I sure miss people born in the 1800s

Even as a kid, I sought out people born in the 1800s. They had a hospitality about them that words can't describe. They also have a work ethic that sticks with me to this day. Even when they were retired, they always said and lived that "idle hands are the devil's workshop". I knew neighbors, close and distant relatives, etc as a result of my efforts.

I remember an uncle that still worked as a part time groundskeeper at Churchill Downs. He had the track perfectly groomed. He reminded me that if you can show pride in something as simple as sand, you can show pride with anything. The word pride used to mean something, now it's been bastardized to promote attacking the traditional family. I'm certain that any of those people born in the 1800s would agree with me on that point if they were still alive.

I still think it's amusing that he married my aunt because he had an eye for younger women. He only lived for six months after she died.

It's funny that there was a noticeable difference even with people born as "late" as 1920. I suspect some people might have thought that this mini-obsession was a bit "creepy", however the ones that were born in the 1800s appreciated that I saw the value in their generation. It seems to have embarrassed my parents some. Those that didn't like it didn't deserve my consideration anyway.

SDET said:

I remember an uncle that still worked as a part time groundskeeper at Churchill Downs. He had the track perfectly groomed. He reminded me that if you can show pride in something as simple as sand, you can show pride with anything.

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There were a lot of bad things about the "old days."

But one of the good things was pride in one's work.

Most people worked hard and wanted to do their best.

Today, so many people (young and old) try to do the least that they can do in their jobs (Customer: Where are the tomatoes, please? Sullen clerk just points to some place in the store; some taxi drivers here in Los Angeles have been penalized by the government because charging a legal fare is not enough for them. They install a secret device that lets them speed up the meter; so many mechanics just want to rip motorists off. They lack the pride to do a good job and to charge a fair price.)

The concept of going the extra mile is a totally alien concept to most of today's Americans.