1 00:00:01,702 --> 00:00:04,870 Narrator: This is the story of america... 2 00:00:04,880 --> 00:00:07,006 Seen in color for the first time. 3 00:00:12,212 --> 00:00:13,721 [girls laughing] 4 00:00:13,797 --> 00:00:18,058 America has always celebrated its small towns. 5 00:00:18,135 --> 00:00:19,551 [horn honks] 6 00:00:19,562 --> 00:00:20,978 Commentator: Here they go! 7 00:00:21,055 --> 00:00:23,230 Narrator: They give birth to traditions... 8 00:00:25,392 --> 00:00:26,475 Heroes... 9 00:00:26,485 --> 00:00:28,393 Jimmy stewart: Well, hello. 10 00:00:28,404 --> 00:00:29,820 Narrator: And presidents. 11 00:00:32,900 --> 00:00:37,569 Main street is a symbol of the american ideal, 12 00:00:37,580 --> 00:00:40,289 But reality doesn't always match the myth. 13 00:00:42,585 --> 00:00:44,826 Isolation and intolerance 14 00:00:44,837 --> 00:00:47,004 Can be the downside of small-town life. 15 00:00:50,509 --> 00:00:53,335 In the first half of the 20th century, 16 00:00:53,345 --> 00:00:55,804 Their share of the population will plummet. 17 00:00:57,925 --> 00:00:59,850 War, 18 00:00:59,927 --> 00:01:01,676 Depression, 19 00:01:01,687 --> 00:01:03,520 And a changing culture 20 00:01:03,597 --> 00:01:05,814 Will challenge the main street ideal. 21 00:01:08,027 --> 00:01:11,103 This is small town america 22 00:01:11,113 --> 00:01:13,605 As you've never seen it before. 23 00:01:13,616 --> 00:01:18,360 ♪ 24 00:01:18,370 --> 00:01:25,375 ♪ 25 00:01:30,633 --> 00:01:32,624 John kennedy: I want us to recapture that... 26 00:01:32,635 --> 00:01:39,640 ♪ 27 00:01:44,146 --> 00:01:45,813 Narrator: Chandler, oklahoma. 28 00:01:48,475 --> 00:01:53,237 In 1900, 60% of americans live in small towns like this one. 29 00:01:55,324 --> 00:01:57,741 Chandler's 2,000 residents 30 00:01:57,818 --> 00:02:01,987 Have an unusual thanksgiving tradition. 31 00:02:01,997 --> 00:02:03,497 Members of the commercial club 32 00:02:03,574 --> 00:02:06,333 Hurl live turkeys from the courthouse roof. 33 00:02:11,841 --> 00:02:14,675 Catch one, and you get to keep it for dinner. 34 00:02:15,419 --> 00:02:16,677 [turkey gobbling] 35 00:02:25,429 --> 00:02:27,179 ♪ 36 00:02:27,189 --> 00:02:30,983 Main street is chandler's social and commercial heart. 37 00:02:35,531 --> 00:02:38,440 In 1915, the whole town crowds it 38 00:02:38,450 --> 00:02:41,359 For the 19th anniversary of jacobs, 39 00:02:41,370 --> 00:02:43,287 The local department store. 40 00:02:46,200 --> 00:02:50,711 They're eager for a slice of the 627-pound birthday cake. 41 00:02:53,207 --> 00:02:58,051 This rare footage is shot by former jeweler benny kent. 42 00:02:58,128 --> 00:03:03,640 Born in England in 1866, he settled in chandler. 43 00:03:03,717 --> 00:03:06,810 After losing his wife, he took up filmmaking. 44 00:03:09,315 --> 00:03:13,233 In chandler, cotton is king. 45 00:03:13,310 --> 00:03:15,736 It's the town's most important source of income. 46 00:03:20,075 --> 00:03:21,816 The town is segregated, 47 00:03:21,827 --> 00:03:25,153 Though almost everyone comes out to help... 48 00:03:25,164 --> 00:03:26,663 Even the children. 49 00:03:29,001 --> 00:03:31,243 [cheering] 50 00:03:31,253 --> 00:03:32,827 Displays of civic pride 51 00:03:32,838 --> 00:03:36,498 Are a popular subject for early movie cameras, 52 00:03:36,508 --> 00:03:38,717 And every town has its parade. 53 00:03:42,089 --> 00:03:43,764 In 1904, 54 00:03:43,840 --> 00:03:46,516 Leominster, massachusetts, celebrates labor day. 55 00:03:49,846 --> 00:03:53,440 It only became a federal holiday 10 years earlier, 56 00:03:53,517 --> 00:03:55,183 But leominster's 12,000 residents 57 00:03:55,194 --> 00:03:57,778 Have already embraced the tradition. 58 00:04:00,774 --> 00:04:03,775 It's a chance to show off the town's horsepower-- 59 00:04:03,786 --> 00:04:06,119 Old-fashioned and new. 60 00:04:06,196 --> 00:04:09,289 Both proudly roll down main street, 61 00:04:09,366 --> 00:04:12,867 Alongside representatives of local businesses, 62 00:04:12,878 --> 00:04:17,455 Like papermakers, bakers, and barbers. 63 00:04:17,466 --> 00:04:21,376 They all benefit from the increased foot traffic. 64 00:04:21,387 --> 00:04:26,390 Local traditions can be a source of both pride and profit. 65 00:04:30,053 --> 00:04:37,025 ♪ 66 00:04:42,574 --> 00:04:46,410 Out west, inspired by touring troupes, 67 00:04:46,486 --> 00:04:49,955 Small town ranches put on their own wild west shows. 68 00:04:54,995 --> 00:04:56,911 At the miller brothers 101 ranch, 69 00:04:56,922 --> 00:04:59,673 Just outside new ponca, oklahoma, 70 00:04:59,750 --> 00:05:02,426 Cowboys who learned to lasso on the range 71 00:05:02,502 --> 00:05:04,261 Become showmen. 72 00:05:09,009 --> 00:05:14,104 In 1905, the ranch stages the oklahoma gala day, 73 00:05:14,181 --> 00:05:16,940 Featuring 200 performers. 74 00:05:17,017 --> 00:05:20,193 It begins with a grand parade 75 00:05:20,270 --> 00:05:24,197 And draws 65,000 locals, tourists, and journalists 76 00:05:24,274 --> 00:05:25,824 From across the nation. 77 00:05:28,287 --> 00:05:31,580 It's a huge success and becomes an annual event. 78 00:05:34,793 --> 00:05:38,545 But it's not all about the cow-boys. 79 00:05:38,622 --> 00:05:42,457 Lucille mulhall is one of the show's founding performers. 80 00:05:42,468 --> 00:05:43,759 [horse neighs] 81 00:05:45,629 --> 00:05:49,547 The riding and roping skills she learned on the family spread 82 00:05:49,558 --> 00:05:51,475 Make her the first female rodeo rider 83 00:05:51,551 --> 00:05:53,769 To come to national fame. 84 00:05:56,815 --> 00:06:01,309 But another sooner state native with star-quality roping skills 85 00:06:01,320 --> 00:06:05,563 Will spread small-town values around the world. 86 00:06:05,574 --> 00:06:09,493 His name is will rogers. 87 00:06:09,569 --> 00:06:11,328 Will's ability to jump through hoops 88 00:06:11,405 --> 00:06:13,738 And tie knots with his lasso 89 00:06:13,749 --> 00:06:15,657 Take him to new york, 90 00:06:15,667 --> 00:06:19,503 Where he performs on the vaudeville stage. 91 00:06:19,579 --> 00:06:22,747 But it's his folksy charm that really catches on, 92 00:06:22,758 --> 00:06:25,333 In newspapers and on the radio. 93 00:06:25,344 --> 00:06:27,427 He opens his act with a setup-- 94 00:06:27,504 --> 00:06:30,338 "all I know is what I read in the papers"-- 95 00:06:30,349 --> 00:06:32,257 And then riffs on the headlines. 96 00:06:32,267 --> 00:06:33,850 Will rogers: And the thing about my jokes is 97 00:06:33,927 --> 00:06:35,760 They don't hurt anybody. 98 00:06:35,771 --> 00:06:37,771 You can take 'em or leave 'em. You know what I mean. 99 00:06:37,848 --> 00:06:39,431 But with congress, 100 00:06:39,441 --> 00:06:41,441 Every time they make a joke, it's a law. 101 00:06:41,518 --> 00:06:43,518 And every time they make a law, it's a joke. 102 00:06:43,529 --> 00:06:45,687 [applause] 103 00:06:45,697 --> 00:06:48,115 Narrator: Audiences warm to his homespun humor, 104 00:06:48,191 --> 00:06:52,193 And he becomes one of america's most loved personalities. 105 00:06:52,204 --> 00:06:53,778 However, not all small towns 106 00:06:53,789 --> 00:06:56,706 Share the same happy-go-lucky spirit. 107 00:07:00,370 --> 00:07:03,797 In the south, segregation deprives black citizens 108 00:07:03,874 --> 00:07:06,883 Of education and skills. 109 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:10,387 In 1881, black educator booker t. Washington 110 00:07:10,464 --> 00:07:12,347 Seeks to change that. 111 00:07:14,634 --> 00:07:17,135 He establishes the tuskegee institute 112 00:07:17,146 --> 00:07:18,437 In alabama. 113 00:07:21,057 --> 00:07:26,311 By 1906, the institute has nearly 1,600 students-- 114 00:07:26,321 --> 00:07:28,738 More than half the town's population. 115 00:07:31,577 --> 00:07:33,577 It's one of the first black colleges 116 00:07:33,653 --> 00:07:37,998 Formed to educate the descendants of slaves. 117 00:07:38,074 --> 00:07:41,159 Here the students learn nursing, 118 00:07:41,170 --> 00:07:42,494 Surveying, 119 00:07:42,504 --> 00:07:44,129 And agriculture. 120 00:07:46,082 --> 00:07:49,417 The college's mission is to give them the practical skills 121 00:07:49,428 --> 00:07:52,670 To become self-reliant. 122 00:07:52,681 --> 00:07:57,267 In time, tuskegee will evolve to embrace more radical concepts 123 00:07:57,344 --> 00:08:00,770 And produce civil rights leaders like amelia robinson 124 00:08:00,847 --> 00:08:03,815 And betty shabazz, wife of malcom x. 125 00:08:11,533 --> 00:08:15,193 Many small towns depend on a single industry, 126 00:08:15,204 --> 00:08:17,871 Leaving them vulnerable when disaster strikes. 127 00:08:21,201 --> 00:08:23,793 In remote dawson, new mexico, 128 00:08:23,870 --> 00:08:27,797 9,000 people rely almost entirely on the local coal mines 129 00:08:27,874 --> 00:08:31,376 For income. 130 00:08:31,386 --> 00:08:33,795 On October 22, 1913... 131 00:08:33,805 --> 00:08:35,380 [explosion] 132 00:08:35,390 --> 00:08:37,807 A blast rocks mine number 2. 133 00:08:39,895 --> 00:08:43,638 The explosion traps 284 men, 134 00:08:43,649 --> 00:08:48,568 Some of them more than 2,000 feet down. 135 00:08:48,645 --> 00:08:52,322 Help comes from as far away as wyoming, kansas, 136 00:08:52,399 --> 00:08:54,032 And pittsburgh, pennsylvania. 137 00:08:56,653 --> 00:09:00,205 Rescuers put on gas masks as they descend into the mine. 138 00:09:06,663 --> 00:09:10,423 Even so, two of them die of suffocation 139 00:09:10,500 --> 00:09:13,093 In a search that lasts four days. 140 00:09:23,096 --> 00:09:27,515 23 miners survive, but 261 perish 141 00:09:27,526 --> 00:09:30,569 In america's second worst mining disaster. 142 00:09:37,110 --> 00:09:40,161 The disaster devastates the small town of dawson. 143 00:09:44,876 --> 00:09:49,796 By 1950, declining demand sees the mines close for good, 144 00:09:49,873 --> 00:09:52,507 And the town is finally abandoned. 145 00:09:54,044 --> 00:09:56,428 Only the graves remain. 146 00:10:01,643 --> 00:10:04,135 In the early part of the 20th century, 147 00:10:04,146 --> 00:10:06,471 Small towns across the nation 148 00:10:06,481 --> 00:10:08,732 Will experience losses of their own. 149 00:10:11,478 --> 00:10:13,737 In April 1917, 150 00:10:13,813 --> 00:10:16,865 President woodrow wilson declares war on germany. 151 00:10:19,736 --> 00:10:22,746 Small towns bravely answer the call. 152 00:10:25,075 --> 00:10:27,158 Back in chandler, oklahoma, 153 00:10:27,169 --> 00:10:31,245 Local filmmaker benny kent documents major h.B. Gilstrap 154 00:10:31,256 --> 00:10:33,414 Recruiting the young men of the town 155 00:10:33,425 --> 00:10:35,967 Into the 142nd regiment. 156 00:10:40,423 --> 00:10:43,091 Drafted soldiers pose for the camera, 157 00:10:43,101 --> 00:10:45,810 Sharing a final moment with their loved ones. 158 00:10:50,359 --> 00:10:53,443 Across the country, a generation of young men 159 00:10:53,520 --> 00:10:56,363 Will leave their home towns for the first time 160 00:10:56,439 --> 00:10:59,857 For the blood-soaked western front in europe. 161 00:10:59,868 --> 00:11:02,369 Many will never return. 162 00:11:04,706 --> 00:11:06,030 [explosion] 163 00:11:06,041 --> 00:11:07,949 In 18 months, 164 00:11:07,959 --> 00:11:11,285 More than 50,000 american soldiers are killed in action. 165 00:11:11,296 --> 00:11:14,964 The small town of chandler loses seven of its own. 166 00:11:17,377 --> 00:11:20,461 Those that survive the global war 167 00:11:20,472 --> 00:11:23,932 Return to a country ready to focus on life at home. 168 00:11:31,400 --> 00:11:34,651 In 1920, senator warren g. Harding 169 00:11:34,728 --> 00:11:38,988 Becomes the republican presidential nominee. 170 00:11:39,065 --> 00:11:42,575 Aware of the great sacrifice small-town families have made, 171 00:11:42,652 --> 00:11:45,328 He focuses his message on them, 172 00:11:45,405 --> 00:11:49,541 Calling for a return to normalcy and "america first." 173 00:11:52,579 --> 00:11:54,587 He conducts his presidential campaign 174 00:11:54,664 --> 00:11:56,330 From the front porch of his house 175 00:11:56,341 --> 00:11:58,591 In small town marion, ohio. 176 00:12:13,349 --> 00:12:17,277 Narrator: 600,000 people travel from across the nation 177 00:12:17,353 --> 00:12:20,864 To hear harding speak from his front porch. 178 00:12:20,940 --> 00:12:22,523 Many presidential candidates 179 00:12:22,534 --> 00:12:24,942 Have made the most of their humble roots, 180 00:12:24,953 --> 00:12:27,287 But harding really strikes a chord with the voters. 181 00:12:27,363 --> 00:12:29,330 [applause] 182 00:12:32,786 --> 00:12:38,206 On November 2, 1920, he wins by a landslide. 183 00:12:38,216 --> 00:12:42,627 He beats democrat james cox by seven million votes-- 184 00:12:42,637 --> 00:12:45,296 A 26% margin. 185 00:12:45,307 --> 00:12:48,016 It's a record that still stands to this day. 186 00:12:49,803 --> 00:12:51,394 In the coming decade, 187 00:12:51,471 --> 00:12:53,471 A huge road-building project 188 00:12:53,482 --> 00:12:56,307 Connects small towns with the rest of the nation, 189 00:12:56,318 --> 00:13:00,069 And they will have to adapt to a fast-changing world. 190 00:13:01,990 --> 00:13:03,815 In the 1920s, 191 00:13:03,825 --> 00:13:06,326 The logging town of aberdeen, washington, 192 00:13:06,402 --> 00:13:08,912 Grows to almost 20,000 people. 193 00:13:10,999 --> 00:13:14,918 The small town calls itself the lumber capital of the world, 194 00:13:14,994 --> 00:13:17,462 And the industry shapes the town's culture. 195 00:13:20,416 --> 00:13:23,334 Here, lumberjacks take each other on 196 00:13:23,345 --> 00:13:26,262 In log rolling competitions. 197 00:13:26,339 --> 00:13:27,839 They spin the logs over, 198 00:13:27,849 --> 00:13:30,099 Attempting to throw their opponent off. 199 00:13:36,266 --> 00:13:37,932 In a twist, 200 00:13:37,943 --> 00:13:41,435 One man shows off his skills and fashion sense 201 00:13:41,446 --> 00:13:43,446 By rolling in a dress. 202 00:13:43,523 --> 00:13:50,495 ♪ 203 00:13:51,206 --> 00:13:55,950 28 miles away, on October 7, 1930, 204 00:13:55,961 --> 00:13:59,287 Cars line up in the tiny community of willapa 205 00:13:59,297 --> 00:14:01,631 For the opening of the aberdeen-willapa highway. 206 00:14:05,387 --> 00:14:08,638 Across america, a huge new road-building project 207 00:14:08,715 --> 00:14:11,724 Is connecting small towns to each other 208 00:14:11,801 --> 00:14:13,852 And the rest of the nation. 209 00:14:18,141 --> 00:14:19,983 A local photographer 210 00:14:20,059 --> 00:14:25,479 Documents the changing face of aberdeen and the vicinity. 211 00:14:25,490 --> 00:14:29,075 His name is charles d. Anderson. 212 00:14:29,152 --> 00:14:31,402 He's caught on film only once, 213 00:14:31,413 --> 00:14:34,330 A fleeting shadow on the football field 214 00:14:34,407 --> 00:14:36,666 Cranking his trusty movie camera. 215 00:14:39,662 --> 00:14:42,663 Football is a relatively new sport, 216 00:14:42,674 --> 00:14:46,751 But already it's a big part of the town's identity. 217 00:14:46,761 --> 00:14:49,262 On thanksgiving 1927, 218 00:14:49,339 --> 00:14:52,340 The aberdeen high bobcats host the grizzlies, 219 00:14:52,350 --> 00:14:54,592 Long-time rivals from another logging town-- 220 00:14:54,603 --> 00:14:56,352 Hoquiam. 221 00:14:59,357 --> 00:15:00,857 [whistle blows] 222 00:15:00,934 --> 00:15:04,435 Their turkey day game dates back 21 years, 223 00:15:04,446 --> 00:15:07,447 The oldest such annual rivalry in the state. 224 00:15:11,369 --> 00:15:13,277 A competitive spirit has developed 225 00:15:13,288 --> 00:15:15,455 Between the close neighbors, 226 00:15:15,531 --> 00:15:17,698 And the football field has become the battleground 227 00:15:17,709 --> 00:15:19,626 For their friendly rivalry. 228 00:15:24,049 --> 00:15:26,883 Aberdeen wins 43 to 6 229 00:15:26,960 --> 00:15:29,719 To take bragging rights for another year. 230 00:15:34,050 --> 00:15:38,561 High school football binds small towns like these together, 231 00:15:38,638 --> 00:15:41,305 But young people are increasingly being lured away 232 00:15:41,316 --> 00:15:43,066 To the cities. 233 00:15:43,142 --> 00:15:45,476 As they seek a future elsewhere, 234 00:15:45,487 --> 00:15:50,490 They leave some small-town traditions under threat. 235 00:15:50,566 --> 00:15:54,410 ♪ 236 00:15:54,487 --> 00:15:56,245 The appalachian mountains 237 00:15:56,322 --> 00:16:01,000 Are home to the descendants of scots-irish colonists. 238 00:16:01,077 --> 00:16:04,328 Isolated small towns are spread throughout the range. 239 00:16:04,339 --> 00:16:06,580 ♪ 240 00:16:06,591 --> 00:16:08,499 For mountain folk, 241 00:16:08,510 --> 00:16:11,344 The banjo and fiddle-led songs and dances 242 00:16:11,421 --> 00:16:14,672 Are their storytelling, history, and entertainment 243 00:16:14,683 --> 00:16:17,934 Rolled into one. 244 00:16:18,011 --> 00:16:20,103 They have been passed down by word of mouth 245 00:16:20,179 --> 00:16:23,606 For more than a century. 246 00:16:23,683 --> 00:16:27,435 By the '20s, city styles are more popular, 247 00:16:27,445 --> 00:16:30,279 And the radio is bringing new music to the mountains. 248 00:16:30,356 --> 00:16:33,116 This old-time folk music is in danger of disappearing. 249 00:16:33,192 --> 00:16:37,328 ♪ 250 00:16:40,199 --> 00:16:41,699 Bascom lunsford: How 'bout the thumb string? 251 00:16:41,710 --> 00:16:43,292 [plucking banjo] 252 00:16:43,369 --> 00:16:44,377 Sounds pretty good. 253 00:16:44,454 --> 00:16:51,426 ♪ 254 00:16:54,389 --> 00:16:58,299 Narrator: Bascom lunsford from mars hill, north carolina, 255 00:16:58,309 --> 00:17:02,311 Was born into appalachian folk music culture. 256 00:17:02,388 --> 00:17:06,974 He's one of its most passionate supporters. 257 00:17:06,985 --> 00:17:10,987 [singing] 258 00:17:11,064 --> 00:17:12,238 Narrator: He makes it his mission 259 00:17:12,315 --> 00:17:14,657 To preserve the songs and dances 260 00:17:14,734 --> 00:17:16,909 So they will not die out with the older generation. 261 00:17:16,986 --> 00:17:18,411 Lunsford: ♪ breaking up the ground ♪ 262 00:17:18,488 --> 00:17:20,329 ♪ and I'm gonna pitch a camp ♪ 263 00:17:20,406 --> 00:17:22,490 ♪ I'm getting something started in the doggett gap ♪ 264 00:17:22,500 --> 00:17:25,576 Narrator: In 1928, he brings small-town performers 265 00:17:25,587 --> 00:17:29,246 To the rhododendron parade in the biggest town in the state... 266 00:17:29,257 --> 00:17:30,673 Asheville. 267 00:17:30,750 --> 00:17:35,344 ♪ 268 00:17:35,421 --> 00:17:40,091 There he stages the first-ever folk music festival. 269 00:17:40,101 --> 00:17:42,009 By 1935, 270 00:17:42,020 --> 00:17:44,687 10,000 people come to watch performances 271 00:17:44,764 --> 00:17:48,274 Of square dancing and folk music led by callers. 272 00:17:48,351 --> 00:17:51,444 [calling] 273 00:17:51,521 --> 00:17:53,354 Lunsford has brought his beloved music 274 00:17:53,364 --> 00:17:54,939 To the mainstream 275 00:17:54,949 --> 00:17:58,275 And a bigger audience. 276 00:17:58,286 --> 00:18:02,038 Songwriters like woody guthrie and bob dylan 277 00:18:02,115 --> 00:18:06,250 Will update and spread this vein of americana across the world. 278 00:18:07,120 --> 00:18:09,295 [horn honking] 279 00:18:09,372 --> 00:18:10,630 By 1930, 280 00:18:10,706 --> 00:18:14,300 56% of americans live in urban areas 281 00:18:14,377 --> 00:18:17,461 Of more than 2,500 people. 282 00:18:17,472 --> 00:18:19,296 For many city dwellers 283 00:18:19,307 --> 00:18:22,058 There's a sense that they've left something behind. 284 00:18:29,142 --> 00:18:32,235 In places like pinehurst, north carolina, 285 00:18:32,311 --> 00:18:34,487 City vacationers can enjoy a taste 286 00:18:34,564 --> 00:18:36,697 Of small-town perfection. 287 00:18:38,576 --> 00:18:40,901 Golf is the main pastime, 288 00:18:40,912 --> 00:18:43,830 But there are other more rustic pursuits. 289 00:18:45,658 --> 00:18:49,243 Society ladies try out pig racing. 290 00:18:49,254 --> 00:18:50,995 The challenge is to herd their pig 291 00:18:51,005 --> 00:18:52,630 In the right direction. 292 00:18:54,843 --> 00:18:58,419 Here the tourists can retreat from city life 293 00:18:58,429 --> 00:19:00,721 In a picturesque village setting. 294 00:19:04,510 --> 00:19:08,512 The reality of small-town life can be brutal. 295 00:19:08,523 --> 00:19:12,024 All over the country, there are "sundown towns," 296 00:19:12,101 --> 00:19:13,192 Where white residents 297 00:19:13,269 --> 00:19:14,694 Make it clear to black people 298 00:19:14,770 --> 00:19:16,103 That they had better 299 00:19:16,114 --> 00:19:18,447 Be gone by dark... 300 00:19:18,524 --> 00:19:20,324 Or there will be violence. 301 00:19:23,538 --> 00:19:25,779 By the 1930s, the great migration 302 00:19:25,790 --> 00:19:28,449 Has carried a million and a half southern blacks 303 00:19:28,459 --> 00:19:30,376 To northern cities. 304 00:19:32,622 --> 00:19:34,547 [train whistle blows] 305 00:19:34,624 --> 00:19:36,457 A growing black middle class 306 00:19:36,467 --> 00:19:38,801 Also wants to escape from the city. 307 00:19:42,798 --> 00:19:44,632 Segregation means they would be banned 308 00:19:44,642 --> 00:19:47,018 From resorts like pinehurst. 309 00:19:49,472 --> 00:19:51,814 But now they have somewhere new to go. 310 00:19:56,070 --> 00:19:59,405 Developers establish the town of idlewild, michigan, 311 00:19:59,482 --> 00:20:01,240 For african americans. 312 00:20:07,240 --> 00:20:08,623 It has horseback riding... 313 00:20:11,827 --> 00:20:13,544 Boating... 314 00:20:15,331 --> 00:20:16,881 And hiking. 315 00:20:20,595 --> 00:20:23,587 [applause] 316 00:20:23,598 --> 00:20:26,173 The town holds its own beauty pageant. 317 00:20:26,184 --> 00:20:33,189 ♪ 318 00:20:35,851 --> 00:20:41,781 Maree weaver of ironton, ohio, wins miss idlewild 1927. 319 00:20:44,360 --> 00:20:47,036 For a month or so in the summer, 320 00:20:47,113 --> 00:20:50,581 Black city dwellers can enjoy the simple life. 321 00:20:52,710 --> 00:20:55,953 Vacation towns offer an idealized version 322 00:20:55,964 --> 00:20:58,297 Of small-town living. 323 00:20:58,374 --> 00:21:01,375 The simplicity is charming for a couple of weeks, 324 00:21:01,386 --> 00:21:04,220 But the long-term reality of many small towns 325 00:21:04,297 --> 00:21:06,380 Is often one of deprivation. 326 00:21:06,391 --> 00:21:10,384 Only 10% of rural towns have electricity. 327 00:21:10,395 --> 00:21:12,853 Many still light with kerosene. 328 00:21:16,892 --> 00:21:20,987 In 1917, as the country enters the first world war, 329 00:21:21,063 --> 00:21:22,405 The federal government 330 00:21:22,481 --> 00:21:24,648 Commissions a huge hydroelectric dam 331 00:21:24,659 --> 00:21:26,242 To harness the tennessee river 332 00:21:26,319 --> 00:21:29,662 And power newly created munitions factories. 333 00:21:35,828 --> 00:21:38,921 18,000 workers answer the call. 334 00:21:38,998 --> 00:21:46,170 ♪ 335 00:21:46,180 --> 00:21:48,589 To house them, the government builds a town 336 00:21:48,599 --> 00:21:52,176 In the farmland of muscle shoals. 337 00:21:52,186 --> 00:21:54,353 They create a new school, 338 00:21:54,430 --> 00:21:57,189 And a bustling neighborhood springs up. 339 00:22:00,603 --> 00:22:02,278 But the war is over 340 00:22:02,355 --> 00:22:06,824 Long before the dam is ready for operation in 1924. 341 00:22:09,278 --> 00:22:11,120 While government and private utilities 342 00:22:11,197 --> 00:22:13,697 Argue over who will control it, 343 00:22:13,708 --> 00:22:16,751 The dam and its turbines sit idle. 344 00:22:21,132 --> 00:22:22,873 Muscle shoals, 345 00:22:22,884 --> 00:22:25,885 A town founded to house power plant workers, 346 00:22:25,961 --> 00:22:29,305 Has neither power nor work. 347 00:22:29,382 --> 00:22:32,850 Its population shrinks to 719 people. 348 00:22:34,145 --> 00:22:36,387 [cheering] 349 00:22:36,397 --> 00:22:38,389 In 1933, 350 00:22:38,399 --> 00:22:41,734 President franklin roosevelt responds to their plight. 351 00:22:41,811 --> 00:22:43,811 The whole town turns out to greet him. 352 00:22:43,821 --> 00:22:45,488 Franklin roosevelt: I'm looking forward 353 00:22:45,564 --> 00:22:47,981 With the greatest of pleasure to my day here, 354 00:22:47,992 --> 00:22:51,318 And it is going to give me a great advantage 355 00:22:51,329 --> 00:22:54,071 In putting muscle shoals back on the map. 356 00:22:54,082 --> 00:22:55,790 [cheering] 357 00:22:59,087 --> 00:23:03,163 Narrator: The president's new deal takes over the dam. 358 00:23:03,174 --> 00:23:05,174 The tennessee valley authority 359 00:23:05,251 --> 00:23:07,343 Brings electricity to muscle shoals 360 00:23:07,420 --> 00:23:10,429 And other small towns across seven states. 361 00:23:15,436 --> 00:23:17,103 In the 1930s, 362 00:23:17,179 --> 00:23:20,514 Small-town culture and heroes like will rogers 363 00:23:20,525 --> 00:23:22,817 Will capture the nation's attention. 364 00:23:26,364 --> 00:23:29,523 May 20, 1929, 365 00:23:29,534 --> 00:23:34,453 The busiest time of year for angels camp, california... 366 00:23:34,530 --> 00:23:38,457 Also known as frogtown. 367 00:23:38,534 --> 00:23:41,627 More than 60 years earlier, mark twain set his story 368 00:23:41,704 --> 00:23:47,299 "the celebrated jumping frog of calaveras county" here. 369 00:23:47,376 --> 00:23:52,629 So the townsfolk have decided to turn fiction into fact. 370 00:23:52,640 --> 00:23:57,560 This is the second annual frog jumping jubilee. 371 00:23:57,636 --> 00:24:00,471 Frog jockeys attempt to coax their frog 372 00:24:00,481 --> 00:24:03,474 Into the longest leap. 373 00:24:03,484 --> 00:24:06,152 In twain's story, the winner cheats, 374 00:24:06,228 --> 00:24:09,480 But this competition is on the level. 375 00:24:09,490 --> 00:24:11,782 The contest continues to this day. 376 00:24:13,402 --> 00:24:15,152 [cheering] 377 00:24:15,163 --> 00:24:19,415 Other small-town claims to fame are more widespread. 378 00:24:19,492 --> 00:24:22,084 In 1934, soap box racing 379 00:24:22,161 --> 00:24:24,336 Takes the borough of wilkinsburg, pennsylvania, 380 00:24:24,413 --> 00:24:25,963 By storm. 381 00:24:27,425 --> 00:24:33,003 Teenage boys race home-made wooden cars downhill. 382 00:24:33,014 --> 00:24:35,672 Their engineless carts pick up speed 383 00:24:35,683 --> 00:24:37,516 And hurtle toward the finish line. 384 00:24:37,593 --> 00:24:41,512 Narrowly avoiding a crash, the red cart of brad west 385 00:24:41,522 --> 00:24:43,731 Wins the race in under a minute. 386 00:24:47,028 --> 00:24:50,521 Americans go wild for soap box racing, 387 00:24:50,531 --> 00:24:56,118 And in 1936, akron, ohio, hosts 100,000 fans 388 00:24:56,195 --> 00:25:00,447 For the finals of the national soap box derby. 389 00:25:00,458 --> 00:25:04,627 A 1,175-foot-long track has been built, 390 00:25:04,703 --> 00:25:07,838 Along with a grandstand and a press enclosure. 391 00:25:09,875 --> 00:25:13,552 Top nbc announcers graham mcnamee and tom manning 392 00:25:13,629 --> 00:25:15,888 Are there to broadcast the event. 393 00:25:15,965 --> 00:25:17,130 Commentator: Here they go! 394 00:25:17,141 --> 00:25:20,976 [cheering] 395 00:25:21,053 --> 00:25:23,229 Look at those cars travel! 396 00:25:24,732 --> 00:25:26,473 Narrator: An impromptu small-town event 397 00:25:26,484 --> 00:25:28,984 That started with 19 boys 398 00:25:29,061 --> 00:25:34,147 Has grown to host 115 racers from across the globe. 399 00:25:34,158 --> 00:25:37,317 [cheering] 400 00:25:37,328 --> 00:25:39,069 The country listens 401 00:25:39,080 --> 00:25:42,331 As 14-year-old herbert muench from st. Louis 402 00:25:42,408 --> 00:25:45,576 Beats harold hansen to win the title. 403 00:25:45,586 --> 00:25:46,994 Commentator: Here's the finish! 404 00:25:47,004 --> 00:25:48,161 What a race! 405 00:25:48,172 --> 00:25:52,341 [cheering] 406 00:25:52,418 --> 00:25:55,761 Narrator: Herbert wins a $2,000 college scholarship 407 00:25:55,838 --> 00:26:01,341 And is crowned the all-american soap box derby champ. 408 00:26:01,352 --> 00:26:05,345 Another slice of small-time small-town americana 409 00:26:05,356 --> 00:26:08,274 Also goes national. 410 00:26:08,350 --> 00:26:10,100 The appalachian music and square dancing 411 00:26:10,111 --> 00:26:13,195 That bascom lunsford worked to revive 412 00:26:13,272 --> 00:26:14,521 Is all the rage. 413 00:26:14,532 --> 00:26:18,367 [calling] 414 00:26:18,444 --> 00:26:22,529 In arthurdale, west virginia, first lady eleanor roosevelt 415 00:26:22,540 --> 00:26:26,116 Do-si-does to the tune of harry rich and his family band. 416 00:26:26,127 --> 00:26:32,548 ♪ 417 00:26:32,625 --> 00:26:34,216 Singer: ♪ pick 'em up and lay them down... ♪ 418 00:26:34,293 --> 00:26:35,792 Narrator: In new york city, 419 00:26:35,803 --> 00:26:38,462 The square dancing revival hits its peak 420 00:26:38,472 --> 00:26:41,557 As 10,000 dancers descend on central park. 421 00:26:41,634 --> 00:26:44,727 Caller: ♪ swing your corner lady ♪ 422 00:26:44,803 --> 00:26:46,395 Narrator: Legendary caller ed durlacher 423 00:26:46,472 --> 00:26:48,388 Leads the dancers into the night. 424 00:26:48,399 --> 00:26:52,067 ♪ promenade your partner once around the town ♪ 425 00:26:52,144 --> 00:26:54,311 ♪ 426 00:26:54,322 --> 00:26:57,740 Narrator: Small towns have hit the big time. 427 00:26:57,816 --> 00:27:01,568 By the '30s, will rogers has become america's biggest star, 428 00:27:01,579 --> 00:27:03,996 And his jokes have become catchphrases. 429 00:27:09,670 --> 00:27:11,420 Narrator: Despite his fame, 430 00:27:11,497 --> 00:27:14,882 Rogers maintains his folksy, everyman appeal. 431 00:27:17,503 --> 00:27:19,503 In 1931, 432 00:27:19,513 --> 00:27:21,505 Two years into the depression, 433 00:27:21,515 --> 00:27:24,841 With its record unemployment, soup kitchens, and bread lines, 434 00:27:24,852 --> 00:27:26,935 Rogers speaks his mind. 435 00:27:27,012 --> 00:27:31,190 Rogers: The only problem that confronts this country today 436 00:27:31,266 --> 00:27:34,610 Is that at least seven million people are out of work. 437 00:27:34,687 --> 00:27:36,195 That's our only problem. 438 00:27:36,271 --> 00:27:39,106 [applause] 439 00:27:39,116 --> 00:27:40,857 Narrator: In 1932, 440 00:27:40,868 --> 00:27:43,619 Franklin roosevelt, seeking the presidency, 441 00:27:43,696 --> 00:27:46,372 Invites rogers to introduce him at a huge rally 442 00:27:46,448 --> 00:27:50,542 At the hollywood bowl in los angeles. 443 00:27:50,619 --> 00:27:52,035 Rogers: We must have 444 00:27:52,046 --> 00:27:54,287 Some 80 or 90,000 people here tonight. 445 00:27:54,298 --> 00:27:57,457 That's the most people that ever paid to see a politician. 446 00:27:57,468 --> 00:28:00,961 [laughing and cheering] 447 00:28:00,971 --> 00:28:03,055 Narrator: Rogers' endorsement 448 00:28:03,132 --> 00:28:07,309 Helps fdr win over an electorate facing the hardest of times. 449 00:28:07,386 --> 00:28:10,729 [applause] 450 00:28:14,485 --> 00:28:17,069 But will rogers' time in the spotlight 451 00:28:17,146 --> 00:28:18,654 Won't last much longer. 452 00:28:22,484 --> 00:28:24,651 In August 1935, 453 00:28:24,662 --> 00:28:26,578 He boards a plane built by his friend, 454 00:28:26,655 --> 00:28:28,997 The pilot wiley post. 455 00:28:32,244 --> 00:28:33,961 They're heading for alaska. 456 00:28:37,082 --> 00:28:38,415 On August 15th, 457 00:28:38,426 --> 00:28:41,593 15 miles southwest of point barrow, 458 00:28:41,670 --> 00:28:42,886 The plane's engine fails. 459 00:28:46,425 --> 00:28:48,642 Both men plummet to their deaths. 460 00:28:53,265 --> 00:28:56,692 A nation mourns its beloved small-town hero. 461 00:29:00,189 --> 00:29:04,032 In los angeles, 50,000 people pay their respects 462 00:29:04,109 --> 00:29:07,027 In the biggest outpouring of national grief 463 00:29:07,037 --> 00:29:09,663 Since the assassination of abraham lincoln. 464 00:29:14,795 --> 00:29:21,383 ♪ 465 00:29:21,460 --> 00:29:25,220 While a small-town hero did conquer the mainstream, 466 00:29:25,297 --> 00:29:27,765 Other places remain on the fringes. 467 00:29:29,393 --> 00:29:32,385 Roswell, new mexico, is a rodeo town 468 00:29:32,396 --> 00:29:34,938 200 miles away from the nearest city. 469 00:29:37,726 --> 00:29:42,312 By 1930, good land and the discovery of an aquifer 470 00:29:42,323 --> 00:29:44,740 Have brought 11,000 people to live here. 471 00:29:47,912 --> 00:29:49,995 Most are here for the ranching. 472 00:29:51,907 --> 00:29:56,585 But one man, dr. Robert goddard, has come for the isolation. 473 00:30:01,509 --> 00:30:06,428 His goal is to create self-propelled rockets. 474 00:30:06,505 --> 00:30:10,257 The scientific community considers him a fantasist. 475 00:30:10,267 --> 00:30:13,519 Newspapers dub him "the moon man." 476 00:30:13,595 --> 00:30:15,679 In this secluded location, 477 00:30:15,689 --> 00:30:18,348 Goddard can carry out his secret experiments 478 00:30:18,359 --> 00:30:21,944 Away from the eyes of skeptics. 479 00:30:22,020 --> 00:30:24,613 His wife esther records his work. 480 00:30:29,370 --> 00:30:31,203 In 1939, 481 00:30:31,280 --> 00:30:36,625 Goddard begins his final series of experiments in roswell. 482 00:30:36,702 --> 00:30:38,293 He hopes to produce the first 483 00:30:38,370 --> 00:30:41,713 Liquid-propelled high-altitude guided rockets. 484 00:30:44,385 --> 00:30:47,052 He doesn't get the results he wants, 485 00:30:47,129 --> 00:30:48,804 But the military are beginning to realize 486 00:30:48,881 --> 00:30:52,716 That goddard's visionary theories could be valuable. 487 00:30:52,726 --> 00:30:54,351 [explosion] 488 00:30:55,971 --> 00:31:00,482 He will become known as the father of american rocketry. 489 00:31:00,559 --> 00:31:03,727 In 1941, the navy hires him. 490 00:31:03,737 --> 00:31:05,979 War is coming, 491 00:31:05,990 --> 00:31:09,283 And a small-town hero will rally the troops. 492 00:31:12,905 --> 00:31:17,157 America goes to war in late 1941. 493 00:31:17,167 --> 00:31:21,077 Small-town heroes rally the nation... 494 00:31:21,088 --> 00:31:24,464 None more effectively than jimmy stewart. 495 00:31:27,428 --> 00:31:29,085 A hardware man's son, 496 00:31:29,096 --> 00:31:32,347 Born in 1908 in indiana, pennsylvania, 497 00:31:32,424 --> 00:31:35,425 Jimmy was set to take over the family business. 498 00:31:35,436 --> 00:31:39,596 But college sends him in a different direction. 499 00:31:39,607 --> 00:31:43,183 This rare footage shows him practicing the accordion 500 00:31:43,193 --> 00:31:47,779 For a triangle club show at princeton university. 501 00:31:47,856 --> 00:31:51,441 The acting bug bites. 502 00:31:51,452 --> 00:31:53,443 Soon he makes it to hollywood, 503 00:31:53,454 --> 00:31:56,455 Starring in features like "the philadelphia story," 504 00:31:56,531 --> 00:31:59,958 For which he earns a best acting oscar. 505 00:32:00,035 --> 00:32:03,286 Typically humble, he keeps his speech short. 506 00:32:03,297 --> 00:32:08,458 Stewart: It's a great thrill to me to receive this trophy 507 00:32:08,469 --> 00:32:10,886 And especially to receive it from you, mr. Lunt. 508 00:32:10,963 --> 00:32:12,721 Thank you very much. 509 00:32:14,558 --> 00:32:17,476 Narrator: In 1940, as war looms, 510 00:32:17,552 --> 00:32:20,312 Jimmy tries to enlist in the u.S. Army air corps. 511 00:32:23,150 --> 00:32:25,817 He's rejected for being underweight. 512 00:32:28,480 --> 00:32:32,449 Within months, he puts on nearly five pounds to scrape through. 513 00:32:35,412 --> 00:32:37,746 He becomes the first hollywood star 514 00:32:37,823 --> 00:32:40,490 To wear a uniform in world war ii, 515 00:32:40,501 --> 00:32:45,253 And his service is no publicity stunt. 516 00:32:45,330 --> 00:32:47,330 He wins the distinguished flying cross 517 00:32:47,341 --> 00:32:50,500 For combat missions in France and germany 518 00:32:50,511 --> 00:32:53,261 And reaches the rank of brigadier general, 519 00:32:53,338 --> 00:32:57,432 The highest of any actor in military history. 520 00:32:57,509 --> 00:33:00,686 The same down-to-earth qualities that made him a star 521 00:33:00,762 --> 00:33:04,606 Make him the perfect face of the air force recruitment drive. 522 00:33:04,683 --> 00:33:07,100 Stewart: Hello. 523 00:33:07,111 --> 00:33:09,686 Gee, it looks like I'm back in the movies again, doesn't it? 524 00:33:09,697 --> 00:33:12,197 Well, as a matter of fact, I'd like to do some talking. 525 00:33:14,359 --> 00:33:16,693 Don't go away until I get this thing off. 526 00:33:16,704 --> 00:33:19,195 Narrator: Like will rogers before him, 527 00:33:19,206 --> 00:33:22,624 His "aw, shucks" amiability comes across well. 528 00:33:22,701 --> 00:33:25,377 Stewart: Young men of america, your future's in the sky. 529 00:33:25,454 --> 00:33:27,170 Your wings are waiting. 530 00:33:29,041 --> 00:33:33,844 Narrator: He gets credit for inspiring 150,000 new recruits. 531 00:33:36,140 --> 00:33:38,807 But the u.S. Military's segregation policy 532 00:33:38,884 --> 00:33:41,301 Marginalizes black men. 533 00:33:41,311 --> 00:33:43,812 Many in the air force feel that only white recruits 534 00:33:43,889 --> 00:33:46,481 Are able to perform responsible roles. 535 00:33:50,812 --> 00:33:54,906 That doesn't stop the students of tuskegee university, alabama. 536 00:33:59,413 --> 00:34:03,582 They transform their campus into a pilot training facility. 537 00:34:06,328 --> 00:34:10,505 Here they learn the theories of aviation and navigation 538 00:34:10,582 --> 00:34:13,383 And practice in an early flight simulator. 539 00:34:16,680 --> 00:34:20,015 Black students grab the opportunity with both hands, 540 00:34:20,092 --> 00:34:22,425 Intent on protecting their country 541 00:34:22,436 --> 00:34:24,603 And overcoming prejudice. 542 00:34:28,016 --> 00:34:31,109 926 pilots graduate, 543 00:34:31,186 --> 00:34:33,019 And the tuskegee airmen 544 00:34:33,030 --> 00:34:37,032 Become the u.S. Military's first african-american aviators. 545 00:34:38,777 --> 00:34:41,361 Unlike many black servicemen, 546 00:34:41,371 --> 00:34:43,413 They get to engage in combat. 547 00:34:45,459 --> 00:34:47,367 In early 1944, 548 00:34:47,377 --> 00:34:52,372 The 332nd fighter group is sent to Italy. 549 00:34:52,382 --> 00:34:54,290 They take part in savage dogfights, 550 00:34:54,301 --> 00:34:56,927 Facing up to 300 german fighters. 551 00:35:00,882 --> 00:35:04,392 Protecting 179 bombing missions, 552 00:35:04,469 --> 00:35:08,647 The red tails lose only 27 bombers to enemy fire, 553 00:35:08,723 --> 00:35:11,474 Half as many as the average squadron, 554 00:35:11,485 --> 00:35:14,569 Thanks to brave pilots like captain elwood driver. 555 00:35:14,646 --> 00:35:16,146 Elwood driver: Yesterday I fulfilled 556 00:35:16,156 --> 00:35:18,573 One of my ambitions as a combat pilot. 557 00:35:18,650 --> 00:35:20,659 I got one airplane. 558 00:35:20,735 --> 00:35:23,578 As they came over and completed the dive-bomb run, 559 00:35:23,655 --> 00:35:25,997 I saw three pass underneath my wing. 560 00:35:26,074 --> 00:35:27,907 The fourth one was the unfortunate one. 561 00:35:27,918 --> 00:35:33,713 ♪ 562 00:35:34,842 --> 00:35:36,424 Narrator: The success 563 00:35:36,501 --> 00:35:39,594 Of the tuskegee airmen's small-town training corps 564 00:35:39,671 --> 00:35:42,848 Paves the way for military desegregation. 565 00:35:51,692 --> 00:35:55,018 Peace comes in 1945, 566 00:35:55,028 --> 00:35:56,769 But the fear of new threats 567 00:35:56,780 --> 00:35:59,030 Looms large in the american consciousness. 568 00:36:01,443 --> 00:36:04,870 In 1947, the small town of roswell 569 00:36:04,946 --> 00:36:07,789 Becomes the center of fevered paranoia. 570 00:36:10,878 --> 00:36:14,379 That July, people report seeing a flying saucer 571 00:36:14,456 --> 00:36:16,756 Crash in the desert nearby. 572 00:36:18,960 --> 00:36:22,212 Hysteria is spreading across the country, 573 00:36:22,222 --> 00:36:25,348 And americans report hundreds of ufo sightings. 574 00:36:27,802 --> 00:36:30,395 Three years later, in 1950, 575 00:36:30,472 --> 00:36:32,388 In louisville, kentucky, 576 00:36:32,399 --> 00:36:36,568 A tv cameraman films what appears to be a ufo. 577 00:36:43,151 --> 00:36:45,068 Trying to calm the public, 578 00:36:45,078 --> 00:36:46,828 The director of air force intelligence, 579 00:36:46,905 --> 00:36:48,655 General john samford, 580 00:36:48,665 --> 00:36:50,749 Makes a statement from the pentagon. 581 00:36:50,825 --> 00:36:53,251 John samford: We can say that the recent sightings 582 00:36:53,328 --> 00:36:56,079 Are in no way connected 583 00:36:56,089 --> 00:36:57,997 With any secret development 584 00:36:58,008 --> 00:37:00,050 By any department of the united states. 585 00:37:02,012 --> 00:37:05,680 Narrator: The denial only adds fuel to the fire, 586 00:37:05,757 --> 00:37:09,267 And many suspect a military cover-up. 587 00:37:09,344 --> 00:37:10,644 They're right. 588 00:37:14,191 --> 00:37:16,349 In 1994, 589 00:37:16,360 --> 00:37:20,353 An internal investigation reveals the roswell sighting 590 00:37:20,364 --> 00:37:22,614 Was the result of project mogul. 591 00:37:24,618 --> 00:37:28,528 The top-secret project used high-altitude balloons 592 00:37:28,538 --> 00:37:32,374 To monitor soviet atomic bomb tests. 593 00:37:32,450 --> 00:37:35,043 When one crashed in 1947, 594 00:37:35,120 --> 00:37:36,711 The military covered it up 595 00:37:36,788 --> 00:37:40,882 To hide the true purpose of the balloons. 596 00:37:40,959 --> 00:37:43,468 But the conspiracy refuses to die, 597 00:37:43,545 --> 00:37:46,972 And over time, this small town in new mexico 598 00:37:47,048 --> 00:37:49,933 Becomes the ufo capital of the world. 599 00:37:53,138 --> 00:37:55,138 It won't be the only small town 600 00:37:55,148 --> 00:37:58,641 To find a new future in postwar america 601 00:37:58,652 --> 00:38:01,736 And put itself on the world map. 602 00:38:04,566 --> 00:38:08,910 By the 1950s, nearly two-thirds of americans live in cities. 603 00:38:08,987 --> 00:38:10,486 Many are nostalgic 604 00:38:10,497 --> 00:38:13,081 For the small towns they've left behind. 605 00:38:13,158 --> 00:38:16,326 ♪ 606 00:38:16,336 --> 00:38:19,170 The educational film "our community" 607 00:38:19,247 --> 00:38:23,499 Portrays millwood, connecticut, as a picture-perfect town. 608 00:38:23,510 --> 00:38:26,344 Announcer: This is the story of one day in millwood, 609 00:38:26,421 --> 00:38:28,596 Just any day. 610 00:38:28,673 --> 00:38:32,091 The story begins at daybreak. 611 00:38:32,102 --> 00:38:35,428 All is quiet in the anderson home, 612 00:38:35,439 --> 00:38:38,514 Everybody is asleep. 613 00:38:38,525 --> 00:38:41,184 Narrator: The film is distributed in schools 614 00:38:41,194 --> 00:38:43,695 By encyclopedia britannica 615 00:38:43,772 --> 00:38:46,531 To encourage students to appreciate the contribution 616 00:38:46,608 --> 00:38:50,952 Of the members of their local community. 617 00:38:51,029 --> 00:38:53,538 The folk of millwood perform the neighborly roles 618 00:38:53,615 --> 00:38:58,534 Of milkman, baker, and postman... 619 00:38:58,545 --> 00:39:02,547 Working in harmony to create a wholesome town. 620 00:39:02,624 --> 00:39:04,382 Schoolchildren are encouraged 621 00:39:04,459 --> 00:39:08,011 To aspire to the example set by the town of millwood. 622 00:39:13,310 --> 00:39:15,301 In 1951, 623 00:39:15,312 --> 00:39:17,720 The epitome of the small-town hero 624 00:39:17,731 --> 00:39:19,481 Making it big in the city 625 00:39:19,557 --> 00:39:22,642 Is mickey mantle... 626 00:39:22,652 --> 00:39:25,728 An oklahoma kid whose skills with the bat 627 00:39:25,739 --> 00:39:28,573 Transform his dreams into reality. 628 00:39:31,486 --> 00:39:32,735 [bat cracks, crowd cheers] 629 00:39:32,746 --> 00:39:34,579 His raw talent 630 00:39:34,656 --> 00:39:37,824 Propels him from the obscurity of commerce, oklahoma, 631 00:39:37,834 --> 00:39:39,667 To new york city, 632 00:39:39,744 --> 00:39:43,046 Where he replaces star yankee outfielder joe dimaggio. 633 00:39:46,093 --> 00:39:48,676 Dropped into the major league circus, 634 00:39:48,753 --> 00:39:54,340 His simple plain-speaking ways make him a cult hero. 635 00:39:54,351 --> 00:39:56,101 Mickey mantle: I'm sure not going to be disappointed. 636 00:39:56,177 --> 00:39:59,354 If I end up the season with about 55 home runs, 637 00:39:59,431 --> 00:40:01,764 I'd be very happy. 638 00:40:01,775 --> 00:40:04,684 Narrator: He ends up winning seven world series 639 00:40:04,694 --> 00:40:08,020 And is selected to play in 16 all-star games. 640 00:40:08,031 --> 00:40:11,241 [cheering] 641 00:40:16,197 --> 00:40:18,123 Far away from the glitz and glamour 642 00:40:18,199 --> 00:40:20,116 Of major league baseball, 643 00:40:20,127 --> 00:40:22,794 Many small towns, like hayters gap, virginia, 644 00:40:22,871 --> 00:40:24,212 Are suffering. 645 00:40:27,300 --> 00:40:30,552 In 1965, some families here struggle to survive 646 00:40:30,628 --> 00:40:33,179 On less than $100 a month. 647 00:40:36,726 --> 00:40:40,386 The coal mines and family farms that the town was built on 648 00:40:40,397 --> 00:40:43,523 Are outdated and no longer profitable. 649 00:40:45,560 --> 00:40:47,569 Lack of resources and expertise 650 00:40:47,645 --> 00:40:51,406 Means the town cannot adapt to the changing demands 651 00:40:51,483 --> 00:40:55,735 Of the modern manufacturing and service industries. 652 00:40:55,745 --> 00:40:59,822 The people are left stranded, without opportunity. 653 00:40:59,833 --> 00:41:01,833 Man: I just do labor work 654 00:41:01,910 --> 00:41:04,419 And got no education. 655 00:41:04,496 --> 00:41:07,255 Just labor work's all I have to hunt for. 656 00:41:10,343 --> 00:41:12,427 Narrator: Across the country, 657 00:41:12,504 --> 00:41:17,098 One-third of all rural families, 16 million people, 658 00:41:17,175 --> 00:41:18,808 Are trapped in poverty. 659 00:41:24,516 --> 00:41:28,017 When lyndon johnson comes to power in 1964, 660 00:41:28,028 --> 00:41:29,611 He responds to the crisis 661 00:41:29,687 --> 00:41:32,355 In his first state of the union address. 662 00:41:32,365 --> 00:41:35,033 Lyndon johnson: And this administration today 663 00:41:35,109 --> 00:41:37,443 Here and now 664 00:41:37,454 --> 00:41:42,499 Declares unconditional war on poverty in america. 665 00:41:44,211 --> 00:41:46,786 Narrator: One billion dollars of federal funds 666 00:41:46,796 --> 00:41:49,964 Is committed to new training programs. 667 00:41:50,041 --> 00:41:52,050 Local community representatives 668 00:41:52,126 --> 00:41:55,720 Are appointed to reach out to america's underprivileged, 669 00:41:55,797 --> 00:41:59,057 Encouraging them to learn how to read, write, 670 00:41:59,133 --> 00:42:02,969 And develop modern technical skills. 671 00:42:02,979 --> 00:42:06,898 8 billion dollars is provided to improve housing for the poor. 672 00:42:09,811 --> 00:42:14,146 President johnson's mission is to stamp out poverty. 673 00:42:14,157 --> 00:42:17,650 He urges congress to "pursue it wherever it exists, 674 00:42:17,661 --> 00:42:20,787 In city slums and small towns." 675 00:42:22,740 --> 00:42:26,251 The president also pledges his support for civil rights. 676 00:42:30,423 --> 00:42:37,086 In March 1965, the students from tuskegee join the movement. 677 00:42:37,097 --> 00:42:38,838 They demonstrate for voting rights 678 00:42:38,848 --> 00:42:40,598 In montgomery, alabama. 679 00:42:47,190 --> 00:42:51,067 Police confront protestors and try to move them on. 680 00:42:53,446 --> 00:42:56,698 Practicing non-violent non-cooperation, 681 00:42:56,774 --> 00:43:00,451 They drop to the floor. 682 00:43:00,528 --> 00:43:02,579 Officers drag them away. 683 00:43:04,532 --> 00:43:08,543 Demonstrations continue for 19 days. 684 00:43:12,540 --> 00:43:14,382 Ten months later, 685 00:43:14,459 --> 00:43:17,885 An attack on tuskegee student sammy younge, jr., 686 00:43:17,962 --> 00:43:20,305 A former u.S. Naval serviceman, 687 00:43:20,381 --> 00:43:23,725 Brings the demand for black rights into sharp focus. 688 00:43:25,303 --> 00:43:30,315 On January 3, 1966, at a standard oil gas station, 689 00:43:30,391 --> 00:43:32,642 He objects when he believes an attendant 690 00:43:32,652 --> 00:43:36,812 Sends him to a "colored only" bathroom. 691 00:43:36,823 --> 00:43:38,489 After a confrontation, 692 00:43:38,566 --> 00:43:41,150 The attendant shoots him dead in this alleyway. 693 00:43:41,161 --> 00:43:42,660 [gunshot] 694 00:43:44,072 --> 00:43:45,496 Sammy younge, jr. 695 00:43:45,573 --> 00:43:47,415 Is the first black college student 696 00:43:47,492 --> 00:43:51,210 To be killed for his actions in the civil rights movement. 697 00:43:57,418 --> 00:44:01,763 The next day, shown here in never-before-seen footage, 698 00:44:01,839 --> 00:44:05,600 2,000 students March outside the gas station in tuskegee 699 00:44:05,677 --> 00:44:07,810 To protest his murder. 700 00:44:13,109 --> 00:44:16,185 11 months later, an all-white jury 701 00:44:16,196 --> 00:44:19,781 Finds the killer, marvin segrest, not guilty. 702 00:44:23,528 --> 00:44:27,288 Younge's death empowers black political participation 703 00:44:27,365 --> 00:44:29,832 In tuskegee and beyond. 704 00:44:31,953 --> 00:44:34,537 By 1970, the majority of 705 00:44:34,547 --> 00:44:36,122 Local government office holders 706 00:44:36,132 --> 00:44:37,882 In black alabama counties 707 00:44:37,959 --> 00:44:40,718 Are african american. 708 00:44:40,795 --> 00:44:43,295 A decade of the civil rights movement 709 00:44:43,306 --> 00:44:45,223 Has ended segregation 710 00:44:45,299 --> 00:44:48,893 And changed the mindset of the black population forever. 711 00:44:48,970 --> 00:44:51,396 ♪ 712 00:44:51,472 --> 00:44:53,889 In the small town of muscle shoals, 713 00:44:53,900 --> 00:44:56,901 Racial integration is bringing great reward. 714 00:44:56,978 --> 00:44:59,904 ♪ 715 00:44:59,981 --> 00:45:03,408 30 years after roosevelt brought the town electricity, 716 00:45:03,484 --> 00:45:07,403 It has grown to a population of nearly 7,000 people. 717 00:45:07,414 --> 00:45:12,742 ♪ 718 00:45:12,752 --> 00:45:14,744 Here in 1962, 719 00:45:14,754 --> 00:45:18,414 Music producer rick hall opens fame studios. 720 00:45:18,425 --> 00:45:22,168 ♪ 721 00:45:22,178 --> 00:45:24,336 He forms a house band 722 00:45:24,347 --> 00:45:27,515 In which black and white musicians play together 723 00:45:27,592 --> 00:45:29,425 To back visiting artists. 724 00:45:29,436 --> 00:45:32,520 ♪ 725 00:45:32,597 --> 00:45:34,772 Rick hall: I think, let's do it the other way and try it. 726 00:45:34,849 --> 00:45:38,276 Man: One, two... One, two, three, four. 727 00:45:38,352 --> 00:45:44,273 ♪ 728 00:45:44,284 --> 00:45:47,610 Hall: We feel the people here love each other. 729 00:45:47,620 --> 00:45:49,862 Willie hightower: ♪ if I could be you ♪ 730 00:45:49,873 --> 00:45:52,198 ♪ and you could be me ♪ 731 00:45:52,208 --> 00:45:55,034 ♪ for just one hour ♪ 732 00:45:55,044 --> 00:45:56,452 ♪ oh, yeah ♪ 733 00:45:56,463 --> 00:45:58,204 Narrator: In 1970, 734 00:45:58,214 --> 00:46:01,540 Willie hightower records the racial tolerance anthem 735 00:46:01,551 --> 00:46:04,710 "walk a mile in my shoes" here. 736 00:46:04,721 --> 00:46:06,295 Hightower: ♪ oh, yeah ♪ 737 00:46:06,306 --> 00:46:08,473 Narrator: The simple life and small-town charm 738 00:46:08,549 --> 00:46:11,467 Of the studio's muscle shoals home 739 00:46:11,478 --> 00:46:13,636 Persuades songwriters like sonny limbo 740 00:46:13,646 --> 00:46:16,472 To turn their back on the big city. 741 00:46:16,483 --> 00:46:18,316 Sonny limbo: I just like it here much better. 742 00:46:18,392 --> 00:46:21,727 The attitude of the people in new york city, 743 00:46:21,738 --> 00:46:23,488 Particularly in the music business, 744 00:46:23,564 --> 00:46:25,314 It's a little too fast for me. 745 00:46:25,325 --> 00:46:27,992 Well, it's a dog-eat-dog world up there. 746 00:46:28,069 --> 00:46:30,236 Narrator: The fame name 747 00:46:30,246 --> 00:46:32,997 Draws artists like aretha franklin, 748 00:46:33,074 --> 00:46:35,241 Wilson pickett and duane allman, 749 00:46:35,251 --> 00:46:37,409 And otis redding. 750 00:46:37,420 --> 00:46:39,420 Hightower: ♪ oh, yeah ♪ 751 00:46:39,497 --> 00:46:44,416 ♪ if I could see you in my eye ♪ 752 00:46:44,427 --> 00:46:47,002 ♪ instead of your ego ♪ 753 00:46:47,013 --> 00:46:48,921 ♪ oh, yeah ♪ 754 00:46:48,932 --> 00:46:52,174 Narrator: The house band, with rick hall at the helm, 755 00:46:52,185 --> 00:46:54,352 Craft the famously deep, soulful, swampy 756 00:46:54,428 --> 00:46:56,771 Muscle shoals sound 757 00:46:56,848 --> 00:46:59,273 And produce 75 gold and platinum hits. 758 00:46:59,350 --> 00:47:01,192 Hightower: ♪ walk a mile in my shoes ♪ 759 00:47:01,269 --> 00:47:03,269 ♪ 760 00:47:03,279 --> 00:47:06,605 Narrator: Muscle shoals' small-town enterprise 761 00:47:06,616 --> 00:47:09,275 Becomes an international success. 762 00:47:09,285 --> 00:47:11,443 Hightower: ♪ before you abuse ♪ 763 00:47:11,454 --> 00:47:14,196 ♪ criticize and accuse ♪ 764 00:47:14,207 --> 00:47:17,458 ♪ just walk a mile in my shoes ♪ 765 00:47:17,535 --> 00:47:22,037 ♪ 766 00:47:22,048 --> 00:47:24,465 Narrator: At the turn of the 20th century, 767 00:47:24,542 --> 00:47:29,211 Two-thirds of americans lived in small towns. 768 00:47:29,222 --> 00:47:34,392 By the 1960s, only one-third remains. 769 00:47:34,468 --> 00:47:36,635 In post-industrial america, 770 00:47:36,646 --> 00:47:41,056 Small towns have faced many challenges. 771 00:47:41,067 --> 00:47:42,641 Some have survived. 772 00:47:42,652 --> 00:47:46,145 Some have been left behind. 773 00:47:46,155 --> 00:47:49,490 But the wholesome ideal of small-town life, 774 00:47:49,567 --> 00:47:52,318 Where a friend is only a short stroll away, 775 00:47:52,328 --> 00:47:56,455 Continues to burn brightly in the minds of americans.