Sep
Old Manners and a Two Dollar Pocket Knife
Old Jim was a relative whom we saw occasionally when visiting in the country. He was a large old man who never went outside without his hat. Jim was typical of people whose heyday was the first half of the 20th century. Maybe he was not all that typical. People gave him a lot of respect.
A few times, we got to ride with Old Jim as he did his errands. For little boys, that was quite an adventure. He would wear his grey suit and hat and those gold wire rimmed glasses. Half of the errands had a purpose. The others were just brief stops for a few minutes of friendly conversation with people he knew.
We were impressed by the old man. Wherever he went, he was known and respected. People were glad to see him. Old Jim’s errands were like a politician’s handshake tours. They took the better part of a day. Folks in rural areas are spread out and it takes a little time to go from one place to another.
Old Jim taught us an extra set of manners. We learned that a good handshake was a sign of sincerity, among other things. When we went on errands, Jim had us shaking hands and greeting the folks he visited, just the way he did. We learned by doing.
Jim said, “If you want respect, you have to act respectably and treat people that way, too.”
Old Jim had a great reputation. He was known for being truthful and reliable. Jim’s word and his handshake were more reliable than any contract. I admired him and enjoyed going on the errands.
Jim also taught us how to slice an apple with a pocket knife without making a mess. When you are nine years old, that is better than rocket science.
