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Would Anyone Dare Post This Sign in Your Neighborhood?

Bucks Corner Farm

Living in a small town and/or community has its advantages. Today when I passed by Buck's Corner Farm Produce Stand just outside of Swansboro, N C, it suddenly occurred to me that what I see as ordinary, others in different locations might see as very strange and unusual.

Take a look at the sign below---does anything about this sign seem strange or out of the ordinary to you?

Do you see this where you live? This produce stand has been in this location for as many years as I can remember and in the Fall, this is how they do business--The Honor System. The stand is unmanned. Make your selection, drop your money in the box and drive away with your pumpkin, sweet potatoes, jam or whatever.

Bucks Corner Farm

There are signs with prices for the different items.

Bucks Corner Produce Each time I pass and see the signs, I smile and think "it is so wonderful to live in a place where people still trust their neighbors".

Swansboro and Hubert NC in Onslow County, a wonderful place to live, raise a family or retire.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist

910 459 9189 Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military families in locating a home in Onslow County

Posted by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist on 09/26/2007 05:35 PM

Comments (70)

onslow county home specialist, swansboro nc, hubert nc, onslow county north carolina

Originally posted at: Onslow County NC Homes Talk: Would Anyone Dare Post This Sign in Your Neighborhood?

This post has been included in North Carolina Information Onslow County, NC Information Swansboro, NC Information

70 Comments on Would Anyone Dare Post This Sign in Your Neighborhood?

SEP

2007

Cynthia, We live in citrus country and have quite a few of these "honor system" fruit stands in our area. They must work. Out little town, Dundee Fl, has a population of 3,500. The largest commercial store is our feed and hardware store. The marquis reads "chicks for sale". :)

Hi Cynthia, We have them dotting the countryside here too....within 5-10 minute drive of our small city. The same stands around here have been operating that way for years and they do a very good business. Some of them are even pick your own places and after you pick , you just drop your money in a box.

It's nice to live in old fashioned areas where this still works and people can be trusted.

Nice pictures !

Hello Cynthia - What a lovely place you live in with that kind of trust and the honor system. It brings back memories when I was a kid in Missouri.

Hi Bryant,
Yes, they must work and it makes me feel good to know they do. Love the "chicks for sale". Thanks for your visit and comments.

Hi Cynthia,
I agree with you, it is wonderful when people can trust and be trusted. Good post.

Cynthia, that is unusual, but what a great feeling that really must be to be a part of that community. Nice post. Thanks for sharing.

Just plain awesome, Cynthia - what pure delight - restores some peace and faith to my soul

Thanks for a lovely post

That is a great site to see Cynthia. What a great community. I have seen one of the local Chiropractors using an "Honor Box" in his business and I always thought that was pretty cool. Aloha,

David Kucic RA, ABR, AHWD, e-PRO, GRi
First Sergeant, USA (Retired)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii
http://www.davidkucic.com/
mailto:david@davidkucic.com

SEP

2007

Cynthia, my parents lived in upstate New York during the 90's, and when I would visit, my mother would send me (she never did have a drivers license) to buy mushrooms from a home in the area where they raised the tasty morsels. The sign directed buyers to come in the garage, open the refrigerator, and pay on the honor system. There was a table and scale. All the money was in the crisper; make your own change. I never met the people in more than a decade.

Mike in Tucson

Hi Cynthia,

I remember when I was small going to my grand da's house in the country everyone would always keep their doors wide open. Not a worry in the world. This was a very nice Blog.

O ye by the way you have been MEME'd. I look forward to reading your MEME.

Cynthia,

Interesting....you couldn't do this in my area...that is great that there is so much trust.

You did good, Swansboro is so quaint isnt it? I like stopping next door for the lantana and azaleas 2 bucks each spring- again, honor system if they're not sitting outside to greet you!

Cynthia, I think that might be impossible to find on Long Island now but years ago they did have it as well as flowers. I sometimes have to put out candy on Halloween when I'm not home and leave a sign up to please take one piece each. And the bucket is cleared out in five minutes :(

As surprising as it may seem, the honor system is still alive and well in many areas of the country. And good to know that it still works. There is hope for humanity!!

Hello Jo,
Isn't it wonderful to know people still are honest and trustworthy. Not something the news people tell us about. Your area sounds a lot like mine in many ways. Thank you for coming by.

Good morning Candy,
It is good to remember our past and the good memories. Thanks for commenting.

Hi Jeanette,
It is good to see this still works. Thanks for your visit and comments.

Hello Julie,
Small town and communities are a great place to live. Thanks for your comments and visit.

Hi Deborah,
Yes it does renew the faith in mankind, doesn't it? I appreciate your comments.

Good morning David,
Now that is a new one--the chiropractor and an honor box. Is there a sign with prices for the services and hourly rates?

Cynthia, Thanks for the post it is great to see how honesty is still in our society. Here in New England, I haven't yet come across the same level of trust and honesty but I'll keep my eyes open.

Hi Mike,
That's a neat story, I'm learning this more prevalent that I presumed. A good sign.

you are lucky to live in a place like that

I think this is WONDERFUL!!! I've seent this a few times with people who will put out fresh veggies and fruit at the end of their driveway...but RARELY! This would never happen in town though. How nice to feel like your town is still trustworthy!

I to live is a place that uses the honor system. I am about 20 minutes outside of Raleigh and we that a stand near by that says please use the honor system also. Good post.

The honor system is alive and well over the mountains here in Eastern Tennessee. Most of the local farms here use it. I've lived in LA and I've lived in NY but this is my favorite place. Its beautiful and affordable.

I've never seen that before in my life, but it's nice to see there are places like that that exist.

Well hello Patrick,
I have, have I? This is the 3rd time but I rise to the challenge. Good memories. Thanks for the visit and comments.

Hi Neal,
Yes, it is a good thing and leaves ones with a good feeling about neighbors. Thanks.

Hello Michele,
Yes, Swansboro is a quaint town with lots to offer. You are right about the plants next door, what a deal! Have a great day and thanks.

Hi Carole,
That's too bad about the Halloween candy. I hope you can be there to hand it out this year. The fun is seeing the kids in their costumes. Thank you.

Hello Derrick,
I am learning that and I love it! Thank you for stopping in and commenting.

Hi Pamela,
Yes it is good and I suppose this type of practice is seen more in small towns and communities. I really appreciate your visit and comments.

Hi Mehmet,
I certainly am! Thanks for visiting and commenting.

Hello Susie,
I feel truly blessed to live in this area. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

Hi Susan,
Doesn't it make you feel good every time you see the sign? I know it does me. Thanks.

Hi Sharon,
You are one of the lucky ones too. Isn't it grand? Thanks for sharing your comments.

Hello Cheri,
Well, I am happy I was able to show you that these type of places do exist. From the response I've received, there are other areas in the country where this is common practice also. I appreciate your visit and comments.

We have a stand just like that one half mile away and relish the thought of stopping by every chance we get.

I don't know about the larger stands around here, but I always marvel at one particular little shop set up in the garage of a house. The woman, rain or shine, always has homemade jams and jellies on a little rack. It creates a great feeling of community.

I think it is just wonderful that there are still places in our country where it is possible to have such a system and trust your neighbors not to rip you off! Thanks for sharing!!

WOW! it must be great to have something like that in your area. If there were an honor stand near me the place would be picked clean in a matter of minutes. Of course I live in LA!

Hello Keith & Robin,
That's great, I am happy to hear there are more areas where the Honor System is working. Thank you for visiting and commenting.

Hi Sandi,
I agree, there's just something about homemade, home grown and dealing with the individual. I appreciate your visit and comments.

Yes, Melissa,
It is and I am thankful. I appreciate you stopping by to comment.

Hi Rob,
That's sad, isn't it? This must work, these people have been doing this for years. Thanks for visiting and commenting.

I live in Houston and there is no way on earth that would work here. It's sad.

Hi Cynthia. Small towns can be really great that way. Unfortunately, you can't use such an honor system in the city without payin gthe price. It's really sad.

SEP

2007

Hello Ann,
Guess it has to be small town USA to work. It is neat. Thanks for your visit and comments.

Cynthia - I love this post. We have a restaurant in Vienna, VA where things are similar. The Vienna Inn is known for their chili dogs, and no-nonsense waitresses. As long as I can remember the place worked like this. You walked in and found a seat yourself. You want a soft drink, there's the machine, go get one. Order your chili dogs, fries, beers, whatever, and enjoy. When you're done, go up to the register, TELL THEM WHAT YOU HAD (no checks, just honor system), and pay. Oh, and there is a shared tip jar at the register, no tips on the table.

I'm with you, places like this reinforce the idea that people are generally honorable, or at least that Vienna (and Buck's County!) are great places to live.

Hi Cynthia,

What a great place to live!! Just reading your post was so heart warming.

Not in my hood! Every single pumpkin would be gone before the end of the day- Cost $0

Cynthia,

Here in the Nazareth, PA area, there is a local farmer that does this. He has done this for years and has had no problems as far as I know. He has his produce in his barn and everyone is on the honor system, and the prices are posted on a chalk board. Of course, he is located on a back road and not on a main thoroughfare. But, you don't see itvery often.

Wow, i am moving, I wonder if the locksmith in town does well?...It is truly a pleasure to see that some owner still do business without contracts...I dont have to live i your town to smile and refreshed at the picture..its possible to get long distance smiles...havent seen it in St. petersburg, Fl yet, there is still hope...

Refresh Gene McDonald of www.gotgreencountertops.com

Only in Rural America, What a gret place to live

Good evening Ilyce,
It is sad when people cannot be trusted to act on their honor. I appreciate you stopping in and commenting.

Hi Mark,
That's wonderful and a restaurant I certainly would like to visit. Stories like that renew my hope. Thank you for your visit and comments.

Hello Trace,
Thank you and I agree with you. Thanks for sharing your comments.

Hi Michael,
As I said earlier in a comment, I suppose this type of honor system only works in small towns and communities but the size of the town should not make any difference. If everyone behaved honestly and honorably, this could be the norm. Thanks for coming by and leaving your comments.

Good evening Brigita,
It's great to hear about the different locations where the honor system works. Thank you for sharing with us.

Hi Gene,
I happy to know I was able to deliver a smile to St. Petersburg, Fla. Thank you for visiting my blog and sharing your comments.

Hi Brett,
I think that is probably very true. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

There is no way that we would have something like that around here!

Hello Michael,
Too bad, it's a good feeling to know you live in a place that can have a business that operates in this way.

Try doing that in Tampa where I used to live.

SEP

2007

I think its great that you can purchase on the honor system! I don't think that would go over to good in my neck of the woods though

Hi Christopher,
How about where you are now? The honor system is great as long as you are dealing with honorable people, right? I appreciate your visit and comments.

Hello Diane,
I have been somewhat surprised at the response I have received from ARers in different parts of the country that say it is done in their area also. I just love it. Thank you for visiting and commenting.

Cynthia, You're batting a thousand... you must love taking photos of wonderful places where you live and enjoy life.... and I'm with you. Honor system works if you decide it works...

How great that this still happens.... you find similar signs with honor system money boxes in Maine and New Hampshire. Take your bundle of firewood, leave your money. Thanks for the inspiration!

Hi Eva,
Thank you for the kind words. I've been making an effort to take more photos. You're right about the honor system. I appreciate your visit and comments.

Hello Debbie,
Isn't it terrific? I keep hearing about different areas where the honor system is alive and well. That is great. Thank you for coming by and commenting.

SEP

2007

While this is rare I have seen it in rural New York as well. I see it as a good sign for the area.

OCT

2007

Good morning John,
Yes, a good sign indeed. Trust and faith in ones neighbors is definitely a good sign.

Cynthia - I live on a farm in southern Delaware. My neighbor has a box with a sign on it, smiliar to the one in your photo, on his produce cart which he pulls out by the road every morning. He told me recently that he had to put a chain around the box because people started stealing his money. Then, someone actually busted the box apart and took the money. That's so sad since the rural, small town, lifestyle and sense of honor has been so refreshing living in that area up until now.

Cynthia,

Great ....I see this in the Amish farmer's in the Lancaster County area of Pennsylvania. Trust and Honesty are a wonderful thing to see.

Cynthia: Yes, I see this type of sign in my area. Isn't it great to be on the Honor System?

Hi Mickey,
That is such a shame, it makes me sad to hear that your area is falling prey to a lack of honor. Thank you for stopping in and commenting.

Hello Dan,
I have never visited the Amish country but I would like to. I would think trust and honor would be prevalent there. I appreciate your visit and comments.

Hi Dianne,
You are one of the lucky ones too. Isn't it grand? Thank you for visiting and commenting.

It's almost a two hr drive to the Valley from Halifax where you come across the odd stand along side the road like those in your post. It's a different mindset for sure, but It's great to see! Hopefully no - one takes advantage of the situation.

haha wow, you dont see those much anymore. Wish I lived in a place that trusted everyone like that. Maybe someday.

Hi Paul,
I have learned there are many places that the honor system is working and it sure is good to know. I appreciate you visiting and commenting.

Hello Stephen,
It is good to know that there is still some honor and trust. Thanks for coming by and sharing your comments.

OCT

2007

I remember when Summit County used to be this way. With all the development etc, things have certainly changed, although some of that small town feel is left which is nice

Right here in Northern Michigan we have the same setup on a local farm. Never had a robbery in 22 years. Awesome way of life in these areas.

What a refreshing update on how good business still gets done. I come from a small town, but never have seen anything like that. That's really cool and I hope they keep doing business like that perpetually!

Believe or not, even in New Jersey we have honor system stands. But then again New Jersey is the "Garden State".

Hello Henry,
Progress is not always the kind of progress we'd like to have. Glad to hear that you do still have some small town feel left. Thank you for visiting and commenting.

Hi Erik,
That is wonderful. It is truly amazing how many areas still have this type of honor system in place, I just love it. I appreciate you visiting and commenting.

Hello Rob,
Isn't it just great to know that the honor system can still work in some areas? I, too, hope it can continue on and on. Thanks for coming by and leaving your comments.

Hi Lisa,
It is wonderful to hear that New Jersey has the honor system stands too. Yes, it is the Garden State--does that explain it? Thank you for sharing your comments.

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