Frosty Reflections of February

By Joe Bullick

It seems as if we just welcomed January, but it is now past and here comes February with cold and snowy days.  As a young boy growing up in the 30s and 40s, February was one of my favorite months.  We lived in an old house that was built in the late 1800s that had a coal furnace.  There was no heat in the upstairs of the house.  The warmest room was the kitchen.  I had an old attic bedroom with an iron bed.  There was just one light in the whole room, but this room was my heaven.  I spent most of my time in that old room.

At night, as the snow fell and the wind howled, the iced formed on the window panes.  We attributed it to Jack Frost.  As I looked out the window, I could see Rt. 19.  In the 30s and 40s, there was hardly any traffic on it at night.  In that room, I did my homework and a lot of reading.  The radio and a good book were my pals.  I had no television or computer—just the stillness of the night.  At 7 o’clock, Lowell Thomas aired with the News of the World.  He broadcasted for 15 minutes.  He gave more news in 15 minutes than they do today in half an hour.  There is more advertising with the news today.

After the news came Amos ‘n’ Andy.  I loved that show.  My mother’s favorite radio show was Ed Schaughency.  He started many people’s days.  He first began broadcasting in 1932 at the age of 20.  He presented a kindly, humorous approach to life, and despite the problems of war, Depression and catastrophes of the 30s and 40s, he always assured us that everything would be fine.  He retired after 48 years of broadcasting.  Rege Cordic and Jack Bogut then took over.

In the second month of the year, Pennsylvania is in the spotlight.  On Feb. 2, in Punxsutawney, crowds assemble on Ground Hog Day to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow.  Besides Ground Hog Day, we celebrate many other important dates this month.  On Feb. 1, 1790, the U.S. Supreme Court first met.  The Vietnam War ended on February 3, 1973.  On Feb. 20, 1962, John Glenn orbited the Earth.  On the 14th we celebrate Valentine’s Day.  Don’t forget your loved ones!  Many outstanding people were born in Feb.  Charles Lindbergh, and Hank Aaron, the man who broke Babe Ruth’s homerun record, were both born in Feb. and the Babe was also born in Feb.  There are many other distinguished people who were born in Feb. like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  The month of February is special this year—it has 29 days.

For those of you who do not enjoy the colder weather, take heart.  Feb. 3 marks the midway point of winter.  So as the cold air blows and the snow falls, enjoy the warmth of your home, but don’t forget the less fortunate people who need our help. 

A close friend gave me this bit of advice: 

Yesterday is a cancelled check.
Tomorrow is a promissory note.
Today is cash. 
Spend it wisely.

God bless and stay warm!

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Joe welcomes any ideas, suggestions or interesting stories.
Email him at northcon@nauticom.net. Please put "Town Crier" in the subject line of your email.

To contact Joe to schedule an appointment to tour his museum at McKnight Elementary School, call the Northern Connection office at (724) 940-2444 or email northcon@nauticom.net. Please put "Museum Tour" in the subject line.

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