(Memory #3) ...AROUND THE DINING ROOM TABLE…in the 1940’s

 

This memory takes me back to the mid 40’s. I was 11 and none of my sisters had left home yet so our dining room table was always full. It was very large…room enough to seat 10 comfortably. We needed that space because we were 5 girls, my mother and father, and an assortment of boyfriends and other guests.

Everyone was welcome and although the menu might be scant, due to rationing or lack of funds, the enthusiasm was abundant. One of our favorite games revolved around the Dictionary. One person would hold the opened book on their lap, eyes closed and point to a word. It was then up to all the participants to define the word and the winner was the one who came closest to the actual definition in the dictionary.

For example the word chosen might be PICOT. The pronunciation would be given but not the definition. Then one by one we would say what we thought it meant. (Typical answers could be: “a small bed”, “a quaint saying”, …etc.) Of course the actual definition is “ornamental loops in embroidery”.It was not only a fun game, but it helped to increase our vocabulary and to promote an interest in words. 

 Our guests were an eclectic group and that made it even more interesting. I loved it all and looking back on my childhood I realize what a lucky little girl I was!