Adapted by Shirley McMurtrie

I look back to the days what are gone
When living was simple and plain.
We rushed to the ole stove to be warmed
When chilled by the frost and the rain.

To the end of our days, we'll never forget
Our regular Saturday scrub.
Needed or not, the water not hot,
By the ole cook stove, in the tub.

We loved that ole stove for the things that it made:
The puddings, the pies and the cake,
The jelly and jam and savory ham,
Roast chicken and tasty Swiss steak.

With sliced potatoes on top of the stove
And chestnuts cooked the same way.
Apples and cider, popped corn in the spider
Our cooking was part of our play.

By pail from the pump, wash water to dump
In the boiler to warm to the touch.
Sad irons to heat for clothes to look neat,
We suffered in summertime much.

The ole cook stove, the joy of our hearts,
How oft we escaped from the storm
That chilled our toes and froze our nose,
It's memory is still nice and warm.
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