Grandpa Howard had a family of nine, and I was the youngest grandson of his youngest child.
He told me the story of how he came to believe that on exceptional occasions “mechanical stimulus” produces results that could not otherwise be obtained. He told me that youth was the opportune time to establish an invincible character. During the perceptive years of childhood impressions are formed that stamp life’s personality to its close. As the twig is bent, so the tree is inclined.
He noted in pioneer days primitive methods of discipline were common which had now become obsolete. He said psychologists teach that freedom of expression is essential in childhood development and when tantrums occur, parents should primarily be concerned about the underlying cause. “Them’s my sentiments, too,” he said.
He vividly remembered a personal experience that dated back a little more than 73 years, which at that time would have been about 1881. He was six and brother William was 15 ½ months younger. Although Grandpa had the advantage in size, William was so quick afoot that they were about evenly matched. Childlike, they had their differences but seldom came to blows. Being the same age, they grew up together and there was a close attachment that remained throughout their entire lives. One morning while playing in the orchard, their opinions clashed and as they engaged in “self-expression” their mother came out of the kitchen door, broke a switch from the peach tree and said, “Boys come here.”
Instead, they ran in the opposite direction. She made no attempt to follow them and soon went back into the house. They went to a corn crib and occupied the time until noon making false mustaches and whiskers of cornstalks.
When their mother called for dinner, they were apprehensive, expecting there would be a little enforced calisthenics before the meal. To their surprise mother seemed to be in good humor and appeared to have forgotten the orchard affair. The afternoon was uneventful. They went to bed together that night as usual.
Presently mother came in with the switch she had saved, turned down the cover and vigorously connected their bare legs. She never told him why she did it, but there was not the least doubt in their mind.
Grandpa decided it was impractical to run away when mother called. Through the subsequent years he said he found it impossible to run away from just dues. Sooner or later life extracts a toll commensurate with our deeds.
Whether in time or in eternity, every transgression and disobedience shall receive a just compensation of reward.