“Some Old Time Memories, Can Not Forget”

Dec 30th “Some Old Time Memories, Can Not Forget”

“Christmas Memories”

While – remembering my childhood in the early 1940’s and during the WWII years – also 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, 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… were 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 in LIFE, 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 organized street cleaners… since I remember my DAD having to put chains on the car tires … if we were to have to go somewhere.

So, in 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 even if … I did receive them? Well … I received “ice skates” and there must have been plenty of ice out side on the side-walks where we lived… 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 that 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 … and 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 really the best thing… that I remember… for keeping the hands really 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 it was okay with my parents, and the weather was just right… I was outside skating … all by myself… all around the block!