I started working with the Dept. of Transportation in the late 60s and worked there until 1975. I worked as a temporary employee for six months before becoming a permanent employee. I got paid once a month and after taxes I drew a whole $90 a month. Back then, their benefits package was a lot better than your paycheck. The D.O.T. maintenance office and...
Read MoreThe Greatest Generation
I once knew a man by the name of James. He was born and raised on a small farm in northern Richmond County. James was born in 1918; the youngest of three brothers. When they were old enough, all three walked several miles to attend a one-room school named Covington. As time went by, James’s brothers dropped out of school but James’s Ma was determined that...
Read MoreA Forgotten Crossroad
New roads have affected people and places for thousands of years. Seems when a major artery of a highway bypasses a community or small town, things just seem to wind down. The young folks move away while the old folks, well, they just fade away. The once booming small private businesses either move or go out of business. Mom and Pop stores are things of...
Read MoreStrange Happenings in the Country
Living in the country does have its advantages and, in some cases, its disadvantages. Why, it’s probably just how you want to look at it. A visitor to the country might think that the smell of chicken houses or hog parlors is deplorable. But all the-while the local farmer just might smell money or food on the table. There are so many lights in the cities...
Read MoreDon’t Forget Your Fishing Pole
When I was a lad, one of my favorite hobbies was to go fishing, and it still is today. Why, when I was just 4 or 5 years old, I would follow my Ma (grandmother) down into her pasture to round up her cows. While she looked for the cows, I would be fishing in the spring with a cane pole. Don’t remember catching anything but I always told my Ma that I got a...
Read MoreMy Own Little Red Tractor
In the early 1900’s farm tractors started appearing on larger farms. They were pretty pricey so most small farmers just stuck with their horses and mules. Later in the early 40s, competition among larger tractor companies allowed small farmers to be able to afford a tractor for their farms. This was great timing because a lot of farm laborers were off...
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