Reflections From The Past Bring A Smile To The Face!

Reflections from the past bring a smile to the face!

The last couple Morrison’s Cove Herald editions recalled some great memories and reflections that led me to write this brief “Letter to the Editor.”

First, in the June 20th edition was the big caption of Central High School’s 2024 graduating class of 143. Wow! That is approximately 80 students less than when I graduated from Central in 1980 when 230 of us graduated. No doubt, the Cove is experiencing population decline like so many other rural areas in the country.

Second, in the June 13th edition on the front page is a photo of Ruth Marshall and Linda K. Smith. Both ladies hold a special place in my heart as they were a part of my mother’s (Betty McCready) friend group for many years. Linda has done so much in the Cove over many years to help keep it looking beautiful! Last December, both Linda and Ruth came to my mother’s memorial service and it had been a while since I had seen and spoke with “Miss Marshall.” When I saw her, I reminded her who I was and then proceeded to say the Carnival Barker lines from our 6th grade chorus concert song “Carnival of Venice” that my twin brother Dan & I said as part of the concert that year…..talk about having an impact on countless kids….like me….over the years….and here I am in my 60s remembering the lines and still have the folder from her class! Ruth’s impact over the years was very significant. So many of us were touched by her love of us elementary school kids.

Finally, this past week’s June 27th edition, I read the “50 years ago” memories and noticed I was a part of one of the events mentioned. In 1974, I was 12 years old and in my last year of little league eligibility. During the Martinsburg “World’s Fair” (as we called it) that year, it was decided to have the first “greased pig” contest at the little league field. I had a game right before the event and was eligible to participate as it was open to kids “12 & under.” There was a big crowd of us kids and once the poor little greased pig was let go, it was caught fairly quickly. Well, a week or two later words got out that the person who caught the pig was actually 14 years old! Such a scandal that it was back in the day.

Thank you for keeping the Herald going. This helps keep me connected to the homeland which shaped me into the person I am today.

Randy McCready

Franklin Park