We had a cast-iron black stove with a pot belly that was located in the center room of our shack. Dad alternated putting wood and coal in its bulging midsection. In the late fall and winter, we loved to sit around the stove and listen to the flames crackle the dry wood. The warm fire was comforting to our chilled bodies. One by one, we took turns backing up to the stove to feel extra warmth. Since the door of the stove did not close properly, we had to be careful that the flickering flames from the kindling or hot coals didn’t ignite our well-worn clothes.
Throughout the years, we had many meaningful conversations around this old stove. We were still living in “The Bottom” without electricity or indoor plumbing. Jobs were limited during the winter. Rather than spending money on electricity, MaDear and Dad saved the little money they earned and used it for food and other essential necessities. During the late fall and winter, we had a break from the laborious tasks of chopping and picking cotton. This was our time to gather around the old stove and talk. The bulge in the middle of the stove seemed to swell as if it could absorb our in-depth conversations. Sitting around that round warm stove provided comfort in an uncomfortable land.
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When Cousin Fessor came to visit, he joined us in conversation. My siblings and I enjoyed listening to Cousin Fessor. He lived in Memphis, was an educator and attorney, and was knowledgeable about world events. Vie and I became sponges, soaking up information. Dad, Lil Bro, and Rom always had an interest in history and current events. Tippy was now living with relatives in Chicago and attending college at DePaul University. Cousin Fessor stayed in touch with Tippy. He made frequent visits to Chicago and Ohio to see his children and other cousins on Dad’s side. On occasion, Tippy borrowed a relative’s car and drove home. Cousin Fessor told us about the green book for black travelers. Apparently, he and other black people used this book for years. This book was a guide to let black people know where it was safe to stop during their travels. This was necessary because black people were subjected to discrimination and threats of violence. There was a list of sundown towns where black people had to be out of town by this time. Cousin Fessor kept a copy of this book and gave a copy to Tippy in case he needed it.
Reference
“Tent City”. Wikipedia. Accessed October 19, 2019.