Seirer_180328_8501153.jpgCoffee Time at Hardy A Studebaker President in pristine condition provides a sharp contrast to the less-well-kept downtown of Hardy, Neb.,, just across the Kansas border near Lovewell Reservoir. Its owner drove the 1950s-era car to town to join his afternoon coffee group at the Hardy cafe. The cafe was closed. But not to worry. Group members have keys. They let themselves in, serve themselves beverages, leave payment on the counter and lock the door behind them when they leave. That's the essence of how small-town life once was and still can be in increasingly rare instances.

A Studebaker President in pristine condition provides a sharp contrast to the less-well-kept downtown of Hardy, Neb., just across the Kansas border north of Lovewell Reservoir. Its owner drove the 1950s-era car to town to join his afternoon coffee group at the Hardy cafe. The cafe was closed! But not to worry. Group members have keys. They let themselves in, serve themselves beverages and discuss the events of the day at a large table.They put their payment on the counter and lock the door behind them when they leave. That's the essence of how small-town life once was in the Studebaker's day — and still is in increasingly rare instances.