|
Hi Rick, Interesting article. I drive an
older Buick these days with 42,000 miles on it and at my age
should be my last car. Such a nice car. What a joy to drive.
Returning to Alderson from overseas I
quickly found my older brother had taken $800 of my saving out of
the bank and purchased two older cars from someone who lived in
Ronceverte. One was a Nash, green, with a rumble seat. Beautiful
condition and with minor engine repair was a steal. Year: 1928.
The other: a large, black Packard that would easily carry nine
people where they wanted to go. A cigarette lighter that had a
cord that reached nine feet for those in the back, and a clackston
(?) horn that woke up Alderson as I proudly crossed the Alderson
Bridge time after time. Year:1930.
I was at Tech. soon after getting these two
wonderful cars from my brother but really didn't know what to do
with them. The Nash had a fuel problem in the engine that would
cost money.
I had a brother in law who operated a used
car lot (among other things) who agreed to sell it for $400.
dollars and charge me nothing. The Nash flew off his lot the
first day it was offered. I forgot to tell you that my roommate,
Jack Crawford, rode on the fender beside the engine and fed raw
gas into the carburetor all the way to Charleston. What a sight
that was.
The Packard I really loved... so much fun.
One warm Sunday I loaded up the entire Alderson softball team (ten
of us) and drove to Beckley for an afternoon game. We lost But you
would never find ten happier ballplayers than those that returned
to Alderson around dark.
I used the Packard. for dating quite a bit. I
once drove to Babcock State Part to meet with an entire group of
Delta girls from Tech. I loaded twelve girls in the
Packard.
and drove to Ansted for some shopping. Picture, if you will,
twelve pretty girls, yelling and screaming, waving their arms and
bodies at every car, truck, and bicycle that we met as were moved
along old Highway 60.
Back at the Park the girls fixed a great
meal for everyone, than later outside, had a nice fire where we
sang, poked fun at one another generally had one of the nicest
times I have ever had. Around eleven I took Janie by the hand and
quietly moved into the Packard. back seat. As you can imagine the
back seat was very large, all black leather, and if you had
remember to bring a nice warm blanket (you know Bobby) you were
set until about four in the morning.
A couple of months later back at Tech. I
took my Packard. down to Charleston and my brother in law, bless his
heart, sold it for $400.
Rick, I got so carried with my fun days I
forgot what I wanted to tell you. I do agree with your piece in
general and leave it at that.
Bobby Black
|
