In the 70s Tupperware home parties were popular social events all over the country allowing women to buy the latest kitchen wares for their homes. If the salesperson was any good with the business, she was usually referred to, (as a compliment), “That Crazy Tupperware Lady.”

I always said if I believed in something, I could sell it. After attending a few Tupperware parties, where I literally wanted to buy everything, I joined the ranks.

At that time my girls, Scarlette and Cassandra were about 8 and 6 and I had a husband, James, who liked the idea of me earning money. I explained I would do it if he’d be home with the girls evenings when I’d schedule the parties. He agreed.

When I went to OKC to the meetings to earn my trade, I couldn’t believe what I saw. Leaders of this group were an extremely excited married couple who stirred up about 200 extremely excited ladies in no time about the latest pieces of plastic for the kitchen. We were programmed to the excitement and zeal and motivated to bring it home to the waiting hostesses.

After the meeting of seeing new products, including bright orange and lime green cannister sets, mixing bowls and measuring spoons, I picked up my large blue suitcase stocked full of my own colorful wonders to soon show in as many homes as I could. I believed in the products with a life-time guarantee, I was ready to start.

My first party was in a relative’s home. I made a big deal about the improbability of the push-button lid falling out of the pitcher if it accidentally fell over. As I turned it upside down, it fell right off and rolled away…. embarrassed, but with quick thinking, I told the 20 ladies to be thankful that it was this wonderful petroleum product and not glass or a bigger mess would occur.

I was to hold a party in the boon docks of Stroud with relatives. My mother went to help me find their home since we’d been traveling there for years. However, neither Mom nor I were driving then, so we really didn’t pay attention to where we were going. We drove around for about an hour and half before we found them. Being all relatives, they were having a good time visiting and had a good attitude about the whole thing.

The most unusual time was arriving at a home where a party was scheduled in a small town near here. No one answered when I knocked several times. The front door was open, so I went in expecting a gathering of ladies. Instead, I was greeted by the biggest motorcycle I’d ever seen. It took up most of the large living room space. It wasn’t likely my party was expected soon. I called the lady’s name, but she still didn’t answer. Later when I saw her, she said she’d totally forgotten about the party and was in her bedroom sleeping…

I’d like to meet the person creating the silly games we were to play, like the one where everyone gets a roll of toilet tissue and rolls out how much they usually use. The winner is able to tie it around her waist! I could tell the “distinguished” ladies— and some always are—sitting there wishing they were home watching TV. The funniest one was when I distributed large grocery sacks and tell them to put them over their heads. Then, I tell them to take something off. I repeat the instructions several times. Soon, some “get it” and began giggling. All had taken off their sacks except one. The giggles got louder. Then that lady weakly asked if anyone else had gotten to the place where she’d taken off her panty hose. I never heard such gales of laughter from the 15 or so. She took the sack off and asked what they were laughing at. That brought on more laughter. I laughed until my face hurt.

I sold Tupperware for over a year, holding some 150 parties, doing very well. The best part, though, was making new friends.

A few years later, I sold Home Interiors decor with home parties again. I loved the beautiful home décor pieces. It wasn’t long until I had re-decorate every room in my home. I learned about color, hanging pictures, and making table arrangements, but best of all I made new friends.

To conclude, I’d like to share an unforgettable evening. I headed south of Seminole for a party. Not familiar with the area, I prayed for no car trouble or worse... As I drove, it was beginning to get dark.

I’d come to what I thought was my first turn off. Relieved, I slowly entered the area with lots of trees, then, my car lights shone on headstones. I was in a cemetery! Alone but embarrassed, I backed out and traveled. I saw a few lights, and drove into the area. Searching down several streets, I was unsuccessful. I saw a man outside and asked him where it was. He told me that street was over in the next town.

I saw I was already an hour late and prayed the ladies were still waiting. Seeing lights in the distance, I turned on the next exit towards the lights and entered the area. Have you ever searched for street signs in the dark? Anyway, I did finally arrive. Nervously, I knocked on the door. What a welcome I received! It was a house full of happy Christians who were sharing Bible stories. They were beautiful, but the worst was yet to come…

After the successful show ended, I headed home. I hadn’t driven far until I noticed the gas gage showed “Empty.” It was 11 o’clock. I did see lights of a gas station up ahead. I drove slowly on, and into their drive, and parked. I searched for my purse but couldn’t find it. Here I was in an unfamiliar area at 11 o’clock, alone, out of gas, with no ID or money.

I prayed most seriously, then an idea came from a movie where a person in a similar situation left something valuable in exchange for gas. Having none of the 3 kids with me, (Ha), I searched my car and chose a large, heavy $75 picture and tugged it inside the station. To this day, I don’t know what I tearfully said, but I promised I’d come back the next day to get my picture and pay for the gas. The attendant said she somehow believed me and agreed. Five dollars worth of gas got me home. I slipped into bed quietly.

Later, when I shared my story with James, he somehow thought it was funny! Anyway, those memorable adventures of a home-party salesperson 40 years ago make me smile, especially since I can live to tell about it!