Random Thoughts
Talk about nostalgia. The Peabody Historical Society has published a folder showing pictures of the past. Right there in that paper is a picture of my dad's filling station!
His first station was in El Dorado. Then he started a chain of stations, Marion, Peabody, Abilene, and Hillsboro, maybe others. I don't know why he left El Dorado. I guess Marion looked good to him. He built his station right across from Central Park, right where the gun store is now. In fact, in the core of that building is still some of his station.
I remember there was no way we sisters could sneak to town. If we went down Main he could see us or if we went down Elm, the same.
He often took in goods for payment of gasoline, especially from travelers going through. Once he brought home a big German shepherd dog. That dog became a member of the family and went everywhere with us, even on vacations in Colorado. I still have a beautiful wool Indian rug that he took in for payment. In the bad times during the '30s he took in cattle, sheep, and other creatures. He even trusted many customers who never paid.
I used to go with him when he checked the other stations. It was fun to go to Peabody, visit the park, or have an ice cream treat at the drug store. Of course, we girls looked the boys over and the Peabody boys liked to come to Marion. I had a great dad.
The Old Settlers' get together has come and gone again. I hope you all got to see your friends. I love the introduction of the school classes and the parade! See you next year!
— NORMA HANNAFORD
