My father-in-law is quite a man. William Skinner will turn 95 in November, having served over 35 years as a medical missionary in Paraguay, and now retired for nearly thirty years. In addition, he and Fran will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in August.
Long before Rosa Parks bravely refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, Bill Skinner showed the way. Continue reading BILL SKINNER AND ROSA PARKS
There is a chemical compound called carbon disulfide– commonly known as “High Life.” Its vapors are very poisonous, which is why the bottle has a skull and crossbones on the label. It is also very flammable, and the gas formed by burning is even more deadly than the natural fumes.
It was kept on most farms in days past for many purposes. A big bed of fire ants could be exterminated with only two treatments. Just dig a small hole in the bed area and pour a couple of tablespoonfuls inside and cover it up. It was used more widely to keep weevils and insects out of grain that was stored in a barn. A small hole in the cork of the bottle let enough fumes out to keep insects out for a long time.
Perhaps it was called “High Life” because when it was squirted on any animal, the poor victim came to life. A few drops into a hollow tree would bring a rabbit or possum out instantly. Some knew it by the name, “Dog Disabler.” More than a few mail carriers from yesteryear kept handy a water gun loaded with High Life.
The following is another “true story” excerpt from my upcoming book about my late father, Calvin Coolidge Sims. I hope to have it released by September. Enjoy.
We called my dad’s mother Mama Sims. She was not just a grandmother, she was the grand matriarch of the family. Certain things about the house she called home are forever embedded in my mind– there are things about a house that little kids never forget. My ten first cousins and two siblings who share memories of Mama Sims’ house will certainly remember them all, but it’s time to share them with the world. Let’s take a tour of Mama Sims’ house through the eyes of me as a child. Continue reading MAMA SIMS’ HOUSE
Charleston, South Carolina August 23, 1947
The wedding was at set for 5 pm at the Citadel Square Baptist Church. The Lawrence family and the Skinner family were thrilled that Frances and Bill were about to tie the knot. There were no finer young people in the land than those two. Bill was finishing medical school and about to receive his honorable discharge from the Navy. Francis was working as the church secretary for the Citadel Square Baptist Church. Each of them had previously professed a call to the mission field, and were now making plans to follow their call together.
But the important thing at hand on the morning of August 23 was to complete the detailed preparations for the five o’clock wedding ceremony. It was nine o’clock and there was still more to do. Frances was in a race against the clock.
This if my final installment on southern phrases I grew up hearing. Let me know if you have heard them.
“In three shakes of a sheep’s tail.” [fast, quick, like how a lamb wags it’s tail.] When I call, you better be home in three shakes of a sheep’s tail!” Continue reading THREE SHAKES, AND MORE THINGS SOUTHERN
