Years ago, I always noticed that older people loved to talk about how it was when they grew up. Now, I’m in that group and have been thinking how Easter Sunday was when growing up in Reserve.

It was a time when people took pride in how they dressed for church. Little girls had new dresses for the celebration and ladies were required to have their heads covered.

I, also, remember that the 5 a.m. Mass was just for men. The reason was because everyone was obligated to make their Easter duties, which required going to confession, and receiving Communion at least once a year.

Many men only went to church for Easter and fulfilled their Easter obligation, because if you didn’t, you were deprived of having a church funeral.

We observed the celebration of the Resurrection as the main reason for that special day.

It was, as it is today, a time for families to get together and have special meals.

Easter Sunday afternoon was the opening of the baseball season for all the River Parish teams in the Sugar Cane League.

At that time, Reserve had a bigger population than LaPlace.

St. Peter School in Reserve, the only Catholic school, had over 700 students. The tuition was 50 cents a month. The faculty consisted of 14 Dominican nuns and only one lay teacher, Miss Evelyn Montz.

What is the benefit of looking back?

It brings back good memories and makes me more grateful for how it was.

Jeanne and I wish all of you a Happy Easter!

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.