More to add to the previous old time story: Became a regular at the Montgomery Ward store as well as the theater and shoe shine parlor.
Shoe Shine Parlor Story: This was a very small 2 chair operation squeezed between the Iola Hotel and the Iola Theater. This was a time when polished shoes were consider very proper attire. Talked my dad into buying me a pair of cowboy boots so I could join in on the fun. Did I mention the shop was owned by one of the 3 black families in the community? It was so fun to listen to the chatter, singing, and watch the dancing antics as I sat in the chair having my boots polished. Very entertaining fun.
Montgomery Ward Story: The store had an entire area devoted to saddles. All of the saddles were placed on tall wooden braces--about horse high. Now that I had my boots (really shiny boots) felt I could strike up a deal w/the owner to do some work around the place in order to sit on the saddles and live my imaginary dream (at that time) to be a cowgirl. Ever seen a cowgirl wearing shorts chasing horse flies away from the store window? That was my new job but could not find it in my heart to kill all of the big horse flies. Came up w/the idea to bring some thread w/me, catch the horse flies, tie the thread around their necks, and walk them down the street. Walking w/them tied up, flying in all directions created a lot of comments. Looking back one might even consider it a certifiable event---proved to be nothing new w/this cowgirl.
Theater Story: Theater tickets were 12 cents/a piece, could get popcorn/drink/ticket all for 25 cents. The theater was such a wonderful place, real cold inside, ornate design and featured some of the best technicolor movies ever made. Some of my favorite movies were Paleface, Desert Song, and The Greatest Show on Earth. (Vicki and I can actually still sing a great song, "Come to the Circus", from the last movie.) Remember when Jackie took me to see Cat People, really scary about a black panther---it was already dark when we walked home---I was really terrified by the movie---a neighbor let their barking dog out about the time we passed their house--Jackie grabbed me saying "there it is, run for your life." I screamed, took off running, every porch light in the neighborhood came on and our mom was waiting on the front porch after identifying my familiar scream. I can't remember what my mom said but know Jackie came out smelling like a rose.
Stay healthy, safe, and keep in touch.
Love, Mom
No comments:
Post a Comment