Page 49 - 2018 AdventDevo-Flip book

Epiphany
A Silver Christmas in the Golden Age
“They opened their treasure and presented Him with gifts.”

Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-12

1956 was a good time to start a career or a family in the United States.
The War was over and recovery in full swing. Beginning a golden age for
young professionals, the nation was fully committed to creating a middle-
class to serve a swelling population of Baby Boomers. Advanced educa-
tion was inexpensive and welcoming; jobs were plentiful; inexpensive
home ownership was available for white first-time owners, and wages
were rising – what better time to start a new family?

I began teaching in 1955 for $3,600. a year – just about the same as my
high school science teacher made after 30 years of teaching. My wife and
two children lived reasonably well during that year; my wife frequently
remarked that she had put the dinner on the table for only a dollar and a
half. A year later, the school board in a consolidation of eight smaller
districts adopted the highest of the eight salary schedules for all person-
nel. My annual salary jumped to $4,800. overnight!

In those days, I liked to surprise both my kids and my wife on Christmas,
preferably keeping all gifts secret until opened. Mastering the challenge
of managing the surprises was my gift to myself.

My gift to the wife was to be $75. in cold, hard cash to spend anyway she
wanted. Having undesignated cash would be a rare treat for a wife who
demanded little for herself. In those days, we could take our monthly
check to the bank and get silver dollars. Carrying an ounce of silver wore
pockets, but it made the paycheck more tangible. Getting 75 of them
would be a surprise. The challenge was how to package the hefty gift.
Nearly five pounds weight would enhance the mystery, but the packaging
would have to stifle rattling and clinking.

An old picture frame, double-sided tape and cardboard backing solved
the problem. Wrapping couldn’t hide the frame, but the shape would
enhance the mystery. What sort of picture would weigh so much?