I was born and raised in a town once known for condensed milk, butter, watchmaking and a mental health asylum. It is now known for its riverboat casino and street sweepers. It wasn’t a bad place to grow up. It had green spaces, a decent downtown until the malls lured shoppers away. The school district was fine, even stellar, when I was a student.
So why did I choose to leave at the first opportunity? That I don’t know, except I wanted out. I had bigger plans than I thought Elgin could provide for.
Cedar Waxwing's 365 
I really knew it for the watches (and, or course, the general offices of my church denomination!). I’ve only been back once since I lived there 1984–85. Would love to see it again.
“I had bigger plans than I thought Elgin could provide for. ” That’s enough of a reason. It’s why I got out of my province!