Back to school image: sxc.hu
Summer is speeding along, and I’ve begun to see signs in stores and online about getting one’s “back to school” shopping done. We’ve barely had time to get into the swing of summer activities when we are reminded to get our minds on school! Does this mean that by school opening time, there won’t be any more school supplies and clothing available?
Of course, in different parts of the country, school can begin anywhere from the first week of August through September.
When I was growing up, school shopping time was the last week of August because school started after Labor Day. I found it an exciting time because Mother took us shopping for school supplies and one new outfit.
In those days, girls had to wear dresses or skirts to school. So Sister and each tried on and chose a “store bought” dress that met with Mother’s approval. Many of our outfits we or Mother made. My brothers got pants (not jeans) and shirts or sweathers.
Most school supplies weren’t supplied by the school, so Mother purchased pencils, pens, notebooks and looseleaf paper. We each had a pencil holder. Then there were bookbags for carrying our books and supplies. (We didn’t know about back packs in those days.)
On Mother’s limited budget, it must have been quite a money stretch to get clothes and supplies for four children. She never complained because school and an education were important to her.
Do you have back to school shopping memories? Or are making them with your children?
About Mary Emma Allen
