It seemed back when I was a boy that Fort Smith, Arkansas was a long way off. We lived seven miles out in the country at a one-store place called Cavanaugh. Fort Smith was a large city of factories and a huge main street. We went to town once a month on Saturday. My father had to attend a union meeting. He worked for a glass factory back then.
There was a BIG event each year when the CATALOGUES came. There were two; Montgomery Ward and Sears Roebuck. Montgomery Ward actually originated the catalogue idea. Sears Roebuck would not be far behind, The Montgomery Ward catalogue in 1899 had 1036 pages! I remember these "wish books" having everything a boy could ever need or want. You could cut out a sheet in the back (or middle) to send an order. It did not arrive quickly. Things we kids might want for Christmas could be pointed out in a catalogue. You knew only one or two of them would be a reality under the tree.
Sears has survived through all the years. They dropped the Roebuck. Their catalogue system of early days is just about gone. We can order from computer items around the globe. Items can be received in a brief time span by UPS and paid for by credit card . The Sears Tower in Chicago is a reminder of these earlier times when even a car could be purchased from a Sears Roebuck Catalogue.
Today it seems the mail-order business is used mainly by the vitamin sellers competing with prescription drug companies. Some periodicals I receive hint at products of such nature that I can live almost forever by taking them. They are a little late for me. However, I do have a Catalogue that has a prescription in it for living forever. You have to take a big dose only once. It literally revitalizes every part of one's system. The most amazing thing of all is the cost. It has already been paid for, so the live- forever treatment is free! Want to order it? Check your Catalogue. You surely have one lying about somewhere. It is simply called Holy Bible. Have a great day!
