This interesting story comes from one out of our March/April issue of the Focus in 2003 by John McCullough.
"Hey Dad," my daughter asked the other day, "what was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?"
"We didn't have fast food when I was growing up."
"C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?"
"We ate at home," I explained. "My Mom cooked every day and when Dad got home from work, we all sat down together at the table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate, I had to sit there until I did like it."
By this time, my daughter was laughing so hard I was afraid she was going to suffer some serious internal damage, so I didn't tell her the part how I had to get my Father's permission to leave the table.
Here are some other things I would have told her about my childhood if I had figured her system could handle it. My parents never: wore Levi's, set foot on a golf course, traveled out of the country, flew in a plane or had a credit card. In their later years they had something called a "revolving charge card" but they never actually used it. It was only good at Sears-Roebuck. Or maybe it was Sears and Roebuck. Either way, there is no Roebuck anymore.
My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was because soccer back then, if there was one, was just for girls. Besides, we had no car. We actually did walk to school. By the time you were in the 6th grade, it was not cool to ride the bus unless you lived more than 4 or 5 miles from the school, even when it was raining or there was ice or snow on the ground.
Outdoor sports consisted of stickball, snowball fights, building forts, shooting hoops, playing football in the U.P. Church lot, making snowmen and sliding down hills on a piece of cardboard, a sled or a Yankee jumper. We had a 12 man (boy) bobsled we ran down Wayne Street and into a snow bank by Edgar's Filling Station. No skate boards, roller blades or trail bikes.
We didn't have a television in our house until I was 18. It was, of course, black and white, but you could buy a piece of special colored plastic to cover the screen. The top third was blue, like the sky, and the bottom third was green, like grass. The middle third was red. It was perfect for programs that had scenes of fire trucks riding across someone's lawn on a sunny day.
I was 18 before I tasted my first pizza. It was at DeCarlo's Pizza in Wheeling, WV. My friend, Bill McGill, took me there to try what he called "pizza pie." When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off and plastered itself against my chin. It's still the best pizza I ever had.
Pizzas were not delivered to your house back then, but the milk was. I looked forward to winter because the cream in the milk was on top of the bottle and would freeze and push the cap off. Of course we kids would get up first to get teh milk and eat the frozen cream before our mother could catch us.
I never had a telephone in my room. Actually the only phone in the house was in the hallway and it was on a party line. Before you could make a call, you had to listen in to make sure someone else wasn't already using the line. If the line was not in use, an Operator would come on and ask "number please" and you would give her the number you wanted to call.
There was no such thing as a computer or a hand held calculator. We were required to memorize the "times tables." Believe it or not, we were tested each week on our ability to perform mathematics with nothing but a pencil and paper. We took a spelling test every day. There was no such thing as a "social promotion." If you flunked a class, you repeated that grade the following year. Nobody was concerned about your "self esteem." We had to actually do something praiseworthy before we were praised. We learned that you had to earn respect.
All newspapers were delivered by boys. I delievered The Grit & handbills for the I.G.A. once a week. It cost 5 cents a paper, of which I got to keep 2 cents. On Saturday, I had to collect the money from my customers. My least favorite customers were the ones who never seemed to be home on collection day.
Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut on screen. Touching someone else's tongue with yours was called French kissing and they just didn't do that in the movies back then. I had no idea what they did in French movies. French movies were considered dirty and we weren't allowed to see them.
You never saw the Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers or anyone else actually kill someone. The heroes back then would just shoot the gun out of the bad guy's hand. There was no blood and violence.
When you were sick, the Doctor actually came to your house. No, I am not making this up. Dr. Day delivered me at the house I live in today.
Drugs were something you purchased at a pharmacy in order to cure an illness.
If we dared to "sass" our parents, or any other grown-up, we immediately found out what soap tasted like. For more serious infractions, we learned about something called a "This hurts me more than it hurts you." I never did quite understand that one.
In those days, parents were expected to discipline their kids. There was no interference from the government. "Social Services" or "Family Services" had not been invented. (The ninth and tenth amendments to the Constitution were still observed in those days.)
I must be getting old because I find myself reflecting back more and more and thinking I liked it a lot more back then.
If you grew up in a generation before there was fast food, you may want to share some of these memories with your kids or grandchildren. Just don't blame me if they wet themselves laughing. Growing up today sure ain't what it used to be!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
National Road, "S" Bridge
Named after its somewhat "S" shape, the "S" Bridge sits at the intersection of U.S. Route 40 and State Route 221 in Buffalo Township, four miles west of Washington. Although huge stones sit inside of the bridge to prevent automobile traffic, people may walk or ride their bikes over it today. Though this bridge looks like a simple piece of Claysville, it is one of Washington County's historical gemstones. The information for this blog comes from Landmarks, Volumn I Column 39, the Observer-Reporter, Jan. 1988 by Lew Hayes.
The S Bridge was built from 1817-1818 as part of the National Road. The National Road started in Cumberland, Maryland in 1811 and went as far west as Wheeling, West Virginia by 1818. Throughout the time the S Bridge was in use, many coaches and wagons traveled over it; which linked the East to the West. Up until the bridge was closed in 1852 due to railroad use, it was the principle use of East-West travel. Many famous people have passed over it, including Henry Clay, General LaFayette and President James K. Polk on the way to his inauguration.
When Route 40 was relocated for trucks and other automobiles, part of the road was "chopped off." As years went on, the elements have really taken a toll on the bridge, and the last remaining parts of the bridge have been left to crumble into a branch of Buffalo Creek. Also, a post office was located along the S Bridge during the height of the National Pike. A tavern was also located at each end of the bridge.
Although the S Bridge is not used for automobiles, it is safe enough to walk and ride a bike along today. It is one of Claysville's most unique sites to visit and gains the attention by many tourists. The S Bridge is also a very popular site on Pike Days, people often set up yard sales around that area because many people pass through on their way to festivals. If you have not had the chance to visit this piece of Washington County history, it is highly suggested that you do!
The S Bridge was built from 1817-1818 as part of the National Road. The National Road started in Cumberland, Maryland in 1811 and went as far west as Wheeling, West Virginia by 1818. Throughout the time the S Bridge was in use, many coaches and wagons traveled over it; which linked the East to the West. Up until the bridge was closed in 1852 due to railroad use, it was the principle use of East-West travel. Many famous people have passed over it, including Henry Clay, General LaFayette and President James K. Polk on the way to his inauguration.
When Route 40 was relocated for trucks and other automobiles, part of the road was "chopped off." As years went on, the elements have really taken a toll on the bridge, and the last remaining parts of the bridge have been left to crumble into a branch of Buffalo Creek. Also, a post office was located along the S Bridge during the height of the National Pike. A tavern was also located at each end of the bridge.
Although the S Bridge is not used for automobiles, it is safe enough to walk and ride a bike along today. It is one of Claysville's most unique sites to visit and gains the attention by many tourists. The S Bridge is also a very popular site on Pike Days, people often set up yard sales around that area because many people pass through on their way to festivals. If you have not had the chance to visit this piece of Washington County history, it is highly suggested that you do!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
LeMoyne Crematory: The First Crematory in the United States
Washington County is home to many unusual landmarks, the LeMoyne Crematory is one that usually comes to mind. Although there were crematories built in Europe during Dr. LeMoyne's time, this was the first crematory in the United States. The information from this post comes from Lew Hays, who wrote A Collection of 300 Columns written for Sunday Editions of The OBSERVER-REPORTER and information from page 4 of the May/June Focus of 1998.
Dr. LeMoyne was a doctor ahead of his time. He also began to notice that all of his patients were getting sick and dying from similiar symptoms. With this in mind, Dr. LeMoyne became very convinced that these deaths and illnesses were directly linked to burial practices at the time. He believed that whatever illness came from the decomposing bodies ran off into streames and other water sources, causing the same symptoms in new bodies. Dr. LeMoyne's solution was to cremate the bodies, which would end the cycle of buring old, sick bodies and creating new sick people.
The idea of cremation came to Dr. LeMoyne when he came across Bavarian nobleman, Joseph Henry Charles, Baron De Palm, speak. The Baron was a diplomat and was brought to New York on business, and Dr. LeMoyne was a member of the Theosophical Soceity of New York City. The Baron spoke at one of Dr. LeMoyne's events as the leading proponent of cremation. The idea made sense to Dr. LeMoyne, but there was nothing like this in America at the time, which gave him the motivation to put this idea into practice.
With this idea in mind, Dr. LeMoyne approached the trustees of the public cemetary about donating money that was needed for the construction of the crematory on cemetary property. Cremation was not a popular concept at the time, so the trustees never considered his offer. That's when Dr. LeMoyne decided to take matters into his own hands.
Instead of building a crematorium on the cemetary's land, Dr. LeMoyne used his own land and funded the project completely on his own. "Gallows Hill" was once a place where prisioners of Washington County were hung, but became the new location for the crematory. John L. Dye was enlisted to construct and create the project, using the only questionable information he was given about crematories in Europe. It was a one-story, brick facility that measured 20x30 feet. The building had only a reception room and furnace room. The cost of the buidling was $1500. Dr. LeMoyne created the oven all on his own, flames never touched the bodies while in the cremation process.
The first cremation took place on December 6, 1976. As years went on, cremations became more popular and throughout it's years, the LeMoyne Crematory held 42 cremations, Dr. LeMoyne's was the third. His ashes are buried in front of the crematory. It is also said that while the crematory attracted national attention, local residents were less than impressed. Dr. LeMoyne was the only Washington County resident to be cremated in his crematory.
Today, burial practices have very much improved and disease is thought to no longer be spread through the ground. Not only that, but cremation is now a more popular burial practice. Even though citizens of Washington County questioned this burial practice at the time, it has certianly taken off here and all across the United States. To say the least, Dr. LeMoyne was a man way ahead of his time.
Dr. LeMoyne was a doctor ahead of his time. He also began to notice that all of his patients were getting sick and dying from similiar symptoms. With this in mind, Dr. LeMoyne became very convinced that these deaths and illnesses were directly linked to burial practices at the time. He believed that whatever illness came from the decomposing bodies ran off into streames and other water sources, causing the same symptoms in new bodies. Dr. LeMoyne's solution was to cremate the bodies, which would end the cycle of buring old, sick bodies and creating new sick people.
The idea of cremation came to Dr. LeMoyne when he came across Bavarian nobleman, Joseph Henry Charles, Baron De Palm, speak. The Baron was a diplomat and was brought to New York on business, and Dr. LeMoyne was a member of the Theosophical Soceity of New York City. The Baron spoke at one of Dr. LeMoyne's events as the leading proponent of cremation. The idea made sense to Dr. LeMoyne, but there was nothing like this in America at the time, which gave him the motivation to put this idea into practice.
With this idea in mind, Dr. LeMoyne approached the trustees of the public cemetary about donating money that was needed for the construction of the crematory on cemetary property. Cremation was not a popular concept at the time, so the trustees never considered his offer. That's when Dr. LeMoyne decided to take matters into his own hands.
Instead of building a crematorium on the cemetary's land, Dr. LeMoyne used his own land and funded the project completely on his own. "Gallows Hill" was once a place where prisioners of Washington County were hung, but became the new location for the crematory. John L. Dye was enlisted to construct and create the project, using the only questionable information he was given about crematories in Europe. It was a one-story, brick facility that measured 20x30 feet. The building had only a reception room and furnace room. The cost of the buidling was $1500. Dr. LeMoyne created the oven all on his own, flames never touched the bodies while in the cremation process.
The first cremation took place on December 6, 1976. As years went on, cremations became more popular and throughout it's years, the LeMoyne Crematory held 42 cremations, Dr. LeMoyne's was the third. His ashes are buried in front of the crematory. It is also said that while the crematory attracted national attention, local residents were less than impressed. Dr. LeMoyne was the only Washington County resident to be cremated in his crematory.
Today, burial practices have very much improved and disease is thought to no longer be spread through the ground. Not only that, but cremation is now a more popular burial practice. Even though citizens of Washington County questioned this burial practice at the time, it has certianly taken off here and all across the United States. To say the least, Dr. LeMoyne was a man way ahead of his time.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Frontier Folk Music Festival
On June 2, the Washington County Historical Society will host the first ever Frontier Folk Music Festival at the WCHS Froniter History Center in Washington Park! From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. you can enjoy period-dressed characters, food, games, period activities and music that starts at 1 p.m. Enjoy musical artists Adam Sutch, the Beau Street Players and the list goes on. This Saturday is approaching fast, so stay tuned for updates on our Blogger account, Facebook and even the Observer Reporter.
We hope to see you there! It will be a day of fun and music, so please make your way out to the Fort for the big event! Admission is $3!
We hope to see you there! It will be a day of fun and music, so please make your way out to the Fort for the big event! Admission is $3!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
"The Wash Day"
"Laundry day," everyone is familiar with this term and usually cringes at the mere thought of it. Throw the clothes in the machine, add the detergent and select a setting, after about an hour throw them into the dryer and have everything done in a jiffy. How simple is that? The only thing we need to remember today is that different colors have different settings! Today we have it easy, at the turn-of-the-century, there was no such thing as an easy laundry day. This article originated from the 2nd Quarter Focus in 2005 and was written by Barbra Fairchild Gramm (from the book ...And You Think You've Got it Bad). "Wash day" was the original term of "laundry day" and was a more complicated process than what we do today.
Tools needed: boiler, wringer, wash-board, three or four tubs (depending on the amount of clothes), two or three pails, clothes (the essential reason for having a "wash day") and stick and dipper. A wringer was typically around five dollars, but will last a long time, which is important when making that large of a purchase. Pure rubber roles are preferred, for they last the longest. Wooden tubs and pails are most common, but the ones made of paper or wood-pulp are much lighter and don't fall to pieces if they have time to properly dry. Now that the tools are in place, it's time to begin the morning.
Typically on an early Monday morning, the first step is to build a fire in the backyard to heat the wash water, set the tubs in a way that doesn't blow smoke into your eyes if the wind is strong (that tends to hurt your eyes after awhile). Make sure the wash water isn't too warm, just warm enough not to burn your hand. Throw a handful of borax (a home cleaning product) in the first tub, in about ten gallons of water. Also used by the Germans, it makes whites even whiter! A handful of tansy should go in the second boiler, it'll turn water green but will also get clothes white. Using a corn cob to scrub the dirt out of clothes and only use the wash-board when necessary! Rinse in two waters when bluing last and re-starching is used when necessary, like for shirtbosoms, wristbands and collars. Remember, use a broomstick to move clothes from one tub to another to prevent getting them dirty.
Now drying time, different rules for different types of clothing. Clothing should be on the line by ten o'clock in the morning, no earlier or later. White clothing should be hung in the sun and colors in the shade (to avoid bleaching out). Make sure starched clothing is kept out of the wind. Also make sure to turn clothing right side out and shake thoroughly before they are hung, which will speed up dry time. Do not hang clothing by corners! Be proud of your clothing when it is hung neatly pinned in categories with the estethic color patterns on the line. Stockings are to be hung in pairs (make sure they stay together, so one is not lost) and men's underwear should not mix with ladies' underwear. Put towels on the lawn and old rags on the fence, make sure the yard is spotless for dirt!
With all of these rules in mind, make sure to remember how easy you have it the next time you go to complain about throwing a load in the washing machine. "Laundry day" now should be called "easy day," because we have much less to remember and can finish doing it in much less time than what had to be done at the turn-of-the-century.
Tools needed: boiler, wringer, wash-board, three or four tubs (depending on the amount of clothes), two or three pails, clothes (the essential reason for having a "wash day") and stick and dipper. A wringer was typically around five dollars, but will last a long time, which is important when making that large of a purchase. Pure rubber roles are preferred, for they last the longest. Wooden tubs and pails are most common, but the ones made of paper or wood-pulp are much lighter and don't fall to pieces if they have time to properly dry. Now that the tools are in place, it's time to begin the morning.
Typically on an early Monday morning, the first step is to build a fire in the backyard to heat the wash water, set the tubs in a way that doesn't blow smoke into your eyes if the wind is strong (that tends to hurt your eyes after awhile). Make sure the wash water isn't too warm, just warm enough not to burn your hand. Throw a handful of borax (a home cleaning product) in the first tub, in about ten gallons of water. Also used by the Germans, it makes whites even whiter! A handful of tansy should go in the second boiler, it'll turn water green but will also get clothes white. Using a corn cob to scrub the dirt out of clothes and only use the wash-board when necessary! Rinse in two waters when bluing last and re-starching is used when necessary, like for shirtbosoms, wristbands and collars. Remember, use a broomstick to move clothes from one tub to another to prevent getting them dirty.
Now drying time, different rules for different types of clothing. Clothing should be on the line by ten o'clock in the morning, no earlier or later. White clothing should be hung in the sun and colors in the shade (to avoid bleaching out). Make sure starched clothing is kept out of the wind. Also make sure to turn clothing right side out and shake thoroughly before they are hung, which will speed up dry time. Do not hang clothing by corners! Be proud of your clothing when it is hung neatly pinned in categories with the estethic color patterns on the line. Stockings are to be hung in pairs (make sure they stay together, so one is not lost) and men's underwear should not mix with ladies' underwear. Put towels on the lawn and old rags on the fence, make sure the yard is spotless for dirt!
With all of these rules in mind, make sure to remember how easy you have it the next time you go to complain about throwing a load in the washing machine. "Laundry day" now should be called "easy day," because we have much less to remember and can finish doing it in much less time than what had to be done at the turn-of-the-century.
Welcome to Our Site!
Welcome to the Washington County Historical Society's blog, "Voices from the Past!" There's a lot of stories that come from Washington County that must be told, and this is the place to read them! Not only will this blog provide information that everyone already knows, but stories and people that have had a major influence on Washington County that nobody has ever heard before. Our stories will come right out of our library, Focuses from the past and pictures from our database from right in our office. Putting it simply, this is the place for all things Historic Washington County! We encourage you to ask questions, leave comments and even request story ideas about anything related to Washington County you find interesting or want to know more about.
We'll update this blog weekly with news, pictures and other various types of information from the past that you may find interesting and will expand your knowledge of Washington County. Look for blog updates through our Facebook page or just by clicking the link on our website. So sit back and relax as we take you back in time with our "Voices from the Past!"
We'll update this blog weekly with news, pictures and other various types of information from the past that you may find interesting and will expand your knowledge of Washington County. Look for blog updates through our Facebook page or just by clicking the link on our website. So sit back and relax as we take you back in time with our "Voices from the Past!"
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