Doesn't make much sense.
I've seen this film many times, and still think it's cute, but I recently caught it again after many years, and saw it with fresh eyes. I realized that the entire premise is flawed, and there are a few glaring problems:
1) Nothing bad really happens to them. A few unfortunate things, but that's life! And some of the things they cause themselves.
2) The Farmers blame the townsfolk for their predicament, but what did any of them do that was so terrible?
3) Elizabeth states she wants to keep the house, but the very next scene they're asking the town to help sell it.
4) Why did they need the town to help sell it? It was a nice enough property.