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Belva Morgan
Hatteberg's People
Reporter: Larry Hatteberg
August 9, 2004 - On Hatteberg’s People, It’s a job Belva Morgan has had for 50 years. Belva is the postmistress of the Norway, Kansas post office in Republic County.
When you look down Norway’s Main Street, it looks like a picture out of National Geographic Magazine. Old buildings lined up on the West side of the street like a movie set.
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Thirty-one people live in Norway, Kansas. At the post office, Belva Morgan knows them all.
“There are congenial people that live here. I am just in love with them.”
For 50 years, she has been the postmistress in this tiny community in Republic County.
At 88, she is still working.
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“And I’ve got to know the people, I’ve got to miss them when they are gone.”
Like any post office there are the usual things, pictures of folks they don’t want in their community, and a notice that juicy Colorado peaches have arrived.
“You learn to like people, you learn to love people."
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Norway is a tiny farming community surrounded by corn. Founded in 1869, this little place holds a special beauty for those who live here.
“I like the quietness of it. You don’t have to worry about what is going on. I just like it I guess.”
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Next door to the post office lives Eugene
Herrman. He’s retired, and maintains a world-class garden, both in front and back of his home. Belva has tea with him and his wife every afternoon. Among the flowers and sleepy cat are moments unattainable in larger cities.
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“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.” Says
Herrman.
“I don’t either” , echoed Belva.
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Outside Belva’s post office back door, are the flowers planted by her neighbor…and the nearby field of corn stretching to the sun
“As you can tell I’m just sold on Norway, Kansas.”
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Inside Belva works as she as for five decades…and by the way, after 50 years she has 4000 hours of sick leave waiting to be used.
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“I enjoy life.”
To many, there wouldn’t be much here in Norway, Kansas.
“I love my friends ----”But to Belva,
“---and my patrons.”
---it is paradise.
“I’m just content I guess, and I hope the rest of my life is as enjoyable as it is now.”
I’m Larry Hatteberg.
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