Keeping Up Appearances

Both of my parents graduated from high school during the Great Depression.  The Depression molded their values and approach to life.  Dad got a job at a local water utility after high school.  He was smart – he graduated from high school at 16 because he skipped a grade.  His Dad was the manager of the local Kroger’s grocery store.  Granddad was told to re-locate to Rockford Illinois from Hobart, Indiana.  There was no choice – he moved the entire family – except my Dad.  Dad was the eldest, had a job and refused to move with the family.  Dad found a one room apartment and ate all of his meals at a local diner.  For the rest of his life Dad didn’t care for dining out – he had his fill as a young man.

I remember growing up that my Granddad ALWAYS wore a suit.  His white shirts were starched stiff and he wore a belt, not suspenders.  Even on a Saturday or Sunday when we visited the Rockford clan, grandpa wore a suit.  His shoes were always shined to see your face reflected.

My Dad always wore a suit with a fedora.  By the time I was born Dad was about 80% bald and did the famous comb over.  Also, by the time I was born he excelled at work and was an operations manager in the local utility.  He had 40 men report to him daily.  My father’s shirts weren’t starched because my mom was an expert at ironing.  I recall Dad having closet full of suits and various fedora’s.  He had a different hat for different seasons.  In the winter he wore a felt fedora, then he had one you could wear in the rain and for summer he had a straw fedora. 

One time after retiring Dad had an accident with the lawnmower and cut a finger.  He came into the house changed his shirt and trousers and then drove himself to the ER.

Dad taught me the proper way to polish shoes, hang pants in a closet, the proper way to tie a necktie.  As a young man I used the same after shave as Dad – Old Spice.  Dressing this way was his way of fighting back from the Depression.  It took me many years to understand why he dressed as he did.  Dad was making a statement – he was successful. 

I certainly don’t dress in that fashion.  In fact my usual garb is sweatshirt, jeans and sketchers.  Dad would be appalled – I’m comfortable.
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There is a point, during our social distancing it’s important to take care of ourselves.  I’ve trimmed my own hair, trim the beard every several days and of course wash hands frequently.  Do, do your best to keeping up appearances – you’ll be glad you did.