A Deep Freeze for Millions of Americans

"Boy Howdy, I'm freezing my a** off!" as my best friend who now resides in Houston is want to say. It's been frigid all the way across the U.S. particularly in Mid-America and even down to the Deep South, including in Houston where my buddy went deep diving into his chest of drawers to find his long handled drawers. 

My gosh, iguanas are dropping by the thousands out of the trees in Florida. I heard from one of my blog viewers in Montgomery, Alabama. He went running for his union suit underwear before Christmas, the red ones he favors, and continues to wear them! He probably will be for awhile yet.

This past week, I received an email with an accompanying photo from one of my new, good friends who resides in the Augusta, Georgia area. He writes:

Morning Chris,

Blessed Sunday. I trust you are well buttoned up this winter. You'll never believe this. Snow!  Snow in Georgia! I'll be danged! It started yesterday while I made preparations come what may. It hit my area around noon and got so bad, I decided to put on my wool Long Johns! Normally I'd wear my regular thermal red long handles, as I have been doing so at work since its cold in the warehouse. But I needed extra protection. 

It made the night warmer and comfortable, plus bearable. This morning before church, I stepped outside to check on the chickens with my union suit on. The sun was just rising and everything was a winter wonderland. 

I usually wear my long johns in November and especially in through February, but I do wear them to bed as it is more comfortable.  You should've seen me last year around this time; it was colder cause of the hurricane and I was much much thinner so I needed warmth.

I hope you're faring the cold a lot better than this southern boy is.  

Keep in touch, Georgia Boy

Hey, Georgia Boy, I thought I might be hearing from you after seeing on the news all the snow and ice storms across the southeastern U.S.  I don't blame you for pulling on your woolen union suit as you surely need them this winter. Hope your chickens had their woolies on too, and survived your extreme weather!! 

Like me, I know you wear union suits for pj's!  In fact, I wore mine to bed practically all last summer, having the windows wide open, enjoying the fresh mountain air and the breeze off my lake.

Keep those long johns handy, Georgia Boy, as you're likely to need them for many days to come, even down south. I've been wearing mine 24/7 since October here in northern Idaho and expect to continue until at least Memorial Day...Chris

(This, the fifteenth posting in my "winding down" of the series of "Down On the Farm.")

Another Winter Olympics Has Begun! Could be the best ever.

Did you catch the opening ceremonies in Italy yesterday? Another fabulous kickoff on this U.S. Football Superbowl weekend. Back on March 4, 2018, I posted this P&G ad of Ted Ligety, alpine skier, getting some well earned rest wearing long red underwear to sleep in. His bed covers had been thrown off, revealing that he like many of us, chose union suits to sleep in:

 Olympian Union Suit Fan

During the 2018 Olympics, I remembered the above 2014 NyQuil magazine advertisement featuring Ted Ligety. He was shown in bed asleep atop his bed covers wearing a red Union Suit, age about 26 at the time.

The great U.S. Alpine Olympian Skier won two gold metals. He, in his long johns, proves once again that you find Union Suit Fans among the famous and the regular Joes like you and me. Keep 'em buttoned!    ...Chris

It could have been in 2014 or another year or several years in a row when winter Olympians were all provided red union suit underwear to help keep them warm throughout the couple of weeks they competed. I don't recall which year or years. If you know, send me an email to pass along to Union Suit Fans.

.....Chris

Down Memory Lane with Artie, back when he lived, worked and grew up "Down on the Farm"

A hard workin' farm boy, who now resides in Maine, takes us back with him and his brothers to the family farm. The following is the fourteenth posting in my farmer appreciation series....    

"I grew up on a small dairy / hog farm in Southeastern Massachusetts, oldest of four boys. When I was small I had after school chores that included cleaning cow manure in the barn, feed off the grain and silage to the cows. Hard, physical work that I wouldn’t change it for the world.

"We lived in a small uninsulated farm house; main heat supply was a wood stove in the kitchen. Long Johns were a very important thing on the farm. There was no official start date to long underwear season, just Ma saying that Dad is in long johns so you boys get them on before you go to the barn.

"The above picture of rural brothers is special to me as we were spaced out in years like they were. We boys would shed our barn clothes in the back room and stand all around in our long underwear warming up while Ma got us our “clean jeans” to put on. We would play grab ass and fight like brothers do! 

"I can still hear my Grandma saying “you look like perfect gentleman in your underpants “ in an exaggerated Irish accent while my Mother laughed at her sense of humor. 

"Growing up on a dairy farm, I learned to always wear clean long johns to bed so your sheets don’t smell like corn silage.

"There's still a little rural boy left in me.... Artie up in Maine."

Farm boy and union suit fan, all grown up, learned the values of hard work as a youngster. Like most every farm kid, those lessons were taken to heart and have served him (and them, I presume) well. 

Thanks, Artie, for sharing your story of growing up on a farm.  

Long time union suit fans will remember another couple of farm boy postings I featured written by Ron Payne, a great friend over the years. He honored me by portraying his early years on a farm in Virginia. Here's a portion....Scroll back to November 14, 2019 in Union Suit Fan to "An Innocent Rube" for one of the best stories of youth and union suits you'll read!  A big shout out to my buddy, Ron, for his memories.....

Growing up back in the 50's there were union suits in the inventory of clothing stores that served small towns and farming communities. I always shunned union suits as being too ridiculous looking when I was a youngster. But when I got into high school and was changing into gym clothes, I saw a few of the boys from the nearby farms wearing union suits without shame. They laughed at themselves and ribbed each other over their "hillbilly" long johns. But there also seemed to be an element of pride in wearing "country boy" underwear.

I grew up in Loudoun County in northern Virginia on a farm between Purcellville and Lincoln. My Dad wore two piece thermal underwear but no one I knew wore union suits. I'd only seen men in union suits on TV or in the movies and it was always associated with comical humiliation. Like John Payne in "Restless Gun" when masked men held him up and made him strip down to his union suit. He had to walk into town in his one-piece long johns while the townsfolk laughed. But I saw union suits at the clothing store in Purcellville and, of course, there were the Sears catalog ads. Any type of long underwear seemed an embarrassment to me when I was a kid. So I avoided the thermal two piece type that my father wore, not to mention union suits. Being shy, I was afraid of looking stupid and having people laugh at me....

Read more in those postings I mentioned above and then take a look at Ron's update which I posted in 2023. You'll want to turn to that one too. Here's a portion:

Why Be Shy? How I Came to Stop Worrying and Love the Union Suit   

By Ronald Payne, Guest Contributor

I grew up on a Dairy Farm in northern Virginia during the 1950s and like other boys who lived on a farm I was expected to do at least some farm chores. I was excused from helping with the milking (I was scared of the cows that were so much bigger than I was) but other chores like gathering eggs, feeding livestock and driving a tractor during haymaking season were a part of my growing up. This necessitated wearing work clothes which I hated. I didn’t want any part of a farm identity (I wanted to be a sophisticated city kid). I was afraid I’d be seen in farm work clothes by other kids.  When winter came around I drew the line on wearing long underwear.  My Dad wore the two piece variety, but I thought “long johns” were just too embarrassing. If I had to be outside in snowy cold weather, I’d happily wear coats and sweaters, but no way I’d ever wear “long johns”...... 

Thanks, again, Ron...Chris 

Down On The Farm with Jerry!

A couple of weeks ago, I featured farmer charicatures of my favorite cartoonist, author, fellow union suit wearer and all around good man, Jerry Walters. 

As we are approaching the end of my agricultural series, Jerry forwarded me a self drawing, celebrating the farmers and ranchers featured in this blog lately and all the farmers and their families who keep this country and the world fed. 

 
Jerry Walters

In this, the thirteenth posting in "Down On the Farm,"  I offer my heartfelt thanks to Jerry for the many contributions he has so cheerfully provided to Union Suit Fan over the years! ....Chris 

Speaking of Farmers, Here's a Trip Down Union Suit Lane...

my agricultural posting back on June 16, 2019. Tis the twelfth in my posting, "Down On the Farm...

Like all agricultural workers, Garden Guardian John toils mightily from sunup to sundown in his garden. Lately he worked so hard hoeing and planting and weeding, he shed his overalls and shirt, deciding he could work just as well in his long johns and be more comfortable. Still, he worked up quite a sweat. So, like millions of other gardeners, farmers, and toiling outdoor workers before him, he learned that his union suit cooled him down in conjunction with a gentle breeze. 

While working he noticed that his bright red union suit kept birds, from crows to sparrows, away from his garden so he decided to spend an hour or two each day as a human scarecrow. 

Garderner John, Union Suit Fan
 and Part-time Scarecrow

Added June 19, 2019:
Clay of Saranac, NY emailed me a photo of a scarecrow with this comment...

"Chris, ole John better be careful standing out in the hot sun in his red union suit or like this scarecrow, it will likely turn pink!  And, notice the crow at the bottom of the picture? Goes to show you that once your long underwear fades it's no longer conducive to keeping the varmints away!  ... Clay"

If I ever try this myself, Clay, I will take heed of your warning. After all, who wants a faded pink union suit?  ...Chris

And Seth of Bangor, Maine sent me this:

"Chris, here's a picture of a hen and a farm boy wearing a sweater over his union suit while washing his feet. Even chickens aren't chicken of this kid... Seth"  

Ha! Thanks Guys ... Chris

Celebrating my friend, Jerry Walters, 

and his extrordinary caricatures in my "Down On the Farm!" series. You can enjoy the drawing of "Old Thornberry" found within Jerry's several books. And others, like a favorite "farmer" posting below, which I featured in my introduction of Jerry to Union Suit Fans back on September 25, 2019. This is the eleventh entry for my warm winter underwear series, Down On the Farm...

 Hey, Union Suit Fans! 

Introducing a very fine, entertaining author, illustrator, storyteller, all around good guy, and fellow Union Suit Fan... Jerry Walters

For several months now I have been enjoying Jerry's books.  He is an exceptional storyteller and illustrator. With his permission, I am featuring some of my favorite characters from those books of his. From his website, Jerry says, "Just love to do fun silly stories."  I think you'll agree. Here are a few book excerpts...

From the Book, Bud. Farmer Fred wades into the mud to grab his prized pig so he can take him to the county fair. In the process, Fred looses his clothes but, oh well, he proceeds to the fair in his union suit anyway:

 
He isn't going to let a little thing like attending the festivities in his long underwear stand in his way of a good time!

n

I'm sure you'd love to check out these stories in more detail and to see other of Jerry's books. So go to:  www.blurb.com
and type in "The Legend of Thunder Cow."  Buy a couple books and enjoy.

Jerry knows, what many of us experience, union suits are warm and comfortable and this type of long underwear is worn by many of us for a good portion of the year. But, possibly even more important for Union Suit Fans, is the fact that Jerry knows one-piece long johns with the escape hatch in the rear are fun to wear, share and draw! 

So, welcome back my good friend, Jerry, and continue to enjoy my series of Down On the Farm....Chris

For a look at winter fun, switch over to my companion blog, Union Suit Fans in the Limelight, to see how Chicago college boys prepare for a ski trip to the Utah Rockies!

Farm Country Can Be A Dangerous Place! 

For the tenth in my series, Down on the Farm, take a look at this re-posting of a city boy who found real trouble out hunting in the country, first offered on September 1, 2023 in Union Suit Fan:

Intruder

Twelve years before my favorite book, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, was published in 1960 and the subsequent 1962 unforgettable film starring my favorite actor, Gregory Peck, was released in theaters everywhere, a book by William Faulkner was published, dealing with a similar theme. Intruder In The Dust 
was published in 1948. A 1949 MGM movie was subsequently filmed based on this book as well. Like Mockingbird, Intruder was about a Mississippi black man, in this case a farmer, who was accused of a crime he did not commit. In Faulkner's book and movie, two teenage boys, one white and one black, a small town spinster, and a white country lawyer were shown assisting the quiet and compassionate Lucas Beauchamp in this thought-provoking crime drama wherein he was thought by most white folks as having a killed a white man. Faulkner was paid $50,000 for the film rights. The movie was shot in Faulkner's home town of Oxford, Mississippi.

The book opens with the white boy, Chick Mallison. later played by Claude Jarman, Jr. in the film, racing across the winter landscape, rabbit hunting. Misfortune follows Chick as he trips and falls into a partially frozen creek where he nearly freezes to death. His black friend helps him stumble to the closest shelter possible which happens to be the modest home of Lucas and Molly Beauchamp. Hoping to warm the thoroughly drenched boy before he succumbs to the bitter cold, Chick is saved by being undressed down to his union suit and sat before a warm fire while his clothes dry. Eventually, Molly coaxes Chick out of his wet woolen long underwear too, wraps him in a blanket and hangs up the long johns with his other clothes. Thus begins the saga of working to save the proud, kindhearted Lucas from a conviction of something he did not do.

Like much of William Faulkner's works, I found his book version hard to follow but certainly worth reading. The movie was very well filmed (in black and white), well acted and easier to follow. While not receiving the acclaim of the Harper Lee book and film, Intruder In The Dust made a significant impact on society, the plight of blacks in America before the civil rights movement, and for raising the consciousness of the African American dire straits and white attitudes of the 1940's and 50's.

Every Man Needs a Union Suit

Once again, it's Down On the Farm (in this case, the Ranch), the ninth in my series to help us union suiters bring in the New Year. Pull on your button-down long underwear and join Luke Simons in "Back To The Basics 101." This rancher knows what he's talking about as one of the biggest union suit fans you'll ever run across.

For the utmost in warmth and comfort, this hat and boot wearing agriculturist works often outside in just his bright red union suit! This time, after breakfast on a beautiful winter day, he heads out across an inch of newly fallen snow to his woodpile clad in his, easily seen for miles, long red, one-piece underwear. He'll need the gathered wood later to build a blazing fire for a comfortable evening inside the ranch house, relaxing, like many of us do, in a union suit!

"Folks, you know, if you don't got yourself a union suit, yeah with a flap, you ain't no cowboy. These are the most wonderful inventions known to man. You will love them...nothing more natural than walking around in a union suit on your ranch."

Luke goes on to say that you’re really missing out and that you "won’t wanna take your union suit off. Wear them under your coveralls and you’ll know what I’m talking about, wear them under your clothes and it works great. You will never stay so warm and comfortable; they never bunch up, and the heat flows from your toes to your neck.....I’ve worn them for years now"  

After, collecting his wood, Luke heads to the chicken coup to gather eggs...

Union Suit Testimonials:

Luke is right when he tells his blog viewers "you're not a cowboy if you don't have yourself a union suit." Even if you're not a cowboy, you need a union suit. I have had some for years and they are the best long underwear ever. The suits are warm, comfortable and fun. You can run around in them on a ranch, farm or just about anywhere. BTW: I really like Chris Ayers Union Suit Fan blog. All you need to know about union suits and weren't afraid to ask...Tom Moss

I've worn union suits since I was a boy when I went shopping with my grandma who bought me one at Sears. Then, I was wearing long underwear like the cowboys wore. I like them so much, I started a blog nine years ago, "Union Suit Fan." ... Chris Ayers

Agree 100% ....comfortable and keep you warm. I only wear union suits, no two piece for me. I wear mostly overalls and coveralls, no binding or bunching...Trainman Paul

Growing up in Wisconsin I still have an affinity for the union suit. However, I really think I remember them being far more substantial than these t-shirt thin versions that I have today. The Carhartt one is okay, but I hate the spandex half waste thing they use instead of the flap. Today, I own three union suits and am always on the look out for someone that makes them a bit thicker....Matthew C. 

To view Luke's posting and a gateway to see his other blog postings, copy and paste to see the Ranch King of Union Suits:  https://youtu.be/Rc0rNnLonmg?t=4

A 2026 Union Suit Fan "go to" guide for "How to Prepare for Winter Weather:...

Okay, many of you have already dressed from the inside-out for cold weather. Snow and icy conditions have hit much of the north, high plains, northeast and the Sierra Nevada's already.  I've been wearing my union suits 24/7 here in northern Idaho since this past October. 

But for others of you in the U.S., take heed. Cold weather requiring you to wear long underwear, heavy socks, flannels and parka's is just ahead. I'm talking to you fellas in the southwest, in Texas, Louisiana, the Gulf Coast, in the Carolina's, Georgia and maybe even northern Florida!

Take a tip from two long time union suit fans: Lonestar Mike of the Texas Panhandle and Buckeye Mike of Ohio. They've unpacked their union suits, wool socks and winter clothes so are ready for the cold winds, ice and snow blowing their way. They don't intend, this year, to be caught with their pants down.

The boys start with long red underwear (everyone knows RED union suits are warmer than white, grey, and blue ones. At least, that's what grandpa hammered into my young head!):  

Ready, Get Set, Dress!

Quickly, flannel shirts are a must...

 

A sweater is helpful... 

 

 

Don't forget blue jeans, warm hats...

...parka's and maybe ski pants.

 

 

Next, pull on boots over wool socks and add scarfs: 

  

And so at last, having on your red union suit, wool socks, flannel shirts, hats, scarfs, jeans, and boots, 

you'll be ready for whatever winter throws at you. 

Thanks to "the Mikes," Lonestar and Buckeye, for demonstrating their underwear to outerwear for a good winter look.

Like a true Union Suit Fan, I can always put my hands on my warm, comfortable, fun union suit. Now to find the rest of my winter clothes!  

I'll be ready, how about you? Don't get caught with your pants down!!

Happy Wintering!!