“Ole time t’ings come back again”.
And with Barbados celebrating 44 years of Independence on November 30, there is no better time to reflect on the things that are uniquely Bajan.
Barbadians have been dusting off their artefacts and proudly showing them off in the Nation’s Pride of Country campaign, carried on the website www.nationnews.com and the Facebook page.
From the old coal pot and the hot ironing comb, to Rediffusion, the monkey, the jucking board, the old hot irons, the Home Sweet Home oil lamps and lanterns, the old sewing machines and mortar and pestle, they are all featured.
Barbadians have been commenting on the items as they brought back sweet memories of Barbados of old.
When it came to Rediffusion, many recalled Children’s Party which was a Saturday morning tradition in Barbados, with Joe Tudor, Aunty Olga and later Uncle Carson.
“I remember this. Listening to Children’s Party with Aunty Olga and Joe Tudor on Saturday mornings on the neighbour’s Rediffusion”, said one reader.
Another said: “This brings back memories like the rain falling and Aunty Olga playing classical music to send you to sleep.”
The hot iron also drew comments like these:
“I used to get my hair pressed with one of these. Got to pray you don’t get burn on your ear.”
“I used to get some burns from these because I never used to stay still,” said another reader.
Another even recalled the coconut oil sizzling on her head like “fish in a pan of hot oil”.
When it came to the oil lamps, many said they wished they had these around when Tropical Storm Tomas passed Barbados recently.
“Folk call these hurricane lamps nowadays. Back in the day this was the electricity,” said one reader.
Another shared this memory.
“I remember doing my homework by oil lamp many a night when there was no power.”
Many also recalled the mortar and pestle and the “good seasoning” it used to make.
“We used to pound the onions, bonnie peppers and garlic and thyme with green seasoning to season the pork for Sunday lunch.”
One person wondered if Barbadians would have the same “warm fuzzy feelings” about the items displayed if they still had to use them today. That reader said: “Progress is a wonderful things sometimes.”
Readers were happy to take a trip back in time to view and reflect on things uniquely Barbadian and cherish the memories they brought back at this time when many are focused on celebrating Barbados’ Independence.
