When people think of the United States, they likely think of the big cities that are typically in the news. But America is still a nation of small towns, tranquil, rural places like those often painted by Norman Rockwell for the Saturday Evening Post. Oh, big cities certainly have their appeal, but there is just something special about country living. Statistics show that small-town life is the true American dream and how most of us live. As of the 2020 Census, an estimated 206.9 million out of 328.2 million people, about 63%, lived in a place with fewer than 5,000 residents. And of those, nearly 42% had fewer than 500.
Crouse, North Carolina, is one such place. It’s a tiny community tucked away in Lincoln County and encompasses just 1.14 square miles. With a population of about 300 inhabitants, it’s one of those "blink-and-you-missed-it towns" that you’ll commonly find throughout the South. But there is nothing common about Crouse. It’s an extraordinary place with a vibrant history and an origin story that hints at the specialness of its people.
Dial back the clock to the 1700s, and we find ourselves amongst an influx of primarily German settlers, many of whose descendants can still be found in Crouse today. These were, and still are, people of faith with a strong sense of kinship, community, and family values. By the 1800s, one of the residents was a doctor, Dr. Kraus, who was so beloved that the villagers decided to name their town after him, albeit with English spelling. As it turned out, Dr. Kraus was just the first in a long line of medical professionals to call Crouse home. Jump forward to the Great Depression era, and the community became renowned for its legendary doctors. According to a local historian, these were “men known for their kindness and not charging too much.” Can you imagine a place where your doctor made house calls and happily accepted a jar of homemade soup in payment? That was Crouse.
Of course, those days are gone, but modern-day Crouse still embraces a way of life we seem to hunger for. Life here is peaceful and quiet, and most residents travel to nearby towns for employment and entertainment. So, how would you spend a day in the Crouse area?
Start your day with a belt-loosening breakfast at the Lincoln Café. Next, walk off that towering stack of flapjacks at the Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail, a repurposed railroad bed that was once a factory area in Lincolnton but now has some great recreational trails. And while you’re in Lincolnton, visit Just Around the Corner, a two-story antique mall brimming with creative treasures.
For lunch, why not grab a pizza at GoodWood or a burger at Black’s Grill? Then, grab the kids and head to the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia. Wildlife, dinosaurs, a planetarium, and many other exhibits offer a little something for everyone. Lastly, top off your outing with a cherry-topped banana split from Morgan’s Ice Cream Parlor. With rave reviews like “the best ice cream in the area” and “AMAZING.” you’ll be in for a special treat.
As tiny and lovely as Crouse may be, the area still holds some challenges for its residents. Pest problems are commonplace throughout the region. If you have a pest issue, please think of At Ease Pest Solutions. We cannot take a jar of soup in payment, but we promise you our prices are as friendly as our technicians, and our service cannot be beaten. Contact us today and let us help.
