January 14th, 2015
What Are You Reading? Growin’ up Country: Rural Life in the 1950’s and 1960’s, J. Everett Moore, Jr., Sussex County, Delaware
Everyone I talk to that grew up in the 1950s and 1960 have so much to say about those years. For those of us that grew up in those times I think we can all agree that people were more polite, more caring, more relaxed….and after seeing The Temptations and The Four Tops a couple of weeks ago….definitely, better music!!
Cars were left unlocked and there were some awesome cars during the 50s and 60s. I went to a Barrett Jackson auction in Florida. Check this 1955 Nash Stateman Super. It had a hide a bed and a window air conditioner!
The other day I was at the offices of Moore & Rutt located at 122 West Market St., Georgetown, Delaware. I was introduced to Growin’ up Country: Rural Life in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The author? J. Everett Moore, Jr. I am taking my time reading this book. I am loving everything that I am reading and enjoying the photos, as well.
I did not meet Everett Moore, but I am so impressed in the way he delivers his life’s story. In the book you will recognize many of the family names that still are very much part of Sussex County. Please visit http://www.growinupcountry.com. The website is great with so much information, including where to get the book.
The book would make a great gift for anyone that has moved to the area. One thing is to visit and another is to call this county home. I have been in Sussex County since the 70’s and even during those times, life was much simpler. And, we did leave the car keys under our mats in the car. My husband’s family chose Bethany Beach as their vacation destination. Many years later, John and I called Bethany home. And, then Rehoboth Beach.
Mr. Moore covers history, his home, recreation of the times, school, church, meals, etc. etc.
In reading the book my nostalgia started to take over. I did not have a rural upbringing. But, I did grow up in a small town on the eastern side of Puerto Rico…Humacao. A small town where everyone knew every family. The telephone? Well, I think my grandmother’s number was 421. I would pick up the phone and talk to the operator. And a friend reminded me of shared lines. I seem to remember that, as well. That meant I could be talking on the phone and another person would join in.
Your mail was delivered even if the address was not complete.
Mr. Moore mentions a Chevy Corvair. My mother had one. White with red interior. And, my grandmother had a Valiant with push buttons.
In Growin’ up Country….of course you have to talk about the distinct accent of this county. You have to really listen carefully at times.
Sussex County is the largest county in Delaware, but the least populated. There is more arable land under cultivation than anywhere in the state. It is also the birth of the poultry industry and the leading county of broiler production in the U.S.
Mr. Moore writes about looking for arrow heads and other Indian artifacts as a young child with his dad. Worth visiting is the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro.
Mr. Moore mentioned that men went to the barber shop. That no man would be caught in a beauty salon, I had to laugh. The photo shown in the book shows different styles. Well, guess what? I showed the photo to my son because he had the same hair cut. He has been going to the Georgetown Barber Shop to get it cut. And, all that is old is new again….a retro look is the new thing. Go figure.
The Noxzema story. I have always loved that one with the farm on Rt. 26. That’s the only cream my mother has ever put on her face…..she has no wrinkles.
Meals, food, and the kitchen utensils of the time. I remember the milk being delivered in glass containers. My husband used to talk about the cream on the top and how much he used to love it.
The book ends with his mother’s recipes. Cannot wait to make the Old Fashioned Biscuits, and Dumplin’s.
I am still reading and I don’t want the book to end. It is Mr. Moore’s story, one that he is leaving for his children and grandchildren. What a gift!!
Growin’ up Country is in its second printing. It is full of lore, tales, tidbits and brief notes. Have fun with it!!
Tags: Book, Coastal Delaware, County Seat of Delaware, DE Beaches, Delaware, Georgetown, Great Read, Growin' up Country, Growin' up Country: Rural Life in the 1950's and 1960's, History of Sussex County, J. Everett Moore Jr., Moore & Rutt, Rural Delaware, Southern Delaware, Sussex County, Things to do at the beach, Visit Southern Delaware, What to do at the beaches
Beautiful photos!!