"In January of 2014 folks in Southwest and South Central Kansas were asked to share their memories of the "good old days." They were invited to write letters describing interesting, humorous, unusual, exciting (and even romantic) "happenings" from the past. Many of them were born prior to 1940 and the majority grew up right here in Southwest and South Central Kansas. They were not selected from any particular group or social class, nor were they expected to have any special writing ability or talent. From their responses, 353 were chosen to be included in this book. Their stories aren't history in the usual sense. Rather, they entertainingly describe a way of life that will never again be seen. If you're an old-timer yourself, you'll immediately identify with most of the topics, ideas and events in this book. If you're a youngster, you may be at first baffled by the tales of two-holers outhouses, castor oil as a cure for just about everything, rumble seats, party line phones and schools with just one room. But all of these things, and many others once common to your parents and grandparents, are discussed in this book. If you're a Kansas old-timer, you'll find this book especially enjoyable. You'll probably recognize many of the people, places and things you'll find on its pages. there are also dozens of photos of people you may know...many as they appeared years ago when you were just a child. Yes, you'll be entertained by these tales from the good old days. but there's a more compelling reason for the book's existence. The 20th century saw more change than any other period in human history. This change began slowly. Up until around the 1940s, even into the 1950s in many areas, everyday life for most rural Kansas residents was very nearly the same as it had been for many decades previously. The use of draft animals, outdoor plumbing and doing laundry by hand was the accepted way. In 1945, even city dwellers couldn't begin to imagine what life would be like just 20 years into the future. We find ourselves, at the beginning of the 21st century, with an extremely unique historical opportunity. There are many people alive today who distinctly remember what life was like prior to these sweeping changes. Unlike historians who usually must rely upon written documents for data, these people can factually relate history from personal experience. This book is an effort to preserve the remarkable data locked in their collective memories. This book was compiled and edited by Todd Blair, Karen Garvey and a team of Assistant Editors. They are quick to disclaim authorship. That honor, they explain, belongs to the wonderful folks in Southwest and South Central Kansas who took the time to share their memories of the good old days"--cover flaps.