My Dad used one up til he passed in 2012. He’s been living g in assisted living since ‘09 with my Mom. The assisted living place (at an extra fee) did their laundry, which included Dad’s handkerchiefs. As with all of their clothes, we only had to use a market on a hidden area so they knew where the clothing went, once washed, dried, and folded. Thanks for that walk down memory lane (sincerely).
When I was teaching 2nd grade. . .many, many, many moons ago . . .I offered a kleenex to one of my kids with a nose problem. She just looked at me and said, " But, Miss B, I don’t have enough to blow. I only have enough to sniff!"
OMG! Before Kleenex was in vogue, that’s the only thing people had was handkerchiefs! Monogramed, lace edges ….etc. ……better than wiping in on your sleeve or let it run down your lip….
In my youth (many moons ago) I always carried a handkerchief with me. I can’t recall when I stopped. Probably around my last year in high school (1966). I have some handkerchiefs in my sock/underwear drawer, but I never use them.
Strange coincidence. Just before reading this, I grabbed a tissue for my nose. I thought of my mother, who didn’t like hankies: You wipe your nose with a handkerchief, you have possibly infectious something in your pocket. She said it is more sanitary to use a tissue, and dispose of the tissue right away, after a single use.
In high school, the science teacher gave us an in-class assignment: We were given petri dishes with agar, a probe with a wire loop, and a lighter. We would heat the loop, to sterilize it, and let it cool. We would then use it to collect a sample and transfer it to the agar. We went around the school to collect samples from different places. The agar would help any bacteria in our sample to grow. To my surprise, no bacteria grew from a sample of snot.
I suppose they had value before the perfection of soft tissue paper. But how disgusting to use over and over. Imagine washing the snot out before automatic washers. Guess it beats the alternatives to TP, when some used reusable natural sponges on a stick to wipe the nether regions.
It is said that Napoleon ordered those massive sleeve buttons added to military uniforms to discourage the troops from using their sleeves to wipe their noses.
Concretionist over 3 years ago
Yeah. who wants to carry around a snot rag that’s been USED? Bleugh.
Templo S.U.D. over 3 years ago
you’re welcome, Nelson
Doug K over 3 years ago
Is it monogrammed?
amethyst52 Premium Member over 3 years ago
I started learning how to iron on my daddy’s handkerchiefs. They were always a good cheap father’s day gift when we were young.
Rodeo Boy over 3 years ago
If Earl ever had an affair could we say that he was involved in hanky panky? (But seriously, he would not do that to Opal!)
Argythree over 3 years ago
Handkerchiefs date back to the days before the invention of ‘Kleenex’ ©…
Cornelius Noodleman over 3 years ago
I use my shirt sleeve.
wiatr over 3 years ago
Less convenient than your sleeve but more socially acceptable.
PoodleGroomer over 3 years ago
There is nothing wrong with a handkerchief that can’t be resolved by laundering in hot water, detergent, and bleach.
juicebruce over 3 years ago
Nelson remember to cover up when you sneeze ;-)
iggyman over 3 years ago
Snot something I was longing for, Grandpa!
Sanspareil over 3 years ago
Snot rags were de riguer when I was growing up!
OK.ImAwake! over 3 years ago
My Dad used one up til he passed in 2012. He’s been living g in assisted living since ‘09 with my Mom. The assisted living place (at an extra fee) did their laundry, which included Dad’s handkerchiefs. As with all of their clothes, we only had to use a market on a hidden area so they knew where the clothing went, once washed, dried, and folded. Thanks for that walk down memory lane (sincerely).
jagedlo over 3 years ago
At least be appreciative that out of the kindness of his heart that he gave you something, Nelson!
Stocky One over 3 years ago
1953Baby over 3 years ago
When I was teaching 2nd grade. . .many, many, many moons ago . . .I offered a kleenex to one of my kids with a nose problem. She just looked at me and said, " But, Miss B, I don’t have enough to blow. I only have enough to sniff!"
Zebrastripes over 3 years ago
OMG! Before Kleenex was in vogue, that’s the only thing people had was handkerchiefs! Monogramed, lace edges ….etc. ……better than wiping in on your sleeve or let it run down your lip….
Grace Premium Member over 3 years ago
Someday Nelson you’re going to really love that handkerchief and remember fondly when your Grandpa gave it to you.
tremaine53 over 3 years ago
Just be grateful it’s a CLEAN one, Nelson…
poppacapsmokeblower over 3 years ago
Let’s snot be unreasonable people.
diegot over 3 years ago
In my youth (many moons ago) I always carried a handkerchief with me. I can’t recall when I stopped. Probably around my last year in high school (1966). I have some handkerchiefs in my sock/underwear drawer, but I never use them.
Jogger2 over 3 years ago
Strange coincidence. Just before reading this, I grabbed a tissue for my nose. I thought of my mother, who didn’t like hankies: You wipe your nose with a handkerchief, you have possibly infectious something in your pocket. She said it is more sanitary to use a tissue, and dispose of the tissue right away, after a single use.
Jogger2 over 3 years ago
In high school, the science teacher gave us an in-class assignment: We were given petri dishes with agar, a probe with a wire loop, and a lighter. We would heat the loop, to sterilize it, and let it cool. We would then use it to collect a sample and transfer it to the agar. We went around the school to collect samples from different places. The agar would help any bacteria in our sample to grow. To my surprise, no bacteria grew from a sample of snot.
DawnQuinn1 over 3 years ago
Nelson does not seem to be thankful for anything.
Malcome1 over 3 years ago
I suppose they had value before the perfection of soft tissue paper. But how disgusting to use over and over. Imagine washing the snot out before automatic washers. Guess it beats the alternatives to TP, when some used reusable natural sponges on a stick to wipe the nether regions.
mistercatworks over 3 years ago
It is said that Napoleon ordered those massive sleeve buttons added to military uniforms to discourage the troops from using their sleeves to wipe their noses.
ANIMAL over 3 years ago
I carry napkins in my back pocket whenever I go out – Just “Blow ’n Throw”.
Frank Salem Premium Member over 3 years ago
I keep a roll of toilet paper on the kitchen table to use as napkins and to blow my nose.
kathleenhicks62 over 3 years ago
If you are a REAL snotty person carry a box of tissue. If you dab all the time a handkerchief works well-clean one every day- – do laundry then.
DondiDoo over 3 years ago
That’s some grandpa tech right there
LeftCoastKen Premium Member over 3 years ago
Don’t worry, Nelson, it’s a clean one … I hope!
I’m imagining Nelson continuing to wipe his nose with the back of his hand, then using the handkerchief to wipe his hand …