GYPSY CAMP

Groups of  gypsies lived in camps near Orange, Texas, while they worked at Livingston Shipyard.  Even though gypsy children attended our public schools, we didn't know very much about them or their families, but wanted to learn. 

RAFFLES

Local organizations held raffles as popular fund raising efforts.  Raffles generated a surprising amount of money since people were more than willing to buy multiple tickets in hopes of winning Aunt Bessie's prized handmade quilt.  Two little girls dreamed that someday they might host their very own raffle.

REMEMBERING DAISY

Granddaddy owned a Jersey cow he named "Daisy" that produced milk so rich people drove from miles around to purchase her non-pasterized products.  When Daisy died, she was replaced by another cow he named Daisy; then another replacement was named Daisy as well.  I don't remember how many cows got that name.

MINSTREL SHOWS

Junior Jaycees was a organization formed with the purpose of helping young businessmen succeed.  As a fund-raising endeavor, Jaycees performed minstrel shows for the public, where performers blackened their faces, danced, sang and told stories.

LOUISIANA POLITICS

A candidate for the Democratic Party was usually a shoo-in on local, state and national levels in the South.  One exception to the rule was Eisenhower - people of all ages went around saying "I like Ike!"

CENTRAL HEAT

Most homes had only one source of heat - positioned in the center of the house.  Dressing and undressing took place in front of this warm spot while a quilt was held as a screen for "privacy".  It was considered really cold when outside temperatures fell to thirty-two degrees.

WEEK-END HANGOUTS

Drive-in restaurants were popular spots on week-end nights.  Kids drove their parents' car around and around in circles, craning their necks to observe who was there, with whom, how close they were sitting next to each other, and creating chaos for the car hop. 

BOWLING MONEY

Two sisters, left alone by working parents during long summer days, played poker with three neighborhood boys in hopes of winning cash for bowling, a popular activity.  When the necessary 25 cents was accumulated, off they would go, riding their bikes to the local bowling alley, leaving the boys to their game.