One of Dad’s co-workers came to visit us one summer. He had a convertible and asked if we wanted a ride. He said he’d buy all three of us a present if we wanted. Only problem was he was really, really drunk. We called out to Mom, and then climbed in the car and proceeded to travel down Rt. 140 to West Upton and the Rexall Drug Store where they sold toys and such. Kent, who was about 10 years old, helped steer the vehicle from the front seat around the be bends of the road. Once we arrived at the store, the sot gave each of us a dollar bill (equal to about $30 today in total) and we proceeded to climb out of the car, and run inside to spend the money with glee. I believe I bought a whiffle ball and bat and some candy. When we got back to the car there was a policemen there, watching over the man who by this time was totally unconscious. The policeman talked to the Pharmacist and made arrangements to get us back home. Apparently, Mom was very embarrassed and upset about the whole escapade. Dad of course was very angry and made sure the man got fired. If you recall the TV show The Andy Griffith Show, you might remember the character Otis. He used to get drunk all the time, and even get mad at the sheriff if the cell he normally used to sleep off his bender wasn’t available. Back in those days, drunken drivers were considered at most a nuisance, and rarely were arrested or charged with anything. With unsafe cars, no seatbelts, and the highways loaded with drunk drivers, it is a miracle any of us made it to adulthood.

NEXT UP – The 1950’s diet