“Calling our FRIENDS with a STRONG VOICE”

Jul 20th “Calling our FRIENDS with a STRONG VOICE”

“When I think back to when it was the “good ole days” for us young kids – – just so many things to do and to be a part of doing good for the community – – and all without a “cell phone” and never used the “home telephone” which more than likely was at least “a two-party” telephone – – meaning that someone in the neighborhood would share that line – – and if you were on the “phone” – – there would always be the possibility that – that neighbor could listen in on your conversations – – even chime in – – and or at least always knew more about your personal business than you would want them to know!

”Tele Communications”

In the 1940s, we had the best, most reliable, “communications” system going! As a “kid” a very young girl then, got up early, dressed and ready to play or work (work was having to help my brothers get ready) all before I even got outside, I could hear; “O ooh Mary Ellen can you come out and play, Today?” This was in a sing/song dragged out repetition, by my friend, “Alice Thomas”, standing on the sidewalk , in front of our house in North Saint Louis. My Mother would immediately tell me to kindly let “Alice” know that I would be out soon as every neighbor – knew who and what was going on – – and where we would be going.

Alice lived at the other end of the block and across the street, walked to my house, and when I get outside, we are going to walk a couple more blocks and both of us will start calling, on more friends, walking and walking until enough of our friends are together to play games or go and watch whatever if something “NEW” was going on within miles of where we all lived.

How do you like our, “communication system” when we “call you” everybody on the block knows “us” and “you” and what ever we are going to do, and where we will be! Now, if your “parents” do not like your “friends” you just can’t go out today – and that message is ‘sung right back’ out the window back to them and who ever else is listening! Let me “tele” you something “we grew up with all that “fresh air, out doors and exercise.”

When I stop to think about the area we traveled – – from and around “Fairgrounds Park” and to and back further than the “O’Fallon Park” – playing and walking for miles – -never tiring and probably not even eating anything – – someone might have a few pennies and we would stop a a “Confectionery” store and buy “penny candy” and get a whole bag full to share – – which would increase us to being a very best friend to all – – “WOW” what a day we would have!

Just thinking of he exercise – – and being outside in the “SUNSHINE” – the VITAMINS to and for our skin and the entire body – – the “fresh Air” – – as very few families would being using automobiles – – as you needed a “Ration Coupon” for purchase of a gallon of fuel – since fuel was needed for the – – the WAR effort – WWII – and we were all doing without so much – – just so we would bring the WAR to an early end!

All of the “KIDS” in the neighborhood did their part – – and had FUN doing so – – we were growing stronger – – doing something worth while – – improving our bodies and minds – – there was no “television” to cause us to waste our time and grow fat and lazy! We were always on the move – – “Communicating as we gather together and always on the go!”