Around the Corner

I was a year old when my folks built and moved into the home I would grow up in. We still lived there when I walked down the aisle, and then went on to bring my children there to visit. I'm sure my folks had no idea what kind of history would be tied up in that place when they signed the papers on it. They were young parents of 2 children, striking out into an area that was relatively undeveloped, and to say that their families were against it would be putting it mildly! But the area grew exponentially and they ended up doing ok on their small $16,000.00 investment before retiring. And we had a good place to spend our childhood.

Around the corner from our house, a shopping center went in with a grocery store and various and sundry other places of business. I remember a donut place and a five and dime called TGY. I loved that place because my 25 cent allowance went a long way there. It was at TGY that I accumulated a huge assortment of Tootsietoy cars. I got the tootsietoy's because they could be had on a budget. My friend Mona got the Matchbox cars, but they were too pricey for me. Looking back now, those little cars that I loved so much were probably steeped in lead and the most unhealthy toy I ever had. Makes me glad I never chewed on them. Though, they might be to blame for............. well, you know..........

Neil's bikeshop was there, The Card Castle, and the Broasted Chicken place. I don't know exactly how you "Broast" a chicken, but I really liked it. There was a bakery that made the coolest lace cookies, and a slot car place. I remember going there with my dad. The race tracks were big with lots of twists and banks and turns, and the point was to win the race while keeping the cars in the slots on the track. Dad was pretty good at it. But my goal in life was to mash that button all the way down and get those cars going as fast as I could. They made a phenomenal sight as they flew off the end of the track. I'm glad my dad didn't remember my love for speed when he decided it was time for me to drive. 

The really cool thing about that shopping center was the carnival they held in the parking lot every year. It was life changing because it was there that I developed a love for going fast, hanging upside down, the rides with unexpected twists and turns, feeling my stomach in my throat, and junk food. The REAL junk food that carnivals are famous for. Cotton candy, deep fried stuff............. yeah baby. The lights were bright, the music was obnoxious and off key, our flip flops got sticky, it was loud, the air smelled like exhaust from the ride motors and kids often threw up after getting off the rides; it was true Americana!! 

My allowance went a long way there too, and the folks thought nothing of letting us walk around the corner at night to ride the rides. A time of innocence that I miss. I heard my parents talk about "Carnies", the people who worked the rides and traveled with the carnivals, but they didn't seem too worried about them and I never had a problem. 

Along with the memories, I accumulated an assortment of cheap carnival prize toys, and a goldfish or two. Those fish lived forever and grew to Jaws proportions. I finally let them go in a pond nearby. Environmentalists now would probably have a cow, but we didn't know any better, and there were lots of other goldfish in there, so I thought they'd have some friends. It was either that, or mom was going to flush them. I chose the healthier alternative.

My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

For the length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Prov. 3:1-3

Carnival pictures