'Simple life' was special one

(This is the conclusion of the story Shirley Foster Fishel wrote to her grandson in 1987. It takes us back to a time that was safer and simpler, and it will evoke many, “Oh, I did that, too” from any “kid” who grew up in a small town during her time; Shirley was born in 1925 and died in 1999. Her story appears in her own words, with some minor editing due to space limitations.)

“When I was little, I thought I lived in a big house with a huge yard, filled with lilac trees, cherry trees, plum trees and lots of flowers. But many years later I took Grandpa to Sandpoint to see my home and it was so tiny and the yard was so different. Everything you remember as a kid seems smaller when you're a grown-up and go back for a visit.

“We didn't have a furnace that blows heat all over the house, nor did we have a thermostat on the wall to turn it on or off. There was a furnace in the living room that burned coal, which we brought in from a coal shed outside. To heat the upstairs there was a little pot-bellied stove in which Mom and Dad built a fire every morning. The rest of the house was very cold in winter. And Mother cooked our food on a stove that had a fire in it. Our job was to keep the wood bin in the kitchen filled with wood from outside.

“Upstairs we had three bedrooms and one bathroom. At the end of the hall was a large sleeping porch. Each summer the three of us girls slept there in two big beds. I slept in a different bed every night - Marge and Betty took turns “allowing” me to be in their bed. There were only screens; it was like sleeping outside.

“Sometimes, on a warm night, we would lie on our backs on the cool grass, looking for falling stars. We'd sing songs and tell scary stories. That was a restful time after we had played “Kick the Can,” “Run Sheep Run,” or “Hide and Seek.” We never went inside until after dark, and it was always too soon.

“After dinner we did lots of things as a family. There was a small park with a band stand in it, and once a week there was a band concert. Everyone drove up and listened in their cars. Instead of clapping their hands for the band, all the cars honked their horns to show they liked the music. Sometimes, we went for a ride after dinner. My Dad would carry me into the house to bed if I had fallen asleep, like your Daddy does sometimes.

“It was a special time when the carnival came to town. There would be a parade down the main street to let everyone know they had arrived. They put up their tents by the lake. There were all kinds of animals; a lion, and even an old elephant. They had games, popcorn, special shows, cotton candy, Ferris wheels, and carousels - lots of fun for just a few nickels.

“Another special time was going to the movies. At the Panida Theater there was a new movie three times a week, and I saw every one of them. I had a special seat in a certain row, and I always sat there. The lights would get dark and I would be in a dream world.

“The Fourth of July was a big time. The whole town celebrated. There was a parade - not very fancy or pretty - but everyone knew all the people in the parade and they cheered them on. There were fireworks, a big rodeo, and lots of games and food.

“It was really a very simple life. We didn't have television, so the radio was our main entertainment. We all sat around it and listened to comedy shows and music shows. We had one telephone on the wall in the back hall. Our number was 156. There was no dial or push buttons. You picked up the ear piece and an operator would say “number please,” and when you told her the number you wanted she would connect you with the person you were calling. We walked or rode our bicycles all over town; it was like one large play yard and everyone was my baby-sitter. They all knew me and where I belonged.

“It was a happy time, and I hope you can remember your happy growing-up years as fondly as I do mine.

With all my love, Grandma (Shirley Foster Fishel)”