Those of us of a certain age do remember those winters of doubt. Quiet evenings when our parents spoke in hushed tones or not at all, after supper near the fire. Children felt the pall covering everything, not knowing what to say, keeping quiet.
We kids heard it on the big Atwater-Kent radio, the depression word. It all seemed to fit together, the cold dark skies, silhouettes of leafless tree branches, black clay mud clinging to your shoes. This was South Texas in a railroad town. Hobos, dropping off on their way to the Border, made it all the way to our house on the edge of nowhere. Always there was mesquite wood to be chopped for the stove, and something or other to eat, but not many smiles.
Sears-Roebuck gave us the mail-order coats that kept us warm, as well as my favorites, aviator helmets complete with goggles. Our heroes in the 1930’s were aviators. It was the time of Wiley Post and Amelia Earhart, smiling at us from the newsreels at the Rialto. An aviator cap was absolutely essential on the school playground. Where are they today?
The winter of 1942. We were at war, fathers and uncles fighting someplace we didn’t know about. The news we got was not encouraging, mostly rumors. Older now, in our teens, we became aware of shortages, essentials becoming scarce. At that in-between space, too young to do anything, old enough to wish to contribute something to the war. And the cold winter rains again, the jagged mesquite branches against a gray sky.
Now, as those of us of that certain age realize, the torch has been passed. Men and women vie for controlling our future, strident voices on TV, endless analysis. Bare trees mock their efforts.
But hey! Spring will come. Today a clump of Crocus blooms by my driveway. Jonquils are up. And back in Texas, the mesquite will bloom.
Do not doubt.
Dac Crossley
January 11, 2012
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” – Sir Randulph Fiennes, Explorer.
Very evocative and inspirational post, Dac. I would love to have seen you in your aviator cap! Have you seen the movie "up"? The protagonist could be you (although he's a bit grumpier than you).
Posted by: Mike Draney | January 16, 2012 at 05:23 PM
I wasn't born until just after the war, but my mother talked about the things you mentioned, and I still remember the stories. Very uplifting blog, Dac. Thank you for the reminders.
Posted by: Marja McGraw | January 14, 2012 at 01:45 PM
Dac once again thanks for the memories. I was not born then, but I would hear stories of time past, but guess what, they never go away. Ecclesiastes tells us that their is nothing new under the Sun. Augie
Posted by: Augie | January 12, 2012 at 06:10 AM
Very nice, Dad. I love to read about the olden days -- and write about them, too. You captured your part of the country for me so well.
Posted by: Eileen Obser | January 11, 2012 at 11:16 PM
Good post, Dac. The memories of the 40s will remain vivid.
My favorite coffee drinkers are up-in-arms, couple of them carry reminders of far from home. We have a new justice center--the metal detector is giving them fits. It is violating their 4th amendment rights -- keeping their pocket knives.
Do a blog on all the useful aspects of a pocket knife to any male over 8. We gals envied you.
Irene
Posted by: irene black | January 11, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Your post id heartwarming, Dac. I see you have another book on your shelf, A LAND SO STRANGE. I don't think I've seen that one before.
I remember sitting with my folks listening to the radio. Of course, we had to LOOK AT the radio, as if it were TV. I must be a decade younger than you, though. I do remember when my half-brother came home from the Coast Guard with his bride. We were so relieved he was safe.
Posted by: Caroline Clemmons | January 11, 2012 at 09:13 PM
Two ration books from the war years still survive in my family thanks to my mother.
Posted by: Luella Wheeler-Bell | January 11, 2012 at 07:58 PM
You captured that time of the '40's so well. Thanks for the memory jog and reminder that things have a way of turning out better than we might be thinking!
Posted by: Shirley White | January 11, 2012 at 03:42 PM
Dac,what a beautiful and inspirational post! A lovely reminder that, when your world seems bleak, good times and prosperity can be right around the corner.
Posted by: Patricia Gligor | January 11, 2012 at 03:17 PM
Wonderful memories Dac. Interesting to think about. Happy New Year - full of
possibility and things that have never happened before. Make it a good one.
Posted by: Jan Okey | January 11, 2012 at 03:05 PM