06.15.10
Clifton, Mine
This week’s Comedy Around the World goes to Ohio. Again. To the tiny town of Clifton, home of one of the largest water powered grist mills still in existence. I knew this was a small town after we had driven past places with names like, “Fishworm Road.”
What struck me about Clifton was how it was so much like humor.
1. It was surprising. At first, the surrounding area seems dull, flat, farm-like. Nothing is there. And then, all of a sudden, there is a tiny old-time main street. With ancient (to Americans) buildings and features.
2. It was simple. Just like the best humor, Clifton was a simple place. The requisite water mill, store, covered bridge, and a random building off in the distance. But in its simplicity it was calming.
3. It was unusual. In its simplicity. That’s because most times, most places, we are bombarded with things. Information. Noises. Technology. People. But not here. The simplicity brought me back.
4. I allowed our humanity. The simplicity drew me to the fact that I was not the only one who was fascinated by this simple mill town. Other tourists were there, taking pictures of the covered bridge, marveling at the rushing waters underneath the mill wheel.
The unusual is captivating, simple, takes us by surprise, and reminds us of our common human situation.
How do people experience YOUR humor?
