Memories of Brutal Winters Past

A writer reminisces about the harsh winters of his youth and a historic blizzard that hit on Christmas Eve.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The author recounts his experiences growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, when harsh winters with deep snow and subzero temperatures were the norm. He describes the rituals of stoking the wood stove, bundling up, and braving the cold to go hunting or shovel snow. The author also shares a vivid memory of a massive blizzard that hit on Christmas Eve in 1978, leaving 3 feet of snow and trapping a family in their home.

Why it matters

This story provides a nostalgic look back at a time when severe winter weather was more common, before the effects of climate change led to milder winters in recent years. It highlights how people adapted to and embraced the challenges of extreme cold and heavy snowfall, which are becoming less frequent experiences for many.

The details

The author recalls his childhood, when he and his brother would shiver on the floor furnace waiting for the gas heat to warm the house, while their father kept the thermostat set low to save money. He also describes the routine of stoking the wood stove and venturing out into the frigid temperatures to shovel snow and go hunting for grouse. The story culminates in a vivid recounting of a massive blizzard on Christmas Eve 1978 that left 3 feet of snow and trapped a family in their home, requiring a snow blower to clear the driveway.

  • In the late 1960s, the author was at a camp with his father, doing the same tasks of stoking a wood stove to stay warm.
  • In 1978, the author and his wife spent Christmas Eve at her mother's house in Lafayette, Indiana, where they experienced a historic blizzard that left 3 feet of snow.
  • Over the last 10 years, the author notes that winters have been much more moderate compared to his youth.

The players

Wade Robertson

The author of the article, who is reminiscing about his experiences growing up during harsh winters in the 1960s and 1970s.

Pop

The author's father, who would keep the thermostat low at home to save on gas costs, much to the frustration of the author and his brother.

Jim

The author's brother-in-law, who used a snow blower to clear the driveway during the 1978 blizzard.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing unusual — winter weather, deep snow, we took it in stride.”

— Wade Robertson (oleantimesherald.com)

“The poor guy looked like a snowman, completely covered in snow, and I mean every inch of him. His mustache and beard were frozen and his nose beet red. He was so stiff and cold we had to help him out of his clothes.”

— Wade Robertson (oleantimesherald.com)

The takeaway

This story serves as a nostalgic reminder of a time when harsh winters were the norm, and people had to adapt and embrace the challenges of extreme cold and heavy snowfall. As the effects of climate change lead to milder winters, this tale highlights how the winter experiences of the past are becoming less common, but still hold a special place in the memories of those who lived through them.