ELSMORE — With a population of only 52, the town of Elsmore may be small, but its residents are determined to keep their community thriving. Thrive Allen County hosted a Community Conversation Tuesday evening, where locals reflected on what makes their town special and where improvements could be made.
The discussion centered on three questions: What gives you pride in your community? What opportunities are missing? And where are the barriers or needs for growth?
WHEN ASKED about community pride, residents quickly pointed to Elsmore’s enduring traditions. The town’s alumni scholarships were mentioned, with support coming from multiple groups to ensure local graduates can extend their education beyond high school.
The Elsmore United Methodist Church was also recognized, both for its longstanding presence and its food pantry, which serves local families. The annual alumni banquet held on Memorial Day weekend and church bazaars were also highlighted.
Residents also noted Elsmore’s endurance. “We’ll keep giving scholarships, hosting events, and participating with the library in Savonburg,” said participant Hellen Welch. “We’ll keep showing the rest of the county we’re still here.”
Community celebrations such as Elsmore Days, pancake suppers, and fish fries, continue to bring people together. A big source of pride for many is the Fourth of July celebration. This year’s fireworks display, lasting more than an hour, drew a particularly large turnout. Supported by the Ruritan Club, the local bar, and the Masonic Lodge, the event was the best attended in recent memory.
Even smaller traditions like the community coffee shop, open Monday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, were noted as vital. Residents come together to share coffee and ideas. “It’s kind of a small gathering,” one participant said. “But we solve the world’s problems there.”
Missed opportunities
Residents agreed that a lack of housing is a major challenge, along with poor cell service and limited internet access. Some suggested the community would benefit from a public Wi-Fi hotspot, similar to what libraries provide.
Attention also turned to the old Elsmore school building. Once considered for use as a veterans retreat center, it has since been converted into a warehouse with many of its original walls removed. Residents felt the building could be revitalized for community use, similar to how a school in Welda was transformed into a food market.
The community also discussed the need to capture traffic from Bourbon County Lake, nine miles east of town. Despite the proximity, visitors have little reason to stop in Elsmore. Suggestions included adding a bait shop, ice cream or sandwich shop. Several noted the lack of signage on the highway pointing to the lake as another missed opportunity.
The EBJ Country Store, a family-run business on the highway, was recognized as a valuable asset. Its owner has expressed interest in expanding grocery offerings, which some believe could benefit both locals and those passing through.
Residents also explored short-term solutions, like bringing in a food truck to fill gaps when the local bar and grill — which has a history of closing for a month or two in the summer — is not operating. “Food trucks are great,” said Lisse Regehr, Thrive executive director. “Especially while the bar is closed. That could really work.”
Barriers
A recurring issue is limited engagement among citizens. “They say they want to be involved, but they don’t show up,” said resident Brenda Boyle, adding that even elected council members sometimes fail to attend meetings. Others noted that many of the people most invested in Elsmore’s future are those with roots in the community who now live outside of town.
Infrastructure also presents challenges. The Elsmore community building, once a hub for gatherings, now needs significant improvements to be fully usable. Residents called for updates such as air conditioning, handicap accessibility, and remodeled bathrooms and kitchen facilities. While the building is partially accessible, narrow turns make the bathrooms difficult for wheelchairs to navigate.
Because Elsmore has an aging population, social opportunities are also a concern. Some noted that programs like the 60-plus dining program at the hospital provide both meals and social interaction — something lacking in Elsmore. Residents suggested starting a regular game or domino night, possibly hosted at the church until the community center is updated.
“I’d love to put something out that says, ‘Come on Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. We’ll play dominoes and have ice cream,’” said resident Betty Hawley. “People need that social time.”
