Everybody Else’s History | Old screen door brings back wonderful memories

By Lisa Rice

ALLIANCE – Welcome back to ‘Everybody’s Else’s History.” Last time, we took a look at a ‘Granny Bench,’ which is a unique relic from yesteryear! Many people ask me what my favorite item is in my man cave. I don’t even have to think about it! I got it from my uncle and aunt. You’ll see it in this week’s photo. Yep! A screen door!

My uncle built his house in the early 70s. About a year ago, he and his wife were going to do some remodeling. The first thing to go was that screen door. I went to see them one day and immediately saw that the screen door was GONE! Oh, no!! I asked about it in a very panicky voice, and they told me it was laying in the yard. Then they told me I could have it if I wanted it. I had it loaded up in my truck before they finished getting the words out of their mouths. And, before they could change their minds.

Many of you might ask, “What’s so special about an old screen door?” So I’ll tell you. My aunt and uncle raised five children in that house. My mama had five children too, and there were countless other children in the neighborhood. All of us children loved playing together every

chance we got. And playing together involved that door. 

After I arrived home with my possession, I thought about all the stories that screen door could tell if it could talk. I wish I knew how many hands had opened and closed that door, letting it slam every single time. We children were in and out, constantly, until we got our one (and only) warning to either stay in or stay out. Remember, screen doors had a truly useful purpose. To let a cool breeze in and to keep flies, mosquitoes, and aggravating children out. But still, that door WAS ALWAYS SLAMMING. 

Excuses were plenty. I’m thirsty. I’ve got to go to the bathroom. I’ve skinned my knee. Sometimes we ran inside just to tattle on someone. But no matter what, we always had fun and we had no idea we were making memories. 

What a shame that very few houses have a screen door anymore? Houses now have fancy sliding glass doors or practical storm doors that barely make a sound when opened or closed. It makes me want to go visit someone with an old screen door. Just to hear that sound again, and to remember those good old days.

Editor’s note: Lisa Rice and her husband Jake, live in Alliance on Mill Pond Road. For a free tour of ‘Everybody Else’s History,’ call her at (252) 675-7489. Believe me – you will be both entertained and flabbergasted!