Papaw and the Corn Flakes

(Contributed by bhhiatt, title edited by "Agiani")

It was during the Great Depression. Money and jobs were hard to get. B. C. Hiatt and his brother Claud heard of some work pulling tobacco at a farm several miles away and decided to walk there to pick up a day's work.

Pulling tobacco is hard physical labor, especially in the summer heat; but they did the work, collected their pay, and headed on the long walk back home.

They were very hungry after their day of hard work; and as they passed a small cafe, they decided they would spend a little of their hard-earned money for something to eat.

As they looked at the menu, they noticed a new item called "corn flakes." They had never seen or tasted "corn flakes" but had heard that it was good. The price was reasonable, so they each ordered a serving of "corn flakes." We all know today that cornflakes may taste good but would not be a satisfying meal for a couple of hungry laborers, however it was a new experiece for them. They ate their meal without comment and were soon headed down the road.

After walking a couple of miles, Claud turned to B. C. and said, "The next time you want 'corn flakes,' just open your mouth in the sunshine."

NOTE: If anyone has another version of this story or any additions, please post them.

The Great Potato Race

(Contributed by bhhiatt)

Once when Mamaw and Papaw (Virginia and B.C.) were visiting us (Jack, Barbara, and family), Mamaw offered to help me prepare dinner. Maybe I should say "insisted" rather than "offered" as she always wanted to help others and felt uncomfortable sitting by and letting others ever do anything for her.
I told her all I had left to do was to peel some potatoes. She insisted on helping. I told her I had only one vegetable peeler. She said, "Oh, I don't use one of those things. All I need is a knife."
"You can peel potatoes faster with thinner peelings with a vegatable peeler," I said.
"No you can't."
"Yes you can."
"No you can't."
So I got her a knife, and the great potato race began.
I've never seen anyone peel potatoes like Mamaw could. I almost worked up a sweat with my vegatable peeler trying to keep up with her.
After the potatoes were all peeled, I declared the race a draw.
But I wouldn't swear to it.

Welcome to "Hiatt Family Stories"!

This blog is open to the family of Baron Callis Hiatt (also known as "B. C." or "Red") [1913-1987] and his wife Virginia Lee Beeson Hiatt [1912-1991] of North Carolina and their relatives. (Sometimes known as "Mamaw and Papaw".


Note: We love family stories. However, since blogs like this one are open to the entire world, please think carefully before posting anything that can identify LIVING people such as photos, addresses or phone numbers.