My list is getting short. Retired at the coast, calling and receiving calls from friends is a boon. Some, sadly , left early. Recently –the oldies. “Dr. Know” John Eatman, Dr. Willis Williams , Joe , “Country”, “Bonehead” Dennis, Sweet Lou Harper, Alton, and today Deems.

I can’t claim him as a brother, but a lifetime close friend is a minimum.

The several places I have lived all were nice places. And maybe childhood anywhere is indelible—and Madison N.C. was it for me. And my buddies, Tuddy *Sterling” Webster. Billy Fulton. and Deems (Tuddy’s little brother.)

Close neighbors, we found the tree house, Highway 220, McFalls Drug Store, The Patovi Theater (9 cent tickets) and the Mighty Dan River, the dirthole, and a rope to swing over the big ditch. The town clock could be altered!

Deems was my first “player “. I taught him a batter’s stance and how to swing the orange bat, with a nail and scotch tape hopefully mending the broken handle.

The Websters didn’t seem to mind, so I took him, from diapers to his injured knee,back from Vietnam, to Key West. Got some great help with Liz Lear. And always Madison.

ADDENDUMS : FROM PLAY IS WHERE LIFE IS
(MADISON CHAPTER)

CHILD PSYCHOLOGY

CUZZINS

Tuddy

MACK PETE

Gone since 1952, I guess some think me overly nostalgic. What I think is I had a happy childhood. Friends, adventure, sports, aticipation, characters, my first Team.

There were injuries, fights , freedoms that don’t exists for today’s youngsters. Bumps make boys.

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“If you are ever up a tree just call on me, Rodger Dodger !”

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” I live you now and evershall.

But there’s no one left to tell.

The world has gone dark

before my eyes ” ( Bob Dylan )