139 Gordon Ave...

I can almost smell the snow in the air and feel its crunch under my feet. The icicles hung down from the roof, you could just grab one and let it melt slowly on your tongue. But this snow storm, the biggest one I remember was not for me.  I was 5 years old and stuck in the house with chicken pox. I have a picture somewhere of me pouting at the window with a longing look in my eyes.  Well not really, I was just mad I couldn't go out and play. Everything was closed including the schools. The only problem with playing outside, was you had to get out the door. And the snow drifts were so high as you can see, that my dad and my dido had to take a shovel and make a path from one house to another.

You couldn't go downtown, to the store, church, or work. The buses didn't run, and forget trying to get a car out of the driveway. It was at least a week before people started to navigate outside.  We ate whatever was canned for the winter and made do between both houses that all were fed and kept warm.  I remember we had a coal cellar and I am thinking we probably had plenty for the week or maybe we had to use what we had sparingly.

All I know is the winter of 1950 in Campbell, Ohio was one that has stayed in my memory. It was about family and friends coming together in a time of distress and making it work. When you didn't have to lock your door, when helping out a neighbor was what being a neighbor was all about. You shared food, time and a certain spirit of well being with one another.  I am grateful I lived during that period, I am a baby boomer, born the year World War II ended.  I am thankful to have the memories of a wonderous time and a happy childhood.