Most of us who grew up in a small town have fond memories of our hometown. For me, it was Sikeston, Missouri. We could walk anywhere, anytime and by yourself, if we wanted. We knew the neighbors on both sides of our house and usually many more neighbors. If my parents were not home for some reason and I needed an adult, I just went to a friendly neighbor. We knew all the neighbor kids that went to school with us too.
I have posted pictures to bring back memories of the place. From the library to the Bank of Sikeston with its painted mural (I believe it is a Thomas Hart Benton mural) on the back wall, to Kirby's Sandwich Shop. Everyone knew you, and we were kind to one another.
Those of us born in the mid-1940s experienced a freedom of movement that children today could hardly imagine. We could get on our bikes and ride all over town as long as we were home by the time our Mom told us to be home. I was blessed with good loving parents, but I am sure there was some child abuse back then too. We just never heard of it. Not one of my friends talked badly about their parents. Their siblings were another story. That has not changed over the years. It was not perfect, of course. The relations between Blacks and Whites were not acceptable. Many Whites had a feeling of superiority over Blacks, and I was uncomfortable with that back then, and still am today. As a child and teenager, you just seem to go with the flow. Today, I defend my opinion, when different than the majority, in as non-offensive manner as possible.
Who could forget the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo? I looked forward to purchasing my western clothes for the rodeo, the Rodeo Parade, and learning who the movie or TV star would be that year. I wish I had saved some of the programs to remind me of all the stars that appeared at the Rodeo while I lived at home.
Another great memory is of the Gay 90's Village and all those moving and loud musical instruments. I begged my Dad to take me there all the time. We would go out to the Village about once a week. Sadly, it is gone now, but I am grateful to Mr. Eakins for restoring all those beautiful instruments so they can continue to bring joy to old and young alike. My husband Tom and I visited Eureka Springs, Arkansas in 2006. In the lobby of one of their historical hotels stands one of the larger models roped off to the public. In the front left corner is a sign stating, "purchased from Paul Eakins of Sikeston, Missouri." Just think, I played the instrument in the Gay 90's Village weekly. Today, it is by special invitation only. I think a bit of each of us remains the child from our hometown. Our hearts skip a bit when we connect to those formative years.
No comments:
Post a Comment