Commentary by Cindy Benedict
Authentic refers to something that is genuine or real. But interestingly it also refers to something being true or trustworthy. Being authentic implies that the contents of the thing in question correspond to the facts and reality. Being authentic is a big deal in Noblesville as that word regularly shows up in the community listening exercises conducted by the city for residents and businesses.
I’ve been pondering what it means for a city to be authentic, especially as I also hear that another big desire of residents is for responsible growth. So here are some of my musings on the topic. What do you think it means for Noblesville to be authentic?
• Being authentic is a source of pride for us – we don’t want to lose it. We value our city’s history, beautiful older buildings, and many annual traditions (like Santa on the Square) that keep a “hometown” feel in bustling Hamilton County.
• In fact, we work hard to maintain our historically significant homes and lovely neighborhoods (thanks to Keep Noblesville Beautiful, the Noblesville Preservation Alliance, the downtown Noblesville façade grant program, and work by many individuals and businesses).
• However, we don’t want to be stuck in some 1950s version of a hometown with no new jobs and industries. When that happens you use the words “old-fashioned” or sometimes “a dying community,” not “authentic.”
• We don’t have to make up our sense of community either – that’s why it is genuine. This year is a big year for celebrations. For anniversaries we have the White River Clean-up at 20 years, Noblesville Main Street at 25 years, and The Belfry Theater at 50 years. Noblesville is an original member of the Indiana High School Athletic Association and holds a state track title from 1912-13! The Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission produces Indiana’s longest continuous running Shakespeare in the Park program at 22 years. We have great civic organizations that have been here for a long time and continue to thrive today.
• We also welcome new groups and initiatives which keeps us vibrant and fresh – like Nickel Plate Arts and Hamilton Town Center, not to mention the cutting–edge manufacturers in the medical, automation and molding compound industries.
• Throw in some great parks (isn’t the “Little Beauty” Carousel in Forest Park a gem?) and trails and we are not only authentic but also Hipstoric!
Some communities are searching for their core, others have created new identities, and others were destroyed by the last economic downturn. Noblesville residents seem to understand the balance – keep relevant and economically vibrant but also stay authentic. Now that is a value we can all support.
