“Christmas Memories” | Grandma’s Stories

Dec 28th “Christmas Memories”

While – remembering childhood in the early 1940’s and during the WWII years – have a photo taken of me and my Father sitting by the lamp in the living room – and we are looking at the very large size “Hail Stones” in a large bowl – – that my Dad had just collected from in front of our house – – – and during a very bad storm! In all of my years – those “HAIL STONES” – – are the largest that I have ever seen – why such a large size – no idea – – but since then the average size that I have seen – – wore the size of small beans.

The memory is only remembered because I’ve seen the photo – several times and there must have been a special reason for collecting “HAIL STONES” and taking a picture. No body was taking a lot of pictures in those days – since there was a WAR going on – you almost always had to have a “Ration Coupon” to buy so many things – because – – most of the material and general supplies the people used – had to first go toward the WAR effort – we did want to win the WAR – and all of us – – did learn early to do without – so that America would be victorious in the putting an end to all Wars!

When we lived in the North Saint Louis area – – it seems to me that we had lots of ice and snow. At least more than we have today – and there were no organised street cleaners – since I remember my DAD having to puts chains on the car – if we were to have to go somewhere. – – So, one of those early years – I must have ask for “ice skates” – – having no idea – – what “ice skates” looked like and or if I would even be able to skate – if I did receive them? Well – I received “ice skates” and there must have been plenty of ice out side on the side-walks – the “ice-skates” that I received were the kind that you attach to the shoes that you have on – – and you should have a good strong and firm shoe on – – so that the skates can be attached properly!

My Father put the skates on me in the house and then carried me out side. These “ice skates” had double blades – on each skate – – so at-least I could stand without falling – so my DAD took my hands and just pulled me – for a while – and then had me move one foot ahead of the other and pulling me slower to see if I could do the leg work of skating – – but all the time I felt secure – – just holding on to him. We only went around our block and for a very long time. I was dressed so warm – – in those days little girls worn “Leg-gens” – which were made to match your coat- – – plus the knitted hat and scarf around the neck – – and also I had one of those “HAND-MUFFS” – it had a long attached ribbon that went around to the back of the neck – so that when you took your hands out – from each side – it was still hanging on to you – it did not get lose – and was always ready for you to put your hands in or some of your stuff or even your gloves – that is – if you did not need them – – also a pocket that zipped shut for some money – – it was the best for keeping the hands – warm! The warmest.

It was amazing that my DAD would take the time to hold me and run along side of me as I was learning to skate – as I did learn how to skate – and whenever if was okay with my parents – and the weather was just right – I was outside skating – around the block!