This little bed of mine has stood the test of time

According to Mrs. Carolyn Kight Muns, this little maple bed pictured was ordered from a Sears and Roebuck and Company catalog by her mother in the fall of 1944, during World War II. The bed was purchased for Carolyn, who was born January 7, 1945.

The bed came in the rural mail and according to her mother, her daddy put it together. “I don’t know how much it cost but they had to pay for it with a money order or it could have been sent C.O.D.,” Stated Carolyn.

The wood is in the original condition and only one roller has been repaired during its use. Through the years, little handmade mattresses have been made – as would be expected – for the little newborns to cuddle on. Today, a king-size pillow works perfectly in the bed. “We didn’t know about store-bought king-size pillows back in the day,” said Carolyn with a laugh.

‘);

The thing that makes the bed so convenient is the rollers, making it very easy to be pulled anywhere in the house…right up to the table or beside a big bed…you can see through the slats at eye level. Unlike a bassinet, you do not have to look down into it. The bed is made to only be used a few weeks. As soon as the baby can turn over, it has outgrown it.

“This little maple crib has been around in this family holding newborns for three generations – Carolyn Holder first then June Holder next. During the late 50’s and early 60’s, it was used by the Holder sisters first cousins ,the Sims, Johnsons and Blackstones, (formerly the Bramlitts) in the Atlanta area. In 1970, it was back home in Swainsboro for Carolyn and June’s babies. From Swainsboro, it went to Kite for Carolyn’s grandchildren and then to Twin City, where it remains today in the home of Samantha Freeman, with June’s grandchildren Coly Parker Freeman and Carley Mae Freeman. Carley Mae, now 13, was the last baby to sleep in the bed.

“From best count, at least 20 babies have used the crib – probably more – through the last 80 years. It is now waiting on the next generation of babies to one day sleep peacefully in it,” stated Carolyn.