Dear Paul Revere
Nate in the Heights tells Paul Revere, "Once the coat is back in the closet (instead of draped over the chair in the basement) there is no going back.
Updating our greatest fleeting guest on the most important details of modern life in Medford
Dear Paul Revere,
How does your coat situation change from winter to spring? I imagine there is some sort of lighter version of the large riding coat I see in all the murals. Or do you just layer down everything underneath and the main coat stays throughout. Come to think of it, I have never seen a colonial depiction where people are not wearing long, knee-length coats, but I am admittedly limited in my research.
As you know, the meteorological transition point from winter to spring happens over two to three months in New England. However, the mental seasonal change happens with much greater alacrity. Unlike the weather, once I decide it is spring, it is spring, and then ceremonially put the heavy coat away and don a light jacket until summer.
Judging when to put the coat away necessitates a careful consideration of weather research, forethought, and of course, pride. The last thing you want to do is put your coat away in a moment of exuberance, the warmth of mid-60’s weather wafting through your house, only to begrudgingly pull it out the next day to combat a freezing commute. Once the coat is back in the closet (instead of draped over the chair in the basement) there is no going back.
I believe the superficial origin of this feeling is the fear of being made fun of at the bus stop for wearing a heavy coat in warm weather, but there is a much deeper meaning to the coat change than just looking dumb. The coat change means that, come what may, winter is over. I don’t care if another blizzard rolls through, I am shoveling my driveway in my raincoat.
Many residents have already made the switch, your correspondent included. This has of course meant that when I was recently waiting in line outside Roberts for my kid’s music performance, I wasn't wearing my wonderful warm winter jacket, but my thin-as-paper windbreaker. It was 35 degrees and drizzling, and along with about 60% of the other parents in line, I was purposefully not prepared for the weather.
I also wholeheartedly believe this coat change phenomena contributes to the grumbling that spring never comes quickly here in the north, but what else are we going to do to mark the official beginning of spring? Wait for flowers? That won't happen until mid June.
Anyway, there is always one clever way to keep cool when the weather is shifting and that is the classic shorts plus winter jacket combo. This was deftly exhibited by a dad I saw at Carr Park on a recent Sunday, with the added bonus of him wearing flip-flops as well. I tip my hat to you sir, you’ve managed to keep one open-toe foot on either side of the seasonal change.
Happy spring, Paul, and I can't wait to assess the coat of your stand-in on High Street on Patriots' Day,
Nate in the Heights
Nate Rubright is a Medford resident.
