In the late 1800’s, rural communities and farmers were denied the technological advances of more populated areas. The telephone companies of the time did not see the necessity in running telephone lines through less populated areas and had effectively left them cut off. Through ingenuity and the use of something as common as barbed wire, farmers and small towns became connected with the invention of the barbed wire telephone. They used this connection to develop a community where they could trade goods, get the news and weather, and gather together in times of need.

A couple of years ago, a group of mature, Miami Valley citizens began discussing how the community spirit and relying on small businesses and neighbors had become a thing of the past, but, also, how utilizing local farmers for produce and meat purchases had become a necessity for health reasons and to ensure they were still there in the future. With the rise in government control, big business and the tech giants, farmers and family owned/small businesses are in jeopardy of becoming a footnote in history. This discussion moved to creating a list of local and/or small businesses that shared the values of morality, community, and healthy living that should be promoted. It started as a simple spreadsheet with a few suggested businesses. That list out grew the spreadsheet and became this website so everyone in the Miami Valley Communities can benefit.

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