Showing posts with label The Waltons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Waltons. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I Remember Mama - Lessons from a Norwegian Family in 1910

This past Mother's day, I watched an old black- and- white movie, "I Remember Mama," starring Irene Dunne.  There are so many wonderful lessons you can glean from this movie. I'll share a little with you here:

1. The story is about a Norwegian Family, living in San Fransisco in 1910. There are 3 girls and 1 boy, along with Mama and Dad.

2. They are so careful with their money. Each week, Mama counts out the income and creates a pile for each expense, some for Elizabeth's shoes, some for the electric bill, etc. When the son asks if it is possible for him to attend high school, everyone in the family comes up with a sacrificial plan to provide the extra money to pay for this. Then Dad offers to give up his tobacco. I love how everyone works hard to contribute to the needs of the entire family.

3. I loved watching Mother go about her household duties and solving problems with dignity.

4. Here's a bit of trivia: Aunt Trina was played by Ellen Corby, who, 24 years later, became the famous and beloved Grandma Walton!


This movie was made in 1948, and was inspired by a book by Kathryn Forbes, "Mama's Bank Account," written about her grandmother. I own a copy of this book and love it! Later, there was a TV Show, sponsored by Maxwell House Coffee. My Mother loved to watch that program.

There are so many heartwarming scenes in this movie. I hope you can find a way to watch it!

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Friday, January 22, 2010

1930's Style Homemaking

LOC: Mother with her child, at home in North Carolina, 1939.

 

I have been watching old episodes of The Waltons on DVD. I have enjoyed it so much. "Livie" (the Mom) and "Gramma" both work in the house all day. They take wonderful care of the family. They both wear practical dresses and aprons and have their hair up. They are representing the actions and lives of housewives in the 1930's.

I have been so inspired to just have a quiet house. Is it possible to shut off most of the lights and technology for just a few days? I want an old fashioned home. I want to have a lovely living room, neat and tidy. I want to enjoy polishing my furniture and sweeping my floors. I want to have a nice workbasket beside my chair so I can sit with the family while mending, sewing or crocheting.

I want to listen to a nice old fashioned radio program with everyone sitting all around me. I want my children to come to the table for a large, home cooked dinner. And then, I want to joyfully and lovingly clean up the mess afterwards while the children play on the front porch, so they don't get underfoot.

I want guests to show up and I will have tea and cake ready to serve them. I want to enjoy the old fashioned life in this current day and age.

I want to watch more of the Waltons and get my inspiration. Then I want to put it into action. Where is my peace? My peace cometh from the Lord, and the old paths. My peace cometh when I am in my place, the keeper at home.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -


We Must Learn  - To Earn and Not to Spend.

This is What many of us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

The Greatest Use of a Mother's Time - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.
 

 
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