Skip to main content

The ‘ice box’ and ‘ring up’

Jun 20, 2025 | Mailbag

“Shane, I have a couple closely related phrases (Turning, dialing, cranking and rolling, June 17, 2025). I am not as old with personal experience as these stories may make you think I am.

Ice box — I grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Dayton was a GM (General Motors) as well as a NCR (National Cash Register) town. My dad’s only job I remember was with Frigidaire back when GM owned them. He wasn’t a production worker but in management and worked at Morine City just on the edge of Dayton. That plant was enormous (maybe 3-4 miles long) making all kinds of Frigidaire appliances — stoves, refrigerators, air conditioning, etc. Our household was always GM-dominated with the discounts afforded employees for their products including cars. Needless to say, our wedding presents were Frigidaire. Back then, we always, and I still do today, call refrigerators “the ice box.”

Ring up — With the NCR connection, this phrase is still in my vocabulary.  I can remember the hardware stores, Five & Dime stores and the butcher all having manual cash registers that the clerk would “ring up” your purchase with the cash register that would “ring’” when they pushed down on the keys and drawer would open.” – Mike Simpson 

The real question is, what was in the ice box? – Shane

Guthrie Center and the atomic bomb

May 23, 2025 | Mailbag

“I was born and raised in Guthrie Cener and graduated in 1980 and have lived in Des Moines since 1987. I have very much enjoyed what you have done with the GC Times since taking over. You have converted it back to a true hometown paper. Have you read the book ‘Wilhelm’s Way?’ It is about an Iowa-born scientist, Dr. Harley Wilhelm, who was able to revolutionize the way uranium was produced for the Manhattan Project while working at Iowa State University (go Cyclones). The reason I bring this up is, according to the book, Wilhelm spent a year in Guthrie Center coaching and teaching. Turned out his wife was not happy living in GC, so they left. Likely the best thing that ever came about someone not wanting to stay in GC as it allowed the U.S. to develop the atomic bomb before our enemies. Might make for an interesting ‘From the Publisher’ article regarding the GC connection.” – Doug

I think you penned it quite well. Thank you, Doug. – Shane

I can relate

May 23, 2025 | Mailbag

“I could relate to your column (Then, Tuesday, May 20, 2025). I used to love that song until I was married and had kids. And like you said, it seems like we always found excuses not to do things with our parents or do more things with our kids. I guess that’s why you become a grandparent, to make up for times that you didn’t get to do those things with your own kids. Enjoy life while you have them. They are gone way too soon. Have a wonderful day.” – Kris 

How true, Kris. Thank you. – Shane

Rain Songs

May 2, 2025 | Mailbag

Shane, I always enjoy your column. Lots of great thoughts and topics. You asked about other rain songs, and I came up with about 10. Several years ago, during one of our droughts, a local radio station suggested making a list of rain songs. There were many that came to mind. The one they played a lot was called “Every Time You Go Outside I Hope it Rains.” It’s supposed to be “a good break-up song” but seemed appropriate during a drought. Since I’m considerably older than you, some  of these are probably “oldies” that may be before your time, but they’re some of my favorites. Here they are:

  • “Don’t Rain on My Parade” – Barbra Streisand
  • “Rainy Night in Georgia” – Brook Benton
  • “Rhythm of the Rain” – The Cascades
  • “Rainy Days & Mondays” – The Carpenters
  • “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain” – Willie Nelson
  • “Bring on the Rain” – JoDee Messina
  • “Rain is a Good Thing” – Luke Bryan (this was actually played during an outdoor wedding we attended of a couple who were both from farm families)
  • “Rain on the Roof”  – Lovin’ Spoonful (probably my favorite rain song – I love the sound effects that sound like thunder)
  • And, finally there is actually a song titled “Songs about Rain” by Gary Allan

Happy listening!

Becky Simpson