1969 Sutton Mustangs Roster

This was a good representation of the size of Sutton High boys in 1969. I don't know about the size of your grandsons, but....

The 1969 Sutton High Football Schedule

Advertising in old newspapers provides a good first cut at identifying the business climate of the time.

Count the bars, cafes, and restaurants. Count the barber shops and beauty shops. Groceries and retail outlets. 

The population of Sutton was similar between 1969 and today. What was different was the density of farmsteads. The farms got bigger and the people got fewer. Fewer farmers meant less business being conducted. As businesses closed, the trend spiraled. The phenomenon was even more pronounced in many surrounding communities - think Harvard, Clay Center, Ong, Edgar, Grafton, Fairmont. 

Comparatively speaking, Sutton has held its own, probably also Henderson. Slightly larger communities have fared better. Think Geneva and Aurora. York and Seward are a step up and sustained themselves well - diversity. 

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