Nothing garnered more excitement around Grandma's and Grandpa's kitchen table than the arrival of the new Sears, Roebuck Catalogue. They poured over it with great relish, marveling at what could be sent for these days.
Grandpa usually picked up the mail at the old tin mailbox about a half mile away at the end of the driveway — was the term "driveway" used to describe a two rut path exactly the width of the thin metal wheels on the biggest wagon on the farm? — so he would be the first to know when the catalogue arrived.
He tried to hide it in the barn for a few days so he could dream big about all kinds of new equipment. He had an old ratty sock hanging in a secret spot where he saved up his pennies just for this occasion. Things were expensive, but well made to last a long time.
He could get a fancy two horse wagon for $46.95 — 3,500 pounds of fine craftsmanship. And Sears, Roebuck would ship it right to him at the nearest train station for only $19.00. What a deal! Grandpa was sold.
Plus he had enough money left to buy a new A.J. Aubrey double barrel hammer shotgun for $12.59. He could shoot farther and straighter than ever. No pheasant, rattlesnake, skunk or jackrabbit for miles would be safe from his deadly aim.
Grandma almost always knew what Grandpa was up to, since nothing much got by her. If she didn't see him heading off to work the fields, she knew he was out skulking around the barn. She would appear at the door, march up to him and say "I'll take that now," as she grabbed the catalogue with glee.
Warmly ensconced in the kitchen, a cup of hot coffee cooling on the table, she usually turned right to the linens or kitchen section to do her own dreaming. Oh my!
She could sure use a new floor to ceiling sized kitchen cabinet. It would be wonderful to have a special place for her good china, totally apart from the everyday dishes that got used so hard. $9.75 for a fine looking, solid oak cupboard ornamented with neatly designed scroll carvings. Magnificent.
Grandma's secret stash was in a jar buried at the bottom of her apron drawer. She had enough to treat herself to something special, so by golly . . . today was the perfect day to do just that!
