Page 124 - some-stuff-i-wrote-and-some-stuff-i-didn't-(2011)-h-morris-williams

Some Stuff I Wrote (2001) H. Morris Williams

Dub “Cannonball” Taylor, star of stage, screen and T. V.’s “Hee Haw.”

Taylor said, “I’ve heard that y’all sell the best popcorn and peanuts anywhere in these parts,
and I’m here to see for myself.”

After Taylor ate his fill, he turned to the young Anders and allowed as how, “They right -
y’all got the best.”
Each morning Hurst boiled peanuts at his home two blocks away. Then he took them to the

store to be sold.

“Fresh boiled peanuts, five cents a bag. Peanuts, sir? What about a nice bag of peanuts?
Only a nickle.”
If the sale happened to be popcorn, Hurst would always add just an extra pinch of salt so you

would then buy an ice cold drink for another nickle to wash it down.
Mmmmmm, good.

From about 1940 to the mid 1950s, Hurst made his living, bought a house and raised a
family, working out of his hole in the wall where not an 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?”

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 7-12.

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.

-119-

www.LakeCityHistory.com LCH-UUID: CD05D759-5273-4705-A6D7-381FCF749098