by Colleen B. Hubert
When roads were graveled and barrels were staved,
When worn-out clothing was used as rags,
And there were no plastic wrap or bags,
And the well and the pump were way out back,
A versitile item, was the flour sack.
Pillsbury's Best, Mother's and Gold Medal, too
Stamped their names proudly in purple and blue.
The string sewn on top was pulled and kept,
The flour emptied and spills were swept.
The bag was folded and stored in a sack,
That durable, practical flour sack.
For a pillow, or T'would make a nice sleeping gown.
It could carry a book and be a school bag,
Or become a mail sack slung over a nag.
It made a very convenient pack,
That adaptable, cotton flour sack.
Bleached and sewn, it was dutifully worn
As bibs, diapers, or kerchief adorned.
It was made into skirts, blouses and slips.
And Mom braided rugs from one hundred strips,
She made ruffled curtains for the house or shack,
From that humble but treasured flour sack!
To wave men in, it was a very good use,
As a sling for a sprained wrist or a break,
To help Mother roll up a jelly cake,
As a window shade or to stuff a crack,
We used a study, common flour sack!
As dish towels, embroidered or not,
They covered up dough, helped pass pans so hot,
Tied up dishes for neighbors in need,
And for men out in the field to seed,
They dried dishes from pan, not rack
That absorbent, handy flour sack!
Scoured and scrubbed from cellar to gable,
We dusted the bureau and oak bed post,
Made costumes for October (A scary ghost),
And a parachute for a cat named Jack.
From that lowly, useful old flour sack!
So now my friends, when they ask you
As curious youngsters often do,
"Before plastic wrap, Elmers glue
And paper towels, what did you do?
Tell them loudly and with pride don't lack,
"Grandmother had that wonderful flour sack!"
made from flour sacks...
5 comments:
I believe this was the same in Australia but I don't remember the equivalent in Britain except that we made nighties and underwear out of old parachute silk! Quite revealing!
Oh yes I remember! All my little dresses were made from flower and feed sacks. Every year at the new school year I had all these cute little dresses my mother made me. The only downfall was each time they were washed the color faded a little. Until the school year was over the dresses were very faded out. But so what, September meant all new dresses.
Dear Patty ~~ Wonderful story of the old Flour sack. They were so very useful, and the dresses look nice.
The poem is really good too. Thanks for your comments and glad you liked the Manhood rules and the Air Conditioner story was good. By all means use it my friend and anything else, anytime. I smiled at your granddaughter burping for her dolls. We didn't think of that in our day.I hope the mowing didn't make you too tired. Glad your weather is warmer and with rain.
We had some very cold days, but not too bad now. Top temps about
high 60 s and early 7o s. Nights get cold. Take great care and sleep well. Love, Merle.
I remember my Mom telling me about flour and feed sacks. She said they made nightgowns and undergarments out of them. She also said nothing went to waste just like the poem said. In the past several years flour and seed sack material has become really popular with quilters. Also, reproduction fabrics from the 30's, maybe 40's are popular. I haven't bought any so I can't remember the exact years. This poem says a lot. We live in a throw away unappreciated world, I feel. Or at least it seems that way some days, doesn't it?
Nice story! I don't remember the 30s and not even the 40s in the US, since I didn't come here until the 50s. But I have heard people talk about the many uses of flour sacks.
I hope you have a great visit with your son, and sending prayers that your Mom's heart cath goes well.
Take care!
Renie
Post a Comment