My heart was strangely warmed again after I reviewed readers' comments about my column on my father's Sunday go-to-meeting outfit, which was ultimately his burial suit.

The outfit held a special place in the hall closest in our home. Occasionally, I was privileged to fetch it to Daddy for some event he was attending.

I recalled one time just before Christmas when I opened the closet door looking for something when I spied the stash from Santa Claus. That's where Mama kept Santa's goods until time to deliver.

Those were perilously times financially, and as I gazed upon Papa's suit with its massive shoulders, I wondered if I would ever wear such a large garment. Alas, I not only wore them but I outgrew them.

One caller this week told me he owns only one suit today. I dozed off during the afternoon and dreamed of the blessings we had during that era, even though things were tough.

I was once shopping for a suit for myself. Wedding bells were about to ring for Billie and me, and I certainly didn't want my bride-to-be to have to walk down the aisle to some country cracker.

At that time, I was employed by the old Carolina Life Insurance Co. I had two good accounts at B.C. Moore's clothing store in Manning. Colie Altman was the manager of the store. His assistant was a fine young man by the name of Harry Kennedy. Once or twice a week when I needed a little break, I would visit this store and shoot a little bull with them. Those fine fellows at the store became good friends of mine.

When I told them of my plans to be married in February, they immediately turned on the old sales charm and showed me a light blue suit that I had noticed many times.

Another thing that caught my eye was the price tag. After all, no country boy should wear a suit that cost more than $9.95.

Colie and Harry also picked out a pretty shirt and tie that went well with the suit.

Back in those days, very few people would pick out a suit of clothes for a better price than the one I chose.

The trousers needed a little alteration, so I had to leave them several days. On the way home that night, I realized that I had not purchased any items from my old friend Bobby Griggs who owned and operated Benjamin and Griggs. So I decided to buy a new pair of shoes from him to show my appreciation for our frie-ip. I picked out a nice looking pair of black Nunn-Bush shoes for $9.95.

Incidentally, I not only wore those shoes to be married in - I wore them again on our 62nd wedding anniversary.

Lest we forget ...

T&D Columnist Rinehart Chewning is a longtime resident of Holly Hill.

You must be logged in to comment.