Because I was a small featured child, Kentucky winters seemed to me as brutal as those I heard about listening to radio broadcasts of Sergeant Preston and his dog, King. They inhabited the world of the Northwest Royal Canadian Mounties and I was a faithful follower of their daring adventures.
Me and my sister, Jean, wore matching red coats and leggings outfits that hung in the closet near the front door of our McKay Street home during one winter. I recall our Mother and our Aunt Frances talking about how fortunate it was to have found the outfits in both of our sizes. The collar and pocket trim was green velvet and our muff matched the trim.
In later years, in that front closet would hang our “P” Coats that were extra warm for the cold season. Car Coats for the entire family could be found there when our Father brought them home when he worked at Selman’s Department Store.
Holy Family School students were listed in two categories: “Bus Riders” and “Walkers”. The Kernen Family on Mckay Street were “Walkers”. And yes, we walked that mile uphill both ways. Down McKay Street and up Mecer Hill on the way to school, then down Mercer and up the McKay Street Hill on the way home
For some reason, after the fourth grade, it was embarrassing to wear leggings to school. While “Riders” could arrive in winter without too much distress, I as a “Walker”, often shivered my way into the classroom.
When Duion was stationed in Korea he flew above the DMZ in a helicopter. Writing home he mentioned it was very cold up there. It reminded me of the days of walking to Holy Family School. As a modern Mother, I found something that was not possible in my school days. I sent him a pair of battery-operated socks to wear along with a battery-operated hand warmer to carry in his pocket.
Before we had a good working furnace in the Little Red Brick Cottage at 819 East Chestnut Street, I purchased a kerosene heater for the living room. Our resident cat, Thomas, circled it for an inspection and then curled up beside it for a comforting nap.
Whether it’s from coal, batteries, gas, kerosene, or future options, warmth is always welcomed.