From the Collection of Pat Young

Recalling The Old Days of Clothesline News

A clothesline was a news forecast to neighbors passing by, There were no secrets you could keep when clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link, for neighbors always knew if company had stopped on by to spend a night or two.

For then you’d see the “fancy sheets” and towels upon the line; you’d see the “company tablecloths” with intricate designs.

The line announced a baby’s birth from folks who lived inside - as brand new infant clothes were hung, so carefully with pride!

The ages of the children could so readily be known; by watching how the sizes changed, you’d know how much they’d grown!

It also told when illness struck, as extra sheets were hung; then nightclothes, and a bathrobe too, haphazardly were strung.

It also said, “Gone on vacation now” when lines hung limp and bare.

It told, “We’re back!” when full lines sagged with not an inch to spare!

New folks in town were scorned upon if wash was dingy and gray, as neighbors carefully raised their brows and looked the other way.

But clotheslines now are of the past, for dryers make work much less.

Now what goes on inside a home is anybody’s guess!

I really miss that way of life, it was a friendly sign. When neighbors knew each other best by what hung on the line.