The reassuring sound of night fell like a warm blanket covering the little town of Garfield back in the 1950’s. We went to bed knowing there was a left-over pot of butter beans and fried chicken on the stove from supper, and there were no locks on our windows and doors because God was still on his throne in Heaven looking down on us through the long, hot summer night.
A nickel could still buy an ice-cold cola and another one could fetch a pack of lance crackers. Life was simple. Mr. Myrene Johnson taught first grade at Garfield Grammar School, and Bible study and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited every day at eight o’clock sharp. Alice, Jerry, and Jip were everyday storybook characters who took us on imaginary adventures every week. There were no indoor bathrooms at home or school, but we had five-star meals form our devoted lunchroom staff of Ms. Maltby, Mrs. Thorne and Ms. Rice. I can still smell that fried chicken, fresh beef stew and warm strawberry shortcake form the kitchen across the hall. Our heat came from coal-burning heaters in each classroom. The cola pile was located in the back of the campus near the playground equipment.
We worshipped at one of two churches in town, either the Methodist or Baptist Church. Our community was held together by the glue of our strong faith, high morals, and love of God, family and friends. Money was never a major factor in our life because there was very little of it circulating in the 1950’s, so we clung to the word of God and lived each day to the fullest, and we are truly blessed.
