“The Latchkey Kid”
I , like many others from my early years, was known as a “Latchkey” child. The harshness of those days on families demanded that children at a young age assume adult responsibilities for their lives while the parent (usually a single Mother) was at work. Thus the term “Latchkey Kid“. A term meaning to be left alone to fend for themselves until a parent came home. Sadly this Culture driven practice is once again dominating American families.
However, and fortunately, the propensity for evil was not as prevalent as it is today. But there were still problems, and I managed to invest my time exploring and reveling in all sorts of deviant behavior. You may have already read my battle with “The Money Jar“ and my addiction to TastyKakes. This episode is the lead in to that sad period of my succumbing to thievery.
Backing up just a bit. I was a super skinny kid with an abnormal amount of energy. I fueled my body with anything that past muster as “Sugar”. Sugar cubes (usually stolen) were an staple. I first met this morsel of delight when Mother took me to a “Horn & Hardart’s Automat”. It was there I discovered many delicious treats including the Sugar Cubes that probably started my insatiable quest for Sweets. Back to the story line. As a result of this discovery I became very uninterested in any food substance that was not laced with some form of sugar or at the least had a sweet taste. Mother before leaving for work would leave for me sandwiches and other stuff on the kitchen table to eat when I got home after school. Most times there were sandwiches that would be to my liking. But sometimes a sandwich of Liverwurst or GOD forbid an unidentifiable meat called “Tongue” would be on the table staring at me not unlike a scene from the Night of the Living Dead.
Sandwich and the Radiator
When these horrid sandwiches showed up, I being the clever one, would stick them behind the big cast iron Steam Radiator mounted on the floor next to the table. This “feeding the Radiator” went on for a time before coming to a screeching halt. Did you know Ants liked Liverwurst and Tongue? Really who knew, I certainly didn’t! And are you also aware that food when left behind a HOT Radiator also emitted odors? That was news to me! Yep, a big lesson learned and learned well by the “Seat of my Pants” if you get my drift. A new battle plan needed to be formulated to battle this menacing meat. But before I was able to develop plans, Mother announced to the family that we were moving to a home near Grandma and Grandpa all the while looking squarely at my beautifully innocent face and adding “where there are no Steam Radiators“.
Battle plans are put on hold until I am able to reconnoiter the new battle ground. The move to the new home was a nightmare for my game plan. Two words: Central Heating! Central heating was a Coal Furnace in the Basement with a registrar vent that was a big square grate in the floor between the living room and the dinning room. The upstairs was heated through another large grate in the floor that allowed the heat from downstairs to drift up though it. This system made for cold days and nights if you were not layered with 20 pounds of clothes in addition to not providing a safe dumping site for unwanted food.
Off Site Disposal
In search of a dump site I checked out the backyard. I couldn’t believe it. Fence to fence Concrete. I couldn’t even bury the crap now becoming known as “Sandwiches from Hell”. Then I saw it. A gate in the back fence leading into a service alley that ran the length of the entire block. Looking both ways up and down the alley for anything that would serve as a final resting place for the Sandwiches I spied the Pole. Telephone pole to be exact. The perfect place with just a enough space between the pole and the fence and a good twenty yards away from the backyard gate. Ideal! Game, Set, Match.
There is a RAT somewhere
Things were working just great. I had secured a Hazardous Material dump site and I had begun working the “Money Jar” gig. Life was sweet! That is until the day Mother collared me and walked me out to the alley and over to the POLE. What happen next is not pretty and I’ll spare you the details. I can say this though, while hating Corduroy Knickers they did saved my little butt that day. Hard to blister a Fanny though those Iron like Corduroy Knickers. I never discovered who Ratted me out. Probably a brother or sister who viewed me as the pampered little brat that they sometimes where burdened with by Mom. Doesn’t matter now. History has its’ own validation of our worth and my brothers and sister have long since become the shining heroes of my life.
Today however, I now love Liverwurst and Onion Sandwiches. But Tongue Sandwiches, Ugh. I still look for suitable dumping sites for that Hazardous Material.
I'm a 74 year old man who loves this new medium of Blogging. I am also an Senior Manager in Send Out Cards which gives me a superior method of relating to the world through Greeting Cards. I have met and enjoyed wonderful friends who support me and actually LIKE me which is very rewarding. My online presence is growing and if I can hang on to life I will reap the benefits of establishing a business that will comfort me when I get old. Mostly however I Blog about my life which for some strange reason is well received. Like most of us the future is scary and the remembrance of older days give a measure of comfort. So I continue to reveal the past with optimism that the future will some day be the comfort of somebody else.36 Comments
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‘Latchkey kids’ was still a term when I was young. I can vaguely remember pulling into someones driveway with my mom and she had her nose turned up as we drove in. She mumbled something about Latchkey kids and I just thought it must have been the most terrible thing! What in the world was a Latchkey kid? It wasn’t half as bad as tongue sandwiches. I don’t blame you for throwing those out. Thanks so much for sharing this and hey I had some corduroy pants that saved my hide a couple times also.
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Nelson Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 7:47 am
Boy am I glad you stopped by Nicole. I had some spared time so I clicked through to your last post. It was an eye opener. Great job with a super great message. For those who are commenting here and happen to read this reply go to Nicole’s and see a super post. http://www.nicolerushin.com/
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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Nicole Rushin Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 8:45 am
Thanks so much, Nelson. You definitely have something unique to offer your visitors, thanks so much for being so authentic.
Nicole Rushin´s last [type] ..Is Your On-Line Business Weed Free -amp Retail Ready
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washouse Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Turn stile commenting. That’s cool! Thanks Nicole for being so gracious.
Thanks so much for sharing your stories!! Can remember a few “seat of the pants strories” myself.
Have a Great Day
Chester
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washouse Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Thanks Chester for your visit. I suppose there are many who have experienced those “Butt” lessons.
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Your stories are very memorable with a bit of realism for those who wore corduroy knickers.
Way to hold our attention – so when does the book come out?
Kellie
Kellie Frazier´s last [type] ..Is Your Life Going in Different Directions – You Are 3-Dimensional So That Makes Perfect Sense-
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washouse Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 7:45 am
As I tell my older Brother, “Literary License” Bro. Not sure my ramblings are enough to warrant the expenditure of real money. But thanks Kellie for the lift up. I can always count on you.
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Oh Nelson,
I laughed through your whole story! My brother used to hide lima beans in his napkins. Unfortunately, one day he forgot to throw the napkin away! Yikes! My trick was to sit there until the food got so cold that Mom would get exasperated & say – Go!
You were a very ingenious young boy, weren’t you! So how many things did your kids get away with? Probably not much!
Val
Val Wilcox´s last [type] ..The Key – Your Burning Desire…
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Nelson Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Val, seems that you and your brother were no shrinking violets either. Isn’t it fun to recall your youth. Only thing that could be better would to be transported back with the knowledge we have today. As always you are the best at boosting us with your comments.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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I was laughing through this entire blog. Thanks for this walk down memory lane. I remember
“Horn & Hardart’s Automat”. I went there once, but then mom said I couldn’t go because she was afraid of roaches in there. Roaches? They are everywhere in NYC and still are. She took me to Schrafts (I think that’s how you spell it) where all the women wore hats and gloves, sitting up straight and drinking coffee with their pinky in the air. Yuck!
I can relate to the food hiding too. I had a great system of hiding meat which I never liked. I would sit around the table with the family and watch carefully. When no one was looking I would slip some slices of steak down my sleeve. After dinner I would empty it in the toilet bowl. Until I got caught by the stains on my shirt. So I begged for a dog. No one ever caught on why she got so fat so fast. Tee Hee
I love your blogs because it is refreshing and I love to go back to those good old days!
Thanks for an uplifting experience.
Donna
Donna Merrill´s last [type] ..MARK HOVERSON’S Q-A WEBINAR BLEW MY MIND-
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Nelson Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Roaches were a way of life back then. Raid was not existent, but we had some good leather soled shoes that would do the trick. Hi Donna, I wasn’t smart enough to think of a toilet. Hmm, that might be why Mom gave me “Milk of Magnesia” a lot.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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Hey Nelson,
Another great post! Love listening to your stories, they make me smile! Being English I don’t know all the places and things you tell us about (what is a dirt nap???) but I think we had pretty similar upbringings!
You sound like you were a bit of a rogue!!
Til next time, Sue
Sue Collier´s last [type] ..Become A Farmer In Your Network Marketing Opportunity-
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Nelson Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Sue, a ” Dirt Nap” is when you die and are buried. Being 73 the reality this is more likely than others.. Thus I decided that I will continue on being what I am until I’m taken home ie: Dirt Nap. So “My Dirt Nap is on Hold”. Hey thanks so much for your loyalty in stopping in. Maybe I should have some “Tea and Crumpets” handy for you Brits.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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Nelson,
Thanks for sharing such wild stories! It’s interesting to see how people from other generations grew up under very different circumstances. You must have been very inventive to come up with all those “solutions” to your bad food problems!
–Mario.
Mario Miranda´s last [type] ..Ill Do It-
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washouse Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Mario, every generation like you said has it own stories. I marvel at some of the things I hear that kids are doing today. Thanks for posting a comment to my Blog. Please do come back.
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Nelson,
I loved this story and thanks for sharing it! I used to do the napkin trick as a kid…that is until I was caught many times and the napkins disappeared
Take care,
Becca
Becca Moss Kratky´s last [type] ..Got Goals
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Nelson Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 5:35 am
Why you wick little girl. Who would have thunk it, Becca Moss Kratky the mistress of the Napkin Trick. LOL Isn’t it fun to remember this stuff. Thanks Becca for participating my “I remember” post.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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Nelson,
you write the best stories. You have a knack for bringing them alive and living them through your words.. love it, very special..
Lesly´s last [type] ..Are You Leaving Your Body Behind
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Nelson Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 6:31 am
You’re very kind Lesly. Commenting the way you do shows others why you’re a TSA Top Cat. Thanks for making me feel special, which is a good thing at my age.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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Hi Nelson,
I always look forward to visiting your blog & reading your stories ~ and this one has to be one of the funniest I’ve had the pleasure of reading so far
I appreciate your style of storytelling, and reminds me very much of the narration of “A Christmas Story”.
Christine
Christine Casey´s last [type] ..What is the Driving Force in Your Life
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Nelson Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Christine it gives me pleasure to have comments so kind form you and others. We all have these stories in our lives that need telling. I’m certain my experiences are not unique to me alone. Thanks for stopping by and visiting. It is much appreciated.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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LOL! Great story Nelson! Did you ever hear from the new people who took over your old house with the stinky sandwiches? I bet they weren’t too happy!
Kevin M.´s last [type] ..Do you believe the lie that you cant change
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Nelson Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
That episode took place around 1942 – 3. I assume the house is still standing. But in this day and age it could be a high rise building for all I know now. It might even have been carried off by some rats looking for sandwiches.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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Nelson,
Thanks for writing this post , i find the information that you have shared of great value to the people that i connect with and going to pass this on to my tribe. I look forward to reading more from you.
Chris.
Chris Bernardo´s last [type] ..Saving Money and Time by Working Smart
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Nelson Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 10:59 am
Thanks Chris for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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Nelson,
Once again, a very cool story. We can vividly picture the “food dump” and must admit it is not a pretty site. When we were young we both were latchkey kids as well. It did give us a lot of independence and helped us with our responsibility roles… it helped to shape who we are today.
Thanks so much for the walk down memory lane and for the cool story…
~ Pat and Lorna
Pat and Lorna Shanks´s last [type] ..Supporting- Cheering and Getting Involved… Even Amidst the Chaos
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washouse Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 6:12 pm
I’m honored guys to have you grace my Blog. So you were Latch Key’s also. I treasure my youth and credit as you do my development to have to rely on myself for my growth in a very tough world.
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Wonderful recollections, Nelson (artistic license aside).
Sounds like you had a really rough go of it! But we can all benefit from your horror stories of fence to fence concrete, central heating and tongue sandwiches.
Always enjoy visiting your blog, Nelson.
David Merrill´s last [type] ..Convert Leads Into Cash
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Nelson Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 9:11 pm
David don’t let the cat out of the bag. “artistic License” My brother would tell us the stories of our youth with a humorous flair. Our older sister would enjoy his stories so much. She often remarked “Oh his account of the story gets better every year” Artistic License. Thanks David for dropping in and commenting. You and Donna are my favorite real people. “Artistic License”
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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Nelson,
Your story telling is delightful. I used to love tongue sandwiches, but only now do I not want to eat them. I love your secret hding places.
Erica
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washouse Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:21 am
Erica, I’m not as well round as you in liking Tongue sandwiches at any stage of my life. I guess that is why people address you as Dr. and me as “Hey you”. Love having you come by. Thank you.
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Haha – This is too funny! Somehow hearing these stories of you being “a handful” when you were young doesn’t surprise me! haha I have a feeling your wife could tell a few stories of more recent years too! Just a hunch:) You are a character Nelson – and I mean that fondly:)
Glyna Humm´s last [type] ..Shiny New Objects Aren’t Always a Bad Thing-
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Nelson Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:49 am
Wife ain’t talking. I was a “real” blond hair lad too cute for words. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Latchkey Kid”
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Hi Nelson! You are a fabulous writer! I love coming to your blog to read about more of your adventures
I hid my sandwiches in the back of my dresser drawers 
. And when forced to actually put the food in my mouth at the table, would stuff it in my cheeks and hold it there – then spit it out later.
–Lori aka “chipmunk cheeks”
Lori Tisot´s last [type] ..Status Check – Where Are You
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Your stories are so good. I bet those sandwiches really started stinking!Thanks for sharing again. I would try the napkin trick at times.
Beverly Monical´s last [type] ..Can We Learn From Wolves About Teamwork
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