The Crib

The year was 1951. A larger bed for Baby Gregory was very much needed after sleeping in the convenient bassinet. Mother could, and easily did, rock with one foot while hands were busy with garden fresh green beans. Soon baby was asleep and one step in meal preparation was complete.

This was Montana prairie life. Forty-seven miles were traveled to the nearest furniture store, McFay’s, in Malta. Mr. McFay was most pleased to show a lovely blond crib; no choice as this was the lone one. After examining this piece of furniture, the young parents with baby in arms, left for the last store.

Down the block to the second and last furniture store only to learn, “Sorry, no crib.”

Back to McFay’s – to learn the price had gone up! Wow! Then Dad reached into his pockets to pay the exorbitant price; pouring out pennies that had been accumulating for many years, even before World War II, to cover the $72 cost, smiling all the time. The store owner did NOT have a matching smile. Oh NO!

The deal was made … and the lovely crib was on the way to a ranch home where it still stands, 68 years later, ready to welcome grandchildren and great-grandchildren.