Before the Second World War, by far the largest percentage of Americans lived either in rural settings or small towns. Large metropolitan developments as we know them today with suburban sprawl and transportation networks extending outward from city centers did not exist back then. I am fortunate to now live in an area where I can experience both the “old” and the “new” … when I want. When I find country markets that are still open for business, I smile and thank those willing to take steps to preserve our small town, rural past.