Friends, Peers, and Classmates
The memories posted last week drew so many positive responses I think I’ll mention some friends and begin a series of sharing pictures and thoughts of those precious folks I grew up with. With summer coming (I promise) we who were fortunate to attend the various camps and the tons of fun we had with pillow fights, field games, great food and a daily swim will remember with fondness of playing jokes, bonding, and laughing. Here’s a picture Joan Carol sent me of her and me standing in front of the flag pole at Cabwaylingo. My, my! That skinny fellow can’t be me.
Yes, while growing up in that pretty little town we played in the streets, on vacant lots, and throughout the hills and creeks surrounding us. We enjoyed birthday parties, and those days of freedom as the weather permitted.
It was a time when many of us attended church and worshiped our Almighty God. We enjoyed Palm Sunday and wore newly purchased of made clothing in pastel colors, often with flowers and patent leather shoes. Old man winter had passed to be replaced by clouds of colorful blooms. I remember walking hand in hand with my cousin Julia on the sidewalks of this heavenly little town. After the service and hearing the Word, we both rushed home to change out of our Sunday best into something suitable for play. Kids that lived around me were as excited as me, as demonstrated by the loud screams of delight as we hear the phrase, “Here I come, ready or note!”
Here’s a couple of shots taken at birthday parties that included the faces of some friends as we appeared in those earlier days. The order of the day was ice cream and cake. Maybe I grew too fond of that menu and had too many helpings. Still, I was skinny back then. I have effectively doubled in size owing to my affinity for sweets. That shouldn’t be a surprise given the grand cooking of sweet foods served up by sweet people living in that sweet little town.
We spent time at the Garden Theater watching movies that included ‘Bambi,’ ‘Song of the South,’ ‘Pinocchio,’ and ‘Mickey Mouse.’ We saw updates on the war and other events such as the marriage of Princess Elisabeth to the Duke of Edinburgh. We saw cowboy movies with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, and as we grew older there, bigger than life was John Wayne.
Later, I plan to share stories and class pictures of friends and those wonderful people I remember. I’ll try to mention a few older citizens, as well. You are invited to send me comments or short-stories about folks from the past which you hold dear to your hearts. If you tell me to share those I’ll try to make it happen. Meanwhile, the memories I write about are mine, so are colored by what I recall. Thanks for reading and caring.
Fun to see the birthday party at my house
I truly appreciate your recollections….Keep them coming!!!