Wayback Wednesday

Old Days

October 3, 2012 /
Photographs from Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains National Park

 

The old days were simple, but truly difficult. Some of the best people were born from these hard times. It’s clear in the old timers we know. Their perseverance to keep on keeping on is remarkable. To depend solely on oneself and not look to anyone, except a neighbor for occasional help is something our society where many are expecting a handout as if it’s the birth right or something.

My in-laws and grandparents grew up during the depression in rural West Virginia. They used farm tools much like what you see in these pictures and they cooked over a wood stove. Sometimes I think about how uncomplicated things were from these yesteryears but then the reality settles in. The painful truth of their poverty slaps my face like bucket of ice water. They knew they were poor, but didn’t whine about it. That was just the way things were.

They didn’t have electricity, phones, refrigerators, microwaves, washer and dryer, or ANY of the modern conveniences I enjoy day in and day out. Can you image going through your day without one of these? If you’re like me, then you would feel like you’re gettingwere being punished for something. Oh such cruelty, I would scream (inside).

At that point, I’m humbled because I do think about how things once were. I see in my mind my grandparents and in-laws having to wash clothes using a wash board and line drying their clothes or slipping firewood to cook their meals or to heat their home or working the earth to produce their food, feed the chicken, slop the hogs, milk the cows. There weren’t grocery stores conveniently located out in sticks.

I consider myself indeed blessed for the past I came from and for the old days!

One such person who was born in the “old days” passed from this life into the next. In memory of a true legendary artist, Andy Williams (December 3, 1927 – September 25, 2012). May you rest in peace!


Angela from Mommy Time Out and I would like to thank you for joining us for another edition of  Wayback Wednesdays. To participate in this blog hop you don’t have to follow a bunch of rules. It’s simple! Just link up your blog, twitter, or Facebook below (only one please).

You’ll put a smile on my face, if you leave a comment and I’ll be sure to hop over to your lovely blog. I’m looking forward to sharing photos, music, and memories with you!

Linking today’s photo with these Wordless Wednesday communities.

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13 Comments

  • Catherine

    October 4, 2012 at 10:53 pm

    Dear Kathy, I love old things. They make me feel cozy and comfortable. The new things are always stiff and just not as welcoming for me.
    Have a good evening. Blessings dear. Catherine xo

  • Hilary

    October 4, 2012 at 10:44 am

    Great pictures…. It is so hard to imagine life back then, but then again, if we did live then we wouldn’t have known what we were missing

    • Cathy Kennedy

      October 4, 2012 at 2:39 pm

      You’re absolutely right, we wouldn’t know what we’re missing. My in-laws often talked about how poor they were, but never knew any better because everyone else was poor. Can you believe they are just now getting city water into their home of 60 + years? All of their lives they have had to depend on wall water or some other water reservoir on their property. The things we take for granted is really a big deal for some rural communities. Now having city hook up should less their burden or worries on a water shortage. Thanks for the visit!

    • Cathy Kennedy

      October 4, 2012 at 2:31 pm

      Not too many adults who lived in the late 1800s or early 1900s lived passed their 30s with disease and poverty. I’m very thankful to being living in this era, as well. Not only for the modern convenience, but all the marvelous knowledge of how to keep healthy and fit, as well as the medical technology we have. People keep living longer and healthier lives because of science (God given knowledge just unlocked). Thanks for visiting!

  • Lucy

    October 3, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    When I go to historic museums I often shiver, I love my shower and toilet, oh, I would not have enjoyed an out house but you know the saying, “You do what you have to do!” BUT I am glad I landed in this era LOL

    Nice photos from Cades Cove in Smoky Mountains 🙂

  • Amy

    October 3, 2012 at 2:14 am

    very interesting post…attracted to your style of writing,& nice pictures too

    I am your new follower from the hop…Would like to see you in my space…

    Amy-Food Corner

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