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Memories of My Childhood Home . . . . Defining a life to Live a Lifetime

By
Real Estate Agent with Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 REB.0759001

My childhood and probably my life were best defined by the values taught to me by parents who grew up with very little. To say that anybody grows up with nothing is incorrect as material goods are not what develops or shapes a life. The character and sole of human beings is developed by the lessons we learn from our family and most importantly our parents.

We were probably more fortunate than most because in the late 1940's my parents bought their first home, a 3 family house on Washington Hill in Waterbury, Ct. I remember the open porches, the asbestos siding, the small yard, but to my family it was a palace because it had taken them out of a 4 story 30+ apartment building.

As with many families after WW2, there was usually enough money for food and the necessities, but when it came to repairs, creativity and do-it-yourself was the norm. No trips to the big super depot or lowes, hit the hardware store or lumber yard, or whatever store had the materials needed for the task at hand.

It was from these tasks that my brother and I learned:

  • how to glaze a window, because it was no secret that we not only broke ours, but also several of the neighbors as well.
  • How to side a house? Waste a few pieces until you learn, but then stand back and admire the finished work.
  • Windows need painting, watch how I scrape first, sand then apply the primer and finish coats.
  • Be careful when you mix the cement, you don't want it too soopy because you can't stack the bricks.
  • Need to replace some old wiring? next time you'll disconnect the fuse, that tickled didn't it?
  • Be careful when you put the torch to the copper you'll burn the wood behind it, besides the water's off until we finish

Home made wine, there's nothing like it but crushing all those grapes and then mixing it twice a day for a week. What to do with the left over rinds when the wine's all done, the simple answer is called 'shine, but that's an entirely different story.

As both Mom and Dad worked, chores had to be done inside also. Clean up after dinner, make the beds, vacuum and dust. Nobody is more important than anyone else, and learn to pick up after yourself because there's nobody else to do it. Want to watch some TV tonight? Is your homework done? 

I called this house home until I went into the service in 1971, and then only slept there for a month when I was discharged. The house got sold in 1974 and the folks moved into their first single family home, which of course dad built with some help from myself, framed with completed roof, 2 people in 4 days.

We learned what was important in life and that was in essence, to not be afraid to try anything, and of course respect. Today, even though I can now afford to pay somebody to do the little things around the house, I won't, because that's what dad did. When he knows I'm doing something he comes by, not to help because at 89 he shouldn't, but just maybe to be proud of how well he taught us.

 

 

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Edward (Ed) Silva
Broker Associate

Serving Central Connecticut Sellers and Buyers

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Comments (13)

Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Ed, it's just great to read about other people's childhoods. It was a simpler time in America and a great time.

Sharon

Aug 04, 2009 02:55 PM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Ed,

I di d not think the whole contest would be so interesting, but that's exactly what happened. Thank you for sahring your story

Aug 04, 2009 03:05 PM
Kathleen Ann Pacheco-Corbett
(FIRST Exclusive Buyer's Office Providence-RI) - Providence, RI
Realtor, RI-MA, CEBA, Master, e-Pro, ABR, ABRM, GR

ED: Thanks for sharing a great story of how you carried forth your parents great work ethics,  Having your dad around is wonderful at 89. Enjoy your moments with him, I am sure he is very proud of how you learned and became the great adult that you are. My VooVoo had a wine crusher that he used to make his wine, he kept his home made wine in his Private tool room in the far corner of our basement. we also lived in a 3 family house.

Aug 04, 2009 04:02 PM
Jenny Kotulak
RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage - Oakville, ON
Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate

Hi Ed,

I'm sure he isn't helping you but I'm sure he is still telling you how to do it right lol.  I'm sure he taught you well.  Kids today will be the generation that picks up the phone to call for help.  If they can find someone.  Where have all the trades gone???

Aug 04, 2009 04:24 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Hi People, thanks for stopping by to peek at some of my memories.

Kathleen, both Dad at 89 and Mom at 87 let me know on occasions that I'm still a trouble maker. The house was a foreclosure earlier this year. I went in and boy was it ever a walk backwards. In the cellar was the pit, that dad made way back when to make his wine, and the wine cellar was intact.

Aug 05, 2009 12:14 AM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Wow Ed, a huge lump formed in my throat when you spoke of your Dad making sure you were still doing your chores right, watching you do your jobs around the house. Now we understand where all your stitches and broken bones came from! - P

Aug 05, 2009 01:03 AM
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Ed--So many of us AR members have shared learning similar values & lessons while growing up.  Wasn't this contest fun?  Like your parents, mine grew up with very little and we didn't either, but we were wealthy when the love of family togetherness is factored in.  I am glad that your father is still able to visit your 'work projects' aroung the house.

Aug 05, 2009 01:59 AM
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Ed--So many of us AR members have shared learning similar values & lessons while growing up.  Wasn't this contest fun?  Like your parents, mine grew up with very little and we didn't either, but we were wealthy when the love of family togetherness is factored in.  I am glad that your father is still able to visit your 'work projects' aroung the house.

Aug 05, 2009 01:59 AM
c m
Colorado Springs, CO

That thing about growing up with nothing? So TRUE. My parents were Depression babies, 78 and 80 within the next 6 mo, and they came as close to nothing as people can, but they taught us, like your parents did, that the important things, were not "things".  You had a very different experience from mine growing up, yet somehow familiar...thanks for sharing!

Aug 05, 2009 02:33 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Al & Peggy:  A couple of years ago as my parents were leaving our house, my mom commented that I needed a railing. (only two steps and there wasn't anything there when we bought the house).

The next time they came the railing was in place.

It now seems like every time they leave, mom thanks me for the railing, and dad just smiles.

Aug 05, 2009 04:54 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Ed, my family came from the Azores with very very little.  So I know what it is to grow up without nothing, yet we were very happy kids.

By the way me and my dad use to make about 200 gallons of wine a year :) :)

Aug 05, 2009 05:30 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Ed, I love your story!  LIke your parents, mine exploited child labor.  Back then, I didn't appreciate it.  Now I'm incredibly grateful.

Aug 06, 2009 12:05 AM
Liz Moras Migic
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

Awhhh Ed what a great attitude - nice to read - and its so sweet that your dad comes by to check on your/his handiwork :-)

Aug 10, 2009 09:52 AM