LETTERS: Hometown memories
To the Editor:
Life for a church bureaucrat in the United Methodist Church gets really busy in the spring time of the year. It's been a while since I sent thoughts to the Marion County Record, so here goes.
Since last writing, Georgie Helmer Vogel, an old friend from school days has tragically died. Georgie took time to search me out and say a "hi" last Chingawassa Days when Connie and I were there in Central Park. Georgie was a good kid back in "the day." I know she will be missed by many there in her hometown.
Last time I was through Marion I noticed the old Jess West place on the east outskirts. I can't remember who lives there now. The old milk barn pretty much laying in a pile reminded me of those old days when you could hear the tinkle of milk bottles as Jess or his delivery men trotted from door to door, picking up the empties and leaving fresh milk on the door step. It was a ritual of each weekday morning.
Later in my adult life, during our "dairy" period in southeast Kansas, I came to appreciate the work it was to make sure little Jan had milk for his Cheerios. I have two of the old glass jars sitting in my office. I refuse to say how much I paid for them at an auction. I think of Jess and Marion every time I see those empties setting there on my bookcase.
In last week's 1953 items there was a mention of Boy Scouts. Some of those guys were in the troop when I passed through. I don't think I ever made it beyond 2nd Class. For some reason scouting just didn't click for me and baseball did. I had to make a choice. In these later years I have been privileged to be pastor to several young men who made their Eagle award. Though I didn't have much to do with their accomplishments, I have come to a much deeper appreciation of this organization and the parents and leaders who give their time for these kids.
Around May 1, I remembered those Bown-Corby May Day pageants which were a tradition with Miss Maude Thompson, at least in the late 40s-early 50s. Remember wrapping that May Pole? I never was coordinated enough to do that, as I remember. The pageant, plus taking May baskets to all our friends, made that a big day.
By the way do kids still do May baskets? My grandkids don't. Maybe it's a lost tradition, like some others we could mention.
Jan Hayen
Parsons
