Liv'n in the country 40 years ago is a completely different life than what some may envision. A dirt road that was impassable in the wet seasons of winter and spring. Deep ruts would purty well claim the entire roadway. Vehicle travel was "iffy" at best and impossible at worst. Old Chevys with wide mudgrip tires were the normal type of tire on those old mudbuggys. Tire liners and innertubes were also "standard" Equipment then. Parkin the old dude in front of the farm house alongside the mud road, was it's place of preference it seemed. No garages existed on the farmsteads then but sometimes a place would be cleared out inside the barn to "shed" the old beast over those months that it was un-usable.

Walkin from the backdoor of the farmhouse one would usually walk beside the gardenspot and head towards the barnyard and chickenhouse. Just outside the back porch stood the old waterwell with it's pump at the ready for anybody want'n a drink of cool water. Usually a tin can was handy for that particular task. Turned upside down over a rod or stick- driven into the ground--it served it's purpose quite nicely too. Had to watch out for red wasps in the summertime as they just loved to build their little nests inside that upsidedown can.

Through the gate and into the barnyard and then just to the right was the chickenhouse and chickenyard. Through another gate one would enter to gather eggs or to shut the chickens up for the nite to keep coons, foxes and all other kinds of wildlife from claimin their lives. Eggs were a commodity that was most commonly used in those days to acquire cash for the things that you did'nt grow on the farm. Those old egg crates held 26 dozen of "cackle-berries" that old Haze Rollins would love trad'n for. With the cash from those eggs- sugar, flour, coffee and Liptons Tea was the product of choice. We grew our own meat---chicken, pork and sometimes beef. One would NEVER buy any of that "store bought" meat if you lived on the farm. In the wintertime wild game was always welcomed to help supplement the foodstock of a country family. Turkey, geese and ducks along with guinae were also common livestock.

Battery powered radios were the entertainment centers of most farm families then. Music parties, corn shuck'n, quilt'n parties, rug hook'ns were considered entertainment rankin right up there with those barn dances.

Country liv'n then compared to now----? The way of life has changed considerable but the mentality of country liv'n is probably about the same. Things change of course but the mindset hasn't very much. People still want to be more selfsufficient as in those days but sometimes circumstances changes ones minds. We are creatures of habit or so the big wigs say, and I'm not one to criticize that---however---you just can't compare that lifestyle to what one would really like to live.

Jesus Christ is wait'n in the wings. He's waitin for the Father to tell Him--"Son, go get My people"! Are you ready to meet Him? Matt.24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), April 17, 2001

Answers

Hoot, Thank you so much for your stories. It is always a pleasure to sign on to the forum and see another one. It makes my day! Also, I appreciate your sharing your faith and your obedience to the Lord! I hope you're saving the stories to put into a book. God bless!

-- Deena in GA (dsmj55@aol.com), April 18, 2001.