Finding stories on Life’s Highway
I was gathering stories on a recent cross-country road trip. Here are three short ones for the road.
Story #1 Boubon Water
We pass this iconic water tower each time we go back and forth to the Midwest. NO, it’s not full of Bourbon, though it seems to be a bit tipsy. The water tower is no longer in use, but still stands as an often-photographed novelty. So what’s up with this? I googled as we drove along:
Bourbon, Missouri, population 1,946 is on I-44 (old rt. 66.) It claims the distinction of being the only town in the United States named for bourbon whiskey.
When the railroad came through the area in the 1850s a settlement sprang up. A man named Richard Turner established a general store on his property to serve the needs of settlers and railroad workers. He imported barrels of a new brand of whiskey called Bourbon, and placed one large barrel labeled “Bourbon” on the porch of his store to advertise. Soon, the railroad workers were calling the new settlement Bourbon. The name stuck.
I wonder… If Mr. Turner had placed a crate of potatoes on his porch, would the town be known as Spudville? Tater Town? It just wouldn’t be the same….
Story #2 Sandra
It was past lunchtime and I was starving. Were we still in Missouri? Oklahoma? Who knows? We’d been watching the road signs for places to stop, looking for the least “fast-food” option of the fast-food offerings finally settling on Culver’s. As we approached the counter, several cashiers were waiting (after the lunch rush) to take our order.
“Just come to any line you want!” the small lady behind the counter invited. Wisps of gray hair curled out from under the Culver cap she wore. Her blue eyes were just visible above her face mask.
I wasn’t familiar with the menu and questioned Sandra (the name on her tag) about what came with the chicken sandwich “basket.” Though this was a fast-food establishment, Sandra was in no hurry. She took her time to explain each choice I had: fried or grilled, butter bun or the new onion bun, fries or salad, large or medium or small,… and the basket meal comes with a drink.
“I added your two ages together and gave you the senior discount,” Sandra chuckled as she recorded our selections.
When I mentioned we could have qualified individually, she replied:
“I’m 72 and every day I wake up I count as a blessing! You know, I was an accountant, I raised two daughters and cared for my disabled husband. Back then, I could never have lived on the salary I’m making now, but I love it here! It took me my whole life to find a job I loved. I’m a people person! Now, put this number on the stand at your table and we’ll have your order right out to you.”
As Ed and were enjoying our basket meals, I looked back at the counter where Sandra was welcoming the next customers, giving special attention to each one. In a fast-food world, Sandra had found a way to provide a personal touch. Back on the road, a sense of contentment swept over me. My physical needs had been met, but it was more than that. I’d met Sandra.
Story #3 Cowboy Lunch
In Amarillo, Texas, I had lunch with the Big Texan. Not the old, lanky guy on the giant sign. This guy was much younger and cuter. And, to be fair, I didn’t really have lunch with him. He was sitting with his family at a long table across the aisle from me. His face was ruggedly tanned and had just the right amount of stubble. Sandy hair peeked out from under his white cowboy hat. (one of the good guys) He wore a neat white shirt and a tan vest. When he got up to leave, I noticed his perfectly fitted jeans, cowboy boots, and a leather belt with an oversized buckle. Trying not to stare, I glanced at my barbeque-brisket sandwich and imagined the cowboy tipped his hat to me as he walked by (he didn’t.)
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It reminded me of the Smothers Brothers parody of the song “Streets of Laredo”:
I can see by your outfit that you are a cowboy…. get yourself an outfit and be a cowboy too…
I looked at my travel outfit: black leggings with wool socks tucked inside slouchy black booties, an oversized sweater, tousled hair, and no makeup. I think it was the same clothes I’d worn the day before.
You can see by my outfit that I am a traveler… get yourself an outfit and be a traveler too.
OH, and Be sure to collect some stories along the way.
Threads of Thought
Open your eyes, See the World, Tell your Story
For more of Debra’s stories look for Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life http://amazon.com/author/debravandeventer
Deb, like all your posts, this one is fun. I like that you added the pics. When I see the huge cowboy, it always takes me back to AMARILLO DAYS.
Thanks David!