"Daddy was from Tomato! He and Mamma met in
IL. A tornado blew our home down in 1963 so we packed up and came to
Arkansas. I stared googled eyed thru the windows as we passed the fields
watching them blazing with fire. They were buring off what remained from
the wheat for the cattel to be feed during winter as we went under the arch
leaving Missouri entering Arkansas; Steele!!! I shall always have that
vision in my mind.
We stayed with my daddy's sister, Aunt Eddy and my
beloved Uncle Audie Dunham of Tomato, Arkansas!!! As we crossed over that
levy and I saw house built on those tall stilts; oh, my my---
"MAMA!!!" "What, child?" "What's that? Why are those
house's on stick's" I cried ever so confused... "Honey, the farm
land is so rich here you see." Well, that may be; but in my
mind I all ways figured personally I would rather get up a bit earlier and ride
further to live in a home that didn't flood every winter. Back then people had
respect, looked out for one another, had Barn-raisers etc. Didn't lock
their doors - left widows open for the fresh air and breezes..... oh,
well; I'm suppose to be focus on Halfmoon and Dell so rein me back now
please;
When first arriving in Arkansas we stayed in
Tomato, rented in Blytheville, my parents purchased a home in Blytheville and
then---Daddy and Mamma purchased two houses from
an Urban Renewal Program and had them toted out in the soybean fields; set them
just so apart and joined them making two rooms that connecting BINGO a
HOME!!! Now a new problem what "district" did we belong {what word
applies --- preplexing now } Today I still do not know WHAT where that property
was called, Half-moon. Judy Freeman lived with her Aunt, Larry Buck was on
my bus route and Johnny Sikes was accoss the cotton field. When I got off
the Gosnell Bus and crossed the wooded bridge, walked infront of their hog/pig
pen; my brother and I would stop and used our thorat and tounges to "Oiank" at
'em" then we'd have ta run 'cause man they'd charge @ us!!!
Dell did not have a bus that stop in front of
OUR plot of land we were told. And the Gosnell bus would only come
to the bridge and turn around, but not cross it!!!
After oh, maybe 2 six week terms, we did transfer
to Dell School System.
And Gosnell... well ended up were were
enrolled!!!
I think one of the cutest memories is the Tiny Post
Office in Tomatoe, a Courier News Paper article, "Post Office size of Out
House" wish I'd cliped that one!!!
Biggest Heart Ache---The Levy --- My
memories sitting in Circle with everyone; some pickin' guitars,
Where have all the flowers gone...how many miles must a man walk befor he can be
called a man...; children sliding down that beautilful levy on
cardboard--- and at the end the trees and a massive one had fallen, I
walked accross with a pickinc basket & blanket; had lunch among the cows
while watchin' the cow graze....
Yes, I use refuse when told you can never go
home...
We had a class reunion for Class reunion of 1975,
and they we demoing the gym that Saturday,
Mercy, Mercy me; Lands Sakes Alive, What Can I Say,
What Is A Body To Do or Say...."
Thanks for sharing with us! Love your memories. . . .
