This document discusses how clotheslines were once a way for neighbors to share information about each other's lives. Hanging specific clothes, like bedsheets or baby clothes, would signal events like guests visiting, a new baby, or someone falling ill. Over time, neighbors could observe children growing up or if a family had gone on vacation based on what was on the clothesline. However, clotheslines are a thing of the past now that dryers are commonly used instead.

2. A clothesline was a news forecast To neighbours passing by, There were no secrets you could keep When clothes were hung to dry.

3. It was also a friendly link For neighbours always knew, If company had stopped by To spend a night or two.

4. For then you see the fancy sheets And towels on the line. You'd see the company table clothes With intricate design.

5. The line announced a baby's birth To folks who lived inside, As brand new infant clothes were hung So carefully with pride.

6. The ages of children could So readily be known, By watching how sizes changed You'd know how much they'd grown.

7. It also told when illness struck As extra sheets were hung, Then night clothes and a bathrobe too, Haphazardly were hung.

8. It said, "Gone on vacation now," When lines hung limp and bare. It told, "We're back!", When full lines sagged With not an inch to spare.

9. New folks were scorned upon If wash was dingy grey! As neighbours raised their brows And looked disgustedly away.

10. But clotheslines now are of the past For dryers make work less. Now whatever goes inside a house- Is anybody's guess.

11. I really miss that way of life It was a friendly sign, When neighbours knew each other best By what hung on the line.

12. I have laid my show on the line for you to enjoy, please leave it intact and share with others. a Xiby PowerPoint Show