Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Free Show
One of the towns we lived in was almost idyllic. School was wonderful and I had the best teacher I ever had.
It was a small town and we knew everyone. In the summer it was safe for children to wander all over. If we had a problem any adult would help us out.
Once our chores were done in the morning we played wherever our fancied took us. There was a large park at the top of the hill. We often played at the school grounds because it was closer. And there was a small lake outside of town.
The lake was surrounded by trees and we loved going there. It was off limits though. None of us could swim so we never went into the water. Adults knew accidents happen and told us to stay away. So we snuck off and went there sometimes anyway. Luckily none of those accidents happened and we all survived.
At the end of summer was watermelon day. The farmers would bring in some of their freshly harvested goods. A cow and a pig were donated and cooked for more than a day in a pit deep in the ground. Families in town made salads and desserts of all kinds.
All the food was free. The whole town and all the farmers gathered together to eat and socialize. It was my favorite celebration of the whole year.
Afterward we went to the free show.
The free show was held every Saturday night during the spring and summer ... as long as it did not rain.
There was a huge screen much like the screens at a drive-in theater. In front of the screen there were rows of benches for us to sit on.
Saturday was the night the farmers came to shop and visit. The men would gsther at the fire station to play cards and the women gathered to talk and make quilts.
The free show gave the children something to do. We sometimes watched older movies and sometimes new ones. There were a lot of waesterns because that was what ws popular in the 50's.
Saturday was the day I got my allowance. 25 cents was what I received. 5 cents was put aside for the collection at Sunday school. The rest was mine to use in any way I wished.
Before the free show I would stop at the little grocery store where I would buy a bottle of pop for 5 cents. I would buy either a candy bar for 5 cents or 5 cents worth of penny candy. That way I had a snack while I watched the free show.
I understand that times change. I sure do miss the free show and watermelon day though
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Sounds wonderful. I remember when candy bars could be bought for a nickel. For me it was either a Milky Way or a Heath Bar. They were smaller then they are now.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention that I also got a penny back when I returned the empty pop bottle. I usually bought bubble gum with that.
DeleteTimes seemed so much safer than and respect of others was just natural. Even though, I lived in the city, we also did many of the things you wrote about (except the cow and the pig). We had block parties, kids played outside all day, and neighbors were like family. We used to collect bottles to get the two cent deposit so we could buy penny candy, some of which were two for a penny.
ReplyDeleteKits were in a little package of 4 for a penny. A small package of Necco wafers was a penny. I read a while ago that those will no longer be made. I have found several places on-line that sell penny candy. unfortunately it costs more than a penny.
DeleteWonderful memories. I wonder what you could buy these days for 20 cents!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of the week Diane
Mot very much.
DeleteSound like a great childhood, Emma, and what memories you have shared of thise fun days. I grew up in a small city and we never had any similar events, sadly.
ReplyDeleteEven though we moved a lot so that I have no real home town I had a good childhood. I think if a child knows she is loved everything else is fine.
DeleteThey were like living in a different world.
ReplyDeleteSo true.
DeleteWe lived in a small rural community where potlucks were frequent. Falls were a fantastic time. Every season had its special celebration and it was fabulous.
ReplyDeleteGood times.
I fondly remember pancake breakfasts too. And I do not like pancakes.
DeleteOh Dear Emma what a blessings of older times :)))
ReplyDeleteyou took me to the times when such gatherings of women and men were held in our small native village
kids would took advantage of such pleasant and full of fun nights
running after fireflies ,sharing stories and playing games under the shining sky with full moon ah where have the precious days gone !!!
I wish communities would still have these events.
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