Recently I heard from Billy Bartley, the sweetest and most mischievous little boy you ever saw. His sister, Tudy was one of my dear friends. I didn't have many friends, Mother told me more than once she had to bribe the kids to play with me, but as friends go, Tudy was right up there with the best of them. I used to spend the night with her. She had this way of making her short bangs stick straight out. I was so envious. My hair was straight too, but I couldn't enliven my bangs at all.
My little brother was Johnny and her little brother was Billy---the cute kid that would throw rocks at us as we passed his house--or was it James David Music who threw rocks at us? I didn't care how much Billy annoyed us, I loved spending the night with Tudy. She had her own room, which none of the Bussey kids had. We felt privileged when we only had 2 to a bed. Rodney loved it when he got his own bedroom when Mother put a "day-bed"in the dining room for him.
Tudy had privacy. Her own room. She was the oldest at home since her two older sisters were married and had moved away. She had her own lipstick, her own closet, and her own special hair tricks. I loved Tudy. She was a champion Jacks player. I never could beat her and was forever frustrated at the game. We had so many versions of the game and she was master of all: The beginning hand toss, put 'em in the pigpen, put 'em in the basket, kiss the baby, spank the baby, poison, round the world, and other challenges that were so difficult.
Of course, I've taught my grandchildren some Jacks games, and I told them I was really good at all of them. They don't know that Tudy Bartley always beat me.
Mother loved Ethel Bartley and always knew she had a friend whenever needed. Tandy Bartley was a good looking man who mined coal with Daddy. God only knows how their wives made it through those tough days. But they did.
My little brother Johnny was mean too, although we never called him mean. He was courageous, athletic, strong, and cute as could be. He and Billy had their share of fights and now, I know, are both very good men. They were able to roam free around David and just gave us all a lot to worry about in the coal camp.
Billy sent a picture of Tudy, me, my little sister, Karen, and him. I have posted it here for your enjoyment. I guess the picture was made around 1950. I can't identify the car make and model--I hope someone can.
I saw "Pag" Bartley Ousley this summer. She is as pretty as ever and still married to that handsome Ed Ousley. It's so good to know someone is still on Middle Creek taking care of our heritage.
Hope to hear more from our David friends,
Peace,
Judy
judy's my sister and I want to reminisce with her a bit....Preacher Durham also told Brer Rabbit stories [Uncle Remus] by Joel Chandler Harris. Remember the rabbit, "please don't throw me in the briar [Blar--as we said) patch"
ReplyDeleteWe had easter parades and hunts and smacked the tar baby. We wore a red rose on mother's day if she was alive and white if she had passed. We usually picked ours on the way to church.. We sang..."Deep and Wide, Deep and Wide..there' s a fountain flowing Deep and Wide. Ummp and Wide Ummmp and Wide..." We would act out the silent part. Who will ever forget "John 3:16",sung to the tune of "Love Lifted Me". "This little Light of Mine".
"Amster, Amster shh shh shh." "You must not say that naughty word". What memories we have, and Preacher Durham was a big part of our childhood.
Karen Bussey O'Rourke