Played games like Andy Over, Drop the Handkerchief, Black Man, and Prisoners Base. Describes playing "Black Man." Played games at home and at school.
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Went to Elm Point school. School is now a house. Walked 1 3/4 mile to school. 30 kids in class, but one man said 60 kids were in the class. School was small and brick. Used coal stove and had double desks. Desks were larger for older students and smaller for younger students. Teacher had a call bell. Classes would go up to recitation benches individually in turn. Taught eight grades in one classroom. School started at 9 am, ended at 4 pm, and had two recesses and an hour at noon for food. Lunch was brought and kept in the classroom. Brought meat sandwiches, fruit, tomatoes, pie, cake, cookies, or mince pie. Mother made four lunches for kids and one more for the father.
FAMILY
Father worked in Panama, IL as a carpenter. "Made knives out of saw blades," sharpened plows, and made tools at home. Grandparents lived with family, and oldest sister helped take care of family. Mother was affectionate and worked in garden, took care of the house, and raised chickens. When mother was older the children did outside work and she worked inside. Parents were strict. Mother used a switch to whip children, father disciplined verbally.
