Tomatoes Free for the Asking: A Minnesota Boyhood
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Author: Kent Otto Stever
Description:
"Tomatoes free for the asking" is a quaint term remembered from the 1800s, yet heard in the 1950s of Stever's youth. It was a simple expression written on a piece of cardboard set alongside a pile of tomatoes near someone's garden or on the front porch. It was an invitation to take as you wish, with an expectation of acknowledgement—a simple courtesy to honor the offer.
These were little lessons of freedom and responsibility we learned to carry us into another time and an uncertain future.
Reader Reviews:
"Stever has a knack for finding little stories of the past that illuminate the spirit of the time—and for mining sources that enrich his tales. He becomes poetic in recalling childhood basketball games: 'the rhythm of the dribble, the turn of the hook shot, and the side-sliding moves of defense . . .'"
–Chris Rogers, Winona Post
“. . . the Patrol Boys’ picnic was the greatest! Thanks for renewing those special memories.”
–Dick Rowan, USMC Retired (California)
"[Stever] writes so well—leaving us to hurriedly turn the page to read what is coming next."
–Peggy Carroll (Minnesota)
"I can't wait to start reading [the] next book."
–Becky Kulig (Wisconsin)
About the Author:
Kent O. Stever is a storyteller, a sort of historic sage, a grand researcher who looks in every corner for ways to personalize and make researched topics fun—or "compelling," as one reader has offered. His stories evidence life based upon early-learned values. He is a math major, Ph.D., fifty-year educator, researcher, truck driver, parent and grandparent. He attempts to capture histories that others might pass by. He resides in Lakeville, Minnesota, where he "enjoys a stroll back in time to a simpler place," relishing memories and joys of neighbors, friends and community members who supported one another. He invites your comments at kostever35@gmail.com.
ISBN: 978-0-87839-795-2
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Page Count: 224
Publication Date: May 2015
Description:
"Tomatoes free for the asking" is a quaint term remembered from the 1800s, yet heard in the 1950s of Stever's youth. It was a simple expression written on a piece of cardboard set alongside a pile of tomatoes near someone's garden or on the front porch. It was an invitation to take as you wish, with an expectation of acknowledgement—a simple courtesy to honor the offer.
These were little lessons of freedom and responsibility we learned to carry us into another time and an uncertain future.
Reader Reviews:
"Stever has a knack for finding little stories of the past that illuminate the spirit of the time—and for mining sources that enrich his tales. He becomes poetic in recalling childhood basketball games: 'the rhythm of the dribble, the turn of the hook shot, and the side-sliding moves of defense . . .'"
–Chris Rogers, Winona Post
“. . . the Patrol Boys’ picnic was the greatest! Thanks for renewing those special memories.”
–Dick Rowan, USMC Retired (California)
"[Stever] writes so well—leaving us to hurriedly turn the page to read what is coming next."
–Peggy Carroll (Minnesota)
"I can't wait to start reading [the] next book."
–Becky Kulig (Wisconsin)
About the Author:
Kent O. Stever is a storyteller, a sort of historic sage, a grand researcher who looks in every corner for ways to personalize and make researched topics fun—or "compelling," as one reader has offered. His stories evidence life based upon early-learned values. He is a math major, Ph.D., fifty-year educator, researcher, truck driver, parent and grandparent. He attempts to capture histories that others might pass by. He resides in Lakeville, Minnesota, where he "enjoys a stroll back in time to a simpler place," relishing memories and joys of neighbors, friends and community members who supported one another. He invites your comments at kostever35@gmail.com.
ISBN: 978-0-87839-795-2
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Page Count: 224
Publication Date: May 2015