Later on, about 1938 we moved to Ashburn where Daddy had a chance to begin working for himself. We lived in a nice house on McLendon street. It had built in cabinets in the dining room. I had never seen anything so grand except for the double french doors to the dining room in the house at Ariba. It also had a real in the house bathroom. I’m sure we were all very impressed with this upscale life. Daddy took us in the modern bathroom and gave us specific instruction on how to use it. Especially on the amount of tissue to be used. I’m sure there would be some stopped up plumbing in the days ahead.
Even though the house was the best we had ever lived in the times were much slimmer for us with Daddy going out on his own. Of course he still was preaching at country churches every Sunday. These church people had little money so often we would get potatoes, beans, syrup, and sometimes a quilt. We were glad to get these things and they were certainly used, but gas money was hard to get. I remember a few times when Daddy actually had to borrow money to get gas to get to the church. They were most always a good drive from home and that meant you stayed all day till after church night service. Back then you had Sunday School starting at 9:30, then preaching service. Everyone was back at Church by 5:30 for BYPU (Baptist young people union) and preaching (which could last longer than one hour) which meant you did not get home till around 9 or 9:30 pm. Folks didn’t think it was worth while to go to church and be there for just an hour. But church was not only a time of worship. It was a time to visit, to socialize and get to really know one another. After all there was not many places in the community to get together other than the church. Young people filled the church and if there was a balcony it was alway full of young people. But of course there was no TV’s, bowling alleys, movies (not on Sundays), not fast food places, no pizza either. I didn’t know anything about pizza until I was grown, married and had a family. So yes, one could grow up and live and survive without these really wonderful things.
When I would go with Mur and Daddy on Sundays it was fun until I got older. We were invited to different homes to have lunch, spend the afternoon and have supper before heading back to church for BYPU. Most families we great, had wonderful meals, neat homes and made you feel welcome. Many we visited often through the years and came to feel very comfortable to be with. However there were a few that made lasting impressions on us. One house, as we were coming in the front door, the husband of the lady, who had invited us, was going out the back door cursing and he ran down thur the field to the woods, where he stayed the rest of the day.
Mostly the food was so good and better than what we were used to, but occasionally it was pretty bad. The place wasn’t very clean or maybe downright dirty. It was had to try to get a little bit down. One time this family was having a big BBQ- meat and hash. It was summertime, probably July, and it was all outdoors. There was some big shade trees but still hot and of course gnats were doing their thing. Back then grown-ups ate first, children came later so by the time I got up there not too much food was left and no silverware. I don’t remember how I ate but I’m sure I found a way.
I know one church we went to, a large country church with a big membership, always had a larger than usual bunch of teensagers. One of the really cute boys ask if he could take me home one Sunday night. I asked him did he know how far away I lived. I was sure he didn’t want to drive that far, (at least 20 miles on way). He assured me he did and that was okay. Two of his friends (a boy and girl) went with us. Guess that was when I first learned a few miles meant little if you wanted to go somewhere or be with someone.
Mary Ola 