It came in the mail!

It arrived unexpectedly. I reached into the mailbox and there it was: a medium size kraft envelope, padded, which showed it contained more than a sheet of paper. So it wasn't another sheet of address labels and the usual request for a donation to some fund or project.

Not this time. I noticed the postmark: Oklahoma, and the handwritten return address: "Jenks, OK." As I peeled back the flap, I wondered: "Who do I know in Jenks, Oklahoma?"

I reached into the envelope and pulled out a book, a small book, with a title that grabbed my attention. Five words jumped out at me. Five words that guarantee it will attract many readers. I flipped open the small volume. There on page 56, a chapter title attracted my attention: "What Worth A Penny?" I would find an answer to that question later as I began reading chapter one where the author, John E. Roe, introduced himself and his reason for putting down thoughts on paper, descriptions of activities that led to chapter two: "Secrecy."

It was while reading these opening chapters that it became evident the words were confessions of a young lad and about his brothers and sister. It was about a club the boys formed which became the title of the book: "The Tushey Wushy Club Book."

I turned back to the book cover. There in revealing black and white was a picture of a rough slab door opening into a rough frame building on which was posted a simple three-word sign: "No Girls Allowed." Everything began to fall into place. This was a book about a very secret boys' club that was off-limits to their sister, a club that revealed many of the adventures and experiences boys lived as they evolved from small fry to young manhood. Yes, "Secrecy" had to be a byword. And now Jon E. Roe was revealing some of those secrets.

I'll confess, it was fun, fun reading. I enjoyed learning about some of their experiences which sounded similar to some in my youth during the final days of the great depression and the early years of World War II. It was a complicated and challenging time, particularly since it was a time of hardship for America, a hardship many families endured as they faced those challenges and the experiences of family life during a troubling era. It was so different from the family life of today's generation. How, you ask? Those were the days of shortages and rationing, of very little money, of constant worry about a war and its uncertainties.

But it also was a time when a family really was a unit, bound together with solid values that fostered and lived belief that created characteristics that reflected honesty and cooperation and dependence on each other -- and especially family love.

Yes, those values are reflected through this autobiographical story of how times were hard and, yes, how life evolved into stories of respect and cooperation and love.

As I turned pages, I remembered the title of the penny chapter, so I flipped over to it. It was there I learned that the monthly dues to be a member of the Tushey Wushy Club was, that's right ... a penny. I pondered, what is a penny worth today? Do kids today even think about the value of a penny which, in those days, would buy a piece of bubble gum or some penny candy. Or if you picked up enough pop bottles to trade in for a penny or two, you could save until you had a nickel to buy a candy bar or an ice cream cone. And don't forget those club dues. Does that old saying "A penny saved is a penny earned" have any meaning in today's world? Does a nickel or a dime or a quarter, or even a dollar bill, have any real value in our over-inflated world? What is our national debt? Almost 20 trillions of dollars. And trillions and trillions and trillions of pennies.

I strayed from my description of this professionally written and printed volume. It's impossible to describe the many memory-touching goodies in the book. Here is a brief look at a few of the chapter titles involving the Tushey Wushy Club, of course "Pennies," or "Fighting? Not us," or "Cleanliness," or "Don't Leave Home Without Them." Or, how about "Going to the Dogs" and "Thank Heaven for Little Girls." Every chapter opens new doors, new experiences and pictures of that generation's family life and love.

They are lovable memories, some funny, some mischievous, some (remember these were young boys) somewhat questionable and, yes, they are all good and nice and considerate and compassionate ... all reflect a right-is-right atmosphere.

As I reached the end of the book, I read the "constitution" of this Tushey Wushy Club. It was given this name by Jon's older brother, Jerry Jim. There was also an addendum which outlined Mother's rights, such as "honoring and obey our mother, help her with housework, help her keep a happy household, pick up the yard and see that she has extra time on her hands." All were signed by Jerry, Jim, David and Jon. The clubhouse rules included important issues such as "We shall fight for each other" and "We shall keep our clubhouse clean" and "Throwing a fit will result in suspension for a period of one day." Of course, "No females allowed" and "Visitors will be treated as dogs." Would you or I sign such a binding document? Would we search for a pop bottle to turn in for a penny to pay another month's dues?

You ask: Who is this Jon E. Roe who would admit and write such revealing childhood experiences? He is a man who is well known in the Gravette area. He is a man who uses "Roe" as a pen name. During recent years, he has lost his sight. You would recognize him as the accompanist for a singing group which began entertaining while they were still in Gravette High School. Jon was able to participate in an inspiring program presented by the "Sonshine Quartet" last Christmas at the GHS Performing Arts Center. These are now older young men who have a message to tell, which they do.

Jon Pickup and his wife Carolyn now live in Jenks. She wrote, "Jon has written a book (several years ago) and we have just now had it published after our family has grown." She mentions she enjoys the 'cuff and "I have such fond memories of our hometown, Gravette ... Sending the book along. Hope you enjoy it."

Later, when I asked if I could mention the book, she agreed and said it can be purchased at Barnes and Noble, or on Amazon.com, or can be downloaded as an e-book on Apple iTunes.

I have read and reread "Tushey Wushy Club Book" several times. It is entertaining, revealing and especially inspiring as it rekindles childhood memories. I feel 'cuff readers will enjoy reading it and reliving experiences as Jon chronicles his with confession, pride and, yes, especially love. And isn't that what the world, particularly now, needs more of?

Dodie Evans is the former owner and long-time editor of the Gravette News Herald. Opinions expressed are those of the author.