Porches were important. When I was growing up in East Texas, most houses had some type of porch such as a front porch, back porch, screened porch or dogtrot. The porch served a social and family need of the time. It was a favored gathering place for the family, especially at the end of the day as it was the coolest area of the house before the days of air conditioning. The porch also served as a gathering place for neighbors and passers-by.
Another aspect of the porch was that of serving as a place of entertainment. Neighbors visiting neighbors often did their visiting on the porch, and naturally, stories and experiences were exchanged. Oral histories were re-told, deals were made, children were instructed, adults relaxed and good times were enjoyed while sitting or rocking on the porch.
The porch also functioned as a work place. Many garden tasks began on the porch. The porch was used by many gardeners for cutting seed potatoes into the appropriate pieces so they could be planted in the garden. Plant storage and seed preparation began on many porches. At harvest time, the porch saw other tasks such as the shelling of peas and beans, the snapping of green beans and the preparation of sweet corn or field corn for cooking and canning. Tools were repaired, knives sharpened and handles of hand tools were replaced on the porch.
I did not realize it at the time, but in looking back at the porch at our house, it really was used in many different ways. Singing, playing games, eating home made ice cream, swinging on the porch swing, and entertaining, all while telling and listening to stories, were just part of life that happened on the porch.
Another thought about the porch: It was a great place to observe God’s creation. Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands.”
I have been encouraged, at least by one person, to write about my experiences growing up on a small farm just east of New York, Texas. Since the porch was a gathering and sharing place, I will use it as a means of sharing thoughts about growing up in the late 1940’s, 1950’s and early 1960’s.
Another aspect of the porch was that of serving as a place of entertainment. Neighbors visiting neighbors often did their visiting on the porch, and naturally, stories and experiences were exchanged. Oral histories were re-told, deals were made, children were instructed, adults relaxed and good times were enjoyed while sitting or rocking on the porch.
The porch also functioned as a work place. Many garden tasks began on the porch. The porch was used by many gardeners for cutting seed potatoes into the appropriate pieces so they could be planted in the garden. Plant storage and seed preparation began on many porches. At harvest time, the porch saw other tasks such as the shelling of peas and beans, the snapping of green beans and the preparation of sweet corn or field corn for cooking and canning. Tools were repaired, knives sharpened and handles of hand tools were replaced on the porch.
I did not realize it at the time, but in looking back at the porch at our house, it really was used in many different ways. Singing, playing games, eating home made ice cream, swinging on the porch swing, and entertaining, all while telling and listening to stories, were just part of life that happened on the porch.
Another thought about the porch: It was a great place to observe God’s creation. Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands.”
I have been encouraged, at least by one person, to write about my experiences growing up on a small farm just east of New York, Texas. Since the porch was a gathering and sharing place, I will use it as a means of sharing thoughts about growing up in the late 1940’s, 1950’s and early 1960’s.
Looking forward to the journey back! Happy writing!
ReplyDeleteHey Kenneth, good to see your blog. I have you to thank for teaching me how to tie a tie! Still remember that, think of you each time I tie one. That does not happen too often but every so often. Hope all is well. Saw Steve at a youth ralley in Dimmitt about a week ago. Keep up with Jon on Facebook. Take care!
ReplyDeleteMatt Howell