The lack of snow this season to date makes me reflect our
childhood days. In our winters at St. Mary School, I was one of the students
that had to walk to school. Living close to school had its perks, but in
inclement weather we had to be prepared for the worst.
Our snow suits were made of wool and insulated with a quilted
lining. This may have been the high-tech fashion of the time, but they were not
very comfortable. Boys traditionally had a one-piece overall style but the
girls were equally bundled in their snow pants with matching coat and hat. Next
we had our bulky scarves and mittens. Wrap these around a few times and we were
close to becoming a mummy! As a rule we needed help with our galoshes. These
went over our shoes for waterproofing, not necessarily warmth. Just buckle up
the clasps on the galoshes and we were ready to go. Don’t forget to pass the green book bag along with your lunch box on
the way out the door.
Walking to school would vary slightly in winter. It could be
accompanied by wind, sleet, snow and being pelted by snowballs en route.
I’m now trying to take the point of view of the nuns as they see
us arrive at school on those wintery mornings. Fifty kids to a class back then!
That’s one hundred boots and mittens that needed to be dried and matched before
our return home…fifty scarves that must be draped over the radiators… fifty
snow suits to be stuffed into the press (coat closet) at the back of the room
with the doors bulging and never quite shutting…fifty red, runny noses that
needed wiping before class began. The smell of wet wool permeated the air all
day long. If the day warranted a recess at mid-morning and/or lunchtime, then
the process of dressing and undressing had to be repeated. Then there was
preparation for the final departure at the end of the day. Kids who rode the
school bus had to be ready on time first and foremost. As a walker, there was a
slight luxury of taking an extra minute to be ready as we were dismissed in
line together after the bus students.
Somewhere in between the dressing and undressing of our outerwear
a lesson or two was taught in class.
I do remember many snow days as a child. We prayed for them. We
delighted in them. It could have been interpreted as a gift from heaven when
they coincided with Christmas or February vacations extending them a few more
days! (Dear God…make the blizzard last a full week!)
In hindsight, I can imagine the nuns praying for a few snow days
too!
Cathy
A
Christmas Story, the snowsuit scene!
1 comment:
I see what I missed growing up in Texas.
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