Homespun
Melrose resident Rene Hamilton showed me notes she had jotted down and brought to a Saturday gathering that was about neighborhood security. She wasn't able to share them at the meeting, but I think they hit the bullseye - including the title she added: "homespun". The words are nostalgic, but the message of ownership applies today more than ever. Here are her notes, in her voice, unedited by me. - David West Homespun Remember When?
Folks in the community knew each other
Folks used to spread the word about almost anything happening in the community
Folks waved to each other or chatted in the front yard passing on their way
Folks watched out for each other and their property and their kids. They knew who they belonged to and where they were supposed to be. Oh, don’t forget the spankings you’d get when you got home because the neighbor called your mom and told her what you did. Ha!
And if your fence fell down or the dog was lost they would be right there to fix it or find it.
If you got sick they’d send over some chicken soup.
It was these folks that kept their neighborhood safe. They OWNED it together. Well, the police sometimes helped (it didn’t cost extra either, it was their job).
Of course there were always those who kept to themselves. Their loss, ha! Rene Hamilton, Asphodel Dr.
