Words of columnist Walt Sehnert get national attention

The words of Gazette columnist Walt Sehnert are spreading through reprints in publications from far and near.

Most recently, a quotation from Walt's "Days Gone By" column appeared in the Oklahoma City Daily Oklahoman. Jim Priest, a columnist for the Oklahoman, called attention to Walt's nostalgic remarks about the bygone pleasure of front porch sitting.

Priest tells his readers: "I found an article written by Walt Sehnert that assures me I am not alone in my fond rememberances about the front porch."

Walt writes:

"The houses on our street in Plainview, Nebraska, all looked pretty much the same. Every house had a front porch, which in summer served as an outdoor living room. This led to a good deal of social contact. After the evening meal, in summer, families made a mass exit to the front porch, where there was shade and usually some breeze, making the evening bearable. There were always four chairs, or more, on the front porch because people fully expected neighbors to drop in and wanted to have places for them to sit."

Walt was alerted about the Oklahoma City column quote by his cousin Bob Garnos' wife, Pat. The Garnos live in Oklahoma City. "They were just amazed," Walt said. "They couldn't believe it. Pat said Priest's column, called 'Family Talk,' is one of her favorites."

After a career as a baker, Walt took up writing when he retired in 1991. In the years since then, he has written two books and produced a weekly column for the Gazette. His first book, "In Plain View," tells about his growing up years in Plainview, Neb. He followed this with, "Ray Search Remembers," a book which chronicled the many stories told by the late Ray Search, a long-time McCook resident who had crystal-clear memories of the community's early years.

A third book is in the works. "I'm thinking about putting together a book containing a selection of my 'Days Gone By' columns," he said.

The Daily Oklahoman is not the only publication to reprint Walt's words. He has also been quoted extensively in "Rural Electrification" magazine concerning Saturday nights in a small town.

By quoting Walt, the publications are proving what we already knew: Walt Sehnert is a gifted writer who reminds us of the joys, sorrows and successes of "Days Gone By."