Families created their own entertainment before radio and TV. When the Wilson family lived at Stuart during the 1920s, Doris was about 4 years old. Her older brothers were 6 and 7, the twins just eighteen months.
Leora sang while her children marched around the table. One of the tunes was the Ragpicker Song, “Any rags, any bottles, any bones today?” She also sang Civil War songs she remembered her own mother singing when she was a child.
They must have gotten some toys, but the only tidbit Leora left for us in her memoir was that around Christmastime, she sang to them “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas,” substituting the names of her children:
Jolly old Saint Nicholas, lean your ear this way.
Don’t you tell a single soul what I’m going to say.
Christmas Eve is coming soon, now you dear old man
Whisper what you’ll bring to me. Tell me if you can.
Delbert wants a story book. Doris wants a dolly.
Donald wants some roller skates–he thinks dolls are folly.
As for me. . . etc.
From Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots
Beautiful memories. ❤️❤️❤️
I remember my mother singing that song (“Jolly Old Saint Nicholas”) to us kids when we were growing up, but she didn’t personalize it the way Leora did her version. We heard it on the radio, too. Haven’t heard it in a long time.
And now you’ll be humming it the rest of the day?
Making our own fun is always the best kind!
Totally cool, Joy. A memory where that happened was when I was maybe 8. We spent it with my aunt and right in the middle of it all, we had a power outage. That was my old Granny’s last Christmas with us (we didn’t know it was coming), and she started a singalong.
Goosebumps. I’d love to read this story, along with a photo, on your website!
Wonderful stories, Joy.
(I had one reader tell me he ordered both books. I hope your sales went up by more than 2.)
Yes, looks like at least 11! Thank you, GP! I’m thankful that Grandma’s stories are being remembered!
That’s what we work for!! Congrats!
Yes, I am grateful.
Great post, Joy. Christmas must have really been personal before television.
Thank you, Tim. And with lots of kids in the family!
When traditions are in their infancy, it’s not always apparent that they’ll morph into a wonderful family ritual. Leora’s were beautifully personal. 🙂
Yes, thank you, Nancy!