell painting.”

Small communities, small towns are a North Dakota heritage to be cherished and preserved.

And if people are not fortunate enough to have grown up in a small town, they might travel to Tuttle, buy some groceries, have some lunch, adopt Tuttle as your own. It truly is a small town with a big heart.