MILDRED — It’s been a century since Mildred’s halcyon days.
At one time, the little burg at the northeast corner of Allen County had a population of more than 2,000, with a cement plant that employed more than 300.
Alas, demand for cement declined at the end of World War I, and the Great Depression shuttered the Mildred industry for good.
The town’s population slowly but surely evaporated over the ensuing generations. The high school graduated its last class in 1944; the post office closed in 1973.
Since then, the community’s housing stock also has begun to decay.
Still, a group of more than a dozen residents noted Tuesday that Mildred has more than a few silver linings of hope.
The Mildred Store, a continuation of Mildred’s iconic Charlie Brown Grocery, remains the town’s cultural center. Hundreds will flock to the store on the third Saturday of each month for a good old-fashioned street dance.
New cabins are popular draws as well. Owner Regena Lance fields multiple calls a month from folks hoping to secure a cabin, often for long-term stays.
“Honestly, if I had six more of those little cabins I could have them rented,” Lance said.
Her takeaway? “If you build it, they will come.”
Lance was among those who spoke Tuesday at a community conversation hosted by Thrive Allen County.
There, attendees spoke about Mildred’s strengths, its challenges, and priorities the group said should be addressed first.
THE FIRST thing most out-of-towners note about Mildred is its tranquility.
“We’re all like a family, whether we’re related or not,” noted Darrell Dudley, who lives just outside of town.
He was among those noting the quiet environs, the lack of crime and the feeling of home one gets when visiting with the townsfolk.
“It’s very comfortable,” agreed Sam Rife, one of the longest of the long-timers who still calls Mildred home.
