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It's been 21 years since our son played basketball at Wheeling Park High School. I am proud to note that he lettered all four years and maintained an "A" average to earn him college scholarships.
OK, enough of my proud parent's talk. What I want to share with you about those basketball years is the number of things we did to support the team. We held fundraisers. We baked and sold scores of pepperoni rolls and we purchased T-shirts that bore the Wheeling Park Basketball logo.
The T-shirts were bright blue with a logo that included red letters with white striping. The fabric of the shirts was soft and very comfortable. I believe we purchased these particular shirts during our son's junior year -- 22 years ago.
I bring this to your attention because I still have two of these T-shirts. And the remarkable thing about them is that they look nearly brand new, despite the fact that I continue to wear them to this day. The blue color has never faded, and the shirts have kept their shape despite years of wear and washings.
Every time I pull this shirt out of the laundry, I think about how many things we own that have endured as long as this T-shirt. Well, the list is rather short.
In the past 11 years, we have replaced two washers and dryers, another dishwasher, various silverware, Teflon skillets, hair dryers and flashlights. Very few things made today last as they did a generation ago.
Who hasn't enjoyed a hand-me-down refrigerator built before you were born and utilized it as a second beverage fridge for the garage? You know who you are.
I inherited a set of stainless steel Farberware pots and pans that are probably 40-plus years old. They are the best cookware I have ever used. An electric knife brought out each year at Thanksgiving and Christmas was the one used by my father-in-law, Big Zig. I can't even tell you how old it is but I know it's the best thing next to sliced bread (pun intended).
My hope is that good old "U.S. of A." manufacturing reignites in coming years and brings back the quality merchandise for which this country was known. Think Paul Revere and his copper kettles ...
Have a safe and happy July Fourth.
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.