Dear Readers,
Having lived through 65 Septembers, there are distinct memories that stand out above the rest. Let me share with you a few of these random impressions.
In September, 1951, on my first day of school, I remember walking to the first grade classroom with my fellow classmate and neighbor, Martha Connell. We strolled to school under the watchful eye of Martha’s older sister, Kathleen. During the 50’s the whole neighborhood would walk to school together, with the older kids looking out for the younger ones. Our walk wasn’t very long; only about three blocks. But the kids from Breckinridge Street stuck together.
Fast forward to September, 1953 when my sister, Nancy, started first grade. Mom gave me the duty of watching and protecting my little sister and making sure she entered the correct classroom. Every day I gave her a hug and a kiss of encouragement before she stepped through the door.
On September 3, 1960 my sister, Martha, got married. As a 15 year old, I had the proud honor of being her maid-of-honor. My younger sister and I wore aqua dresses with a sheer white overlay embroidered with tiny white flowers. A bouquet of dark red, yellow and purple flowers cascaded over our arms. We even wore shoes dyed to match the dress. September 3 was a very hot Saturday, the temperature was in the 90’s. The noon reception was held at the Keswick Democrat Club, where a record number of kegs of beer was served.
There’s a cute little family story about the reception. My Aunt Roberta did not want my Uncle Henry to drink too much beer. So every time he took a glassful, she would sample a good amount in an attempt to keep him sober. Well he stayed sober but at the end of the party Aunt Roberta was pretty tipsy; so much so that her hat sat cock-eyed on her head as she waved good-bye from the car. We still laugh about that!
To be continued on Tuesday, September 13, 2011.
Keep smilin’!
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