way back when...Wednesday #3

Who remembers Corning's iconic Cornflower pattern?  First produced in 1957, there are some pieces still available today on the Corning website, and it's a firm favorite at any vintage market or antique store.

When I was growing up, Mum made coffee on the stove in this coffeepot.  When Mum and Dad came to stay with us in 2002, I introduced them to Ebay and we spent many mornings searching for items from years ago and there it was, the coffeepot, the one Mum said made the BEST coffee.  We purchased it right away and anxiously awaited its arrival.  I guess we didn't read the description properly as the box that arrived had the coffeepot, but not the percolator insert!  So much for brewing coffee from years gone by.  Oh well, we had a good laugh and a great trip down memory lane.

way back when...Wednesday #2

September 20 is National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day

The President of the United States issues an annual proclamation commemorating this national day of observance.  Americans are to offer remembrance, honor, and reverence to those who were a prisoner of war and to those who remain missing in action from our nation's wars.  It is also a day we remember the families of POW/MIA and the sacrifices they have endured.

When I saw this pop up on a news bulletin at the office, it reminded me of the POW bracelet that I wore during the Vietnam War.  All of my friends wore them, metal bracelets that we slipped on our wrists, inscribed with the name and date of a service member who had been captured or was missing in action.

The bracelets were first created in May 1970 by a California student group called Voices in Vital America (VIVA), with the intention that American Prisoners Of War in Vietnam not be forgotten.

The bracelets sold for $2.50 or $3.00.

Those who wore the bracelets vowed to leave them on until the soldier named on the bracelet, or their remains, were returned to America.

Between 1970 and 1976, approximately 5 million bracelets were distributed. - Source:  Wikipedia

 I can remember a group of us gathering at our house one day after school in 1973 as Mum read a list of prisoners of war who were returned by North Vietnam.  Several of my friends were able to remove their bracelets but most of us could not.  I continued to wear my bracelet until it broke and then I think I kept it in my jewelry box but it is gone now.  I don't remember the name of my soldier; I wish I knew then what I know now about memory-keeping and had written his name down somewhere to maybe one day find out what happened to him.

Did any of you wear a POW bracelet?

way back when...Wednesday #1

I've been having a lot of flash-backs to times gone by, some from as far back as my childhood, some other random thoughts that seem to pop out of nowhere or perhaps be triggered by my environment.  Some will end up in If this is Tuesday or Story Time Friday posts if they are closely related to my early days in England, or just times with my family, but I thought it would be fun to write them down.

I was off work for an appointment today and I took advantage of the extra time and ran to Target.  I ducked into the restroom and as I was drying my hands, I thought back to the days before paper towel dispensers and the ultra-modern Dyson air dryers.  Does anyone remember the cloth towel dispensers?

Surprise, surprise, they still exist!  This company, Phelps, provides uniform and facility services and look what they offer - 

ye olde cloth towel dispenser!  Fascinating that such an item, in our germ-phobia world today, still exists.  I can remember that, after about six or eight people rotated the cloth to find a dry spot, it started to get very damp.  Not only that, it could be a little gross because not everyone comprehends the need to hum Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star as they wash their hands to make sure they are thoroughly washed and vestiges of grim made their way over to the towel.

Can you remember the last time you saw a cloth towel dispenser?