When girls weren’t allowed to wear slacks

Whenever I mention to my grandchildren that I only wore dresses, never any type of slacks or jeans to school from kindergarten through graduation, they give me a look that kind of suggests I should have my mind examined.

It didn’t matter if it was a blizzard and 20 below zero when every young woman left for grade school in the morning; she had a skirt or a dress on. We were allowed to wear a pair of slacks under our dress until we got to school, then off they came and were hung up with our coats until recess when we could put them back on if it was still cold outside or dismissal when we would once again don the slacks and head home. Now just imagine how handy it was to be taking your shoes off and on as you followed that draconian dress code. The boys got at least 10 more minutes of recess while we got ready.

The other really ridiculous part of the dress code involved the swings and the teeter totter. Go ahead and laugh, but get on a swing with a full skirted dress on and let me know how easy it is to swing without exposing your panties, hence the old saying: “I saw London, I saw France, I saw Susan’s underpants.” Pleasant memories? Not really.

So while we are all grieving the loss of our J. C. Penny’s store (and by the way the founder’s name was spelled Penney), we are still wanting the DeGroff’s store back with its wonderful toy land and constant community involvement.

I found this notice in the 1911 McCook Tribune, but C. L. Degroff’s started years before at the beginning of McCook in a tiny wooden building which grew to a three level store with a full basement. “Out of consideration for ourselves, our employees and the respect of the community, we the undersigned merchants of McCook, hereby agree to close our respective places of business at 6:30 p.m., for the remainder of the day, every day except Saturdays, pay days and two nights after pay day (they are referring to the railroad pay day), by locking our doors and pulling down our blinds. Upon violation of this pledge by any signer it is agreed that a penalty of $ 50.00 shall be forfeited by the violator to the public library of McCook, enforceable upon the complaint of any one signer. It is provided that upon special public events such as fairs, races or other equally public doings this agreement may be voided for the time by the signatures of a majority of the undersigned. This agreement not deemed violated by accommodations of customers in cases of emergency. This agreement binding when signed by all dealers handling dry goods, clothing, groceries or shoes. Signed this 12th day of June, 1911, and to take effect June 19th and deposited with the City Attorney. C. L. Degroff & Co., H. C. Clapp, The Thompson D. G. Co., James McAdams, Rozell & Sons, J.A. Wilcox & Son, Ed Huber, Vierson & Osborn, E. D. Perkins & Co., L. A. Paris, D. Magner, S. Diamond, M.E. Kipple, J. Galusha & Son, Allie J. Peck.”

One last note that has nothing to do with stores but the article just cracked me up from another 1911 McCook Tribune: “The City Attorney was instructed to file a claim against Frank Coleman whose horse died on the street.” Apparently Frank must have just walked away from that dead horse!

More planning is taking place for our October Expo which will focus on adoption and DNA. Keep watching for the notice of the Oct. 14 lineup! Our library remains open on Tuesday and Thursday from 1- 4 p.m., 110 West C, Suite M-3. Stop by for help with your research or advice on which DNA test might be most effective for you!