Even in a small town, there might be other places to fly. Check the AMA club locator for other places in your area, let's say, within a 50 mile radius. As already stated, be persistent. They may not be avoiding you, just reticent and/or not aware you really might want to join. Unless it's a private club, the membership should be open.

Most clubs will let you fly as a guest several times before asking you to join up. I would NOT fly at their field without someone's permission. As for flying the LT-40, get an instructor, even if you have to drive a little. You'll plant it if you don't. I'm a member of two clubs. One is within 20 minutes and the other is about 45 minutes. I enjoy flying at both. The club farther away has a grass strip that is more forgiving on my Dr.1, while the closer club has a paved runway which is fine for my sport planes.

Keep pushing, the door will open!

Dr.1