SMALL TOWN IN PENNSYLVANIA.

Americans have always shown strong affinity for small towns. Some, as exemplified by Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, developed into places of very real importance in the cultural and economic life of the United States in the past, but have found it increasingly difficult to compete effectively in a world of heavy industry and quaternary economics. Changes in American taste and technology suggest that small towns might again play a meaningful role in contemporary society. Three generations of economic and demographic difficulties have caused physical and psychological damage which sharply limits Bellefonte's ability to play such a role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]