Page 107 - some-stuff-i-wrote-and-some-stuff-i-didn't-(2011)-h-morris-williams

Some Stuff I Wrote and Some Stuff I Didn't (2011) H. Morris Williams

Mmmmm. Good.

From about 1942 to the mid-1950s, Hurst made his living, bought a house and

raised a family, working out of his hole in the wall where no item cost more than a
quarter.

A half block to the south stood the Grand Theater. Moviegoers would make a

purchase at Hurst’s then head for the “picture show.”

Hurst’s cash register was a metal coin changer hanging from his belt. His inventory

records existed firmly in his mind.

“Good afternoon, sir. A nice cold drink for you and the lady on this hot
afternoon?”

During World War II, the local NAS sailors and their dates made an automatic stop
there before and after the movie.

Hurst’s business boomed during Saturday afternoon double features at the Grand.

Hurst employed young boys to walk the streets by day selling his peanuts. “Fresh

boiled peanuts, five cents a bag,” they yelled.

Some few lucky ones were entrusted to actually run the store in Hurst’s absence.

Hurst’s eye for an honest kid was unfailing. Stan Anders, later a DOT engineer,
worked for Hurst six years, grades 7 to 12.

Before Anders it was Ralph Hardee, now a DOT traffic engineer. After, it was

Hoyle Bramlett, a deeply religious youngster. Then it was Hinman Rizer, later a
scholarship football athlete and honor student at the University of Chattanooga.

For over 15 years, one of the most popular stores in Lake City was Hurst’s nickel
and dime business.

Occasionally a quarter item would be sold, though always after dark. A young

fellow would drive his car to the curb, leave his motor running and show one
finger or two and an unspoken signal. Contraceptives, kept well-concealed under

the counter, would be discreetly delivered to the driver and the car would pull
away.

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