Richard's Car

I think I loved Tom all my life. He was the neatest person. Always caring and looking out for those less fortunate. His sister, Betty and I became friends in grade school also. She was my friend forever. I always looked up to her and knew she would be there for me always.

When we were teens she and her family moved to Williamsport so I didn't see her as much except at the "Dances". The Square Dances were held in the Fire Hall in Trout Run. Previously, they were held in the Lodge Hall across from our home in Trout Run, Pa. I went to the dances from the time they started there. I was probably 10 or so. We all met there. Had our own little group. We pretty much kept that group even after I left town and had to get a ride to the dances!! This was always a trial. My older brothers were so good about dropping us off and picking us up. (My sister, Carol & I) Later it was My sister Ann and I, after Carol was married. She married at 17 so I was still only 15 going on 16.

Later when I began work in Williamsport at the Grit Publishing Company, I stayed at the YWCA. They had rooms to rent at that time and this was acceptable with my parents. Tom was still in service so I got to see him only on leave. I did visit with his sister, Betty at her Mother's home on Rural Avenue. We always had a good time together.

On particular Saturday she called and asked if I wanted to go to the dance. I said sure but would she drive or what. She didn't want to drive as she had had a fender bender with a bus and was still a little apprehensive about driving. I told her I didn't have a licenss but did know how to drive. She said "Oh well, I'll just give you mine and we can take Richard's car as he isn't home yet." She said he wouldn't mind and so our plans were set.

We took off to the dance in Trout Run. About 13 miles from Williamsport. We had a grand time at the dance and headed home afterwards. About half way home the car started acting up and yep, you guessed it, we ran out of gas. We parked on the side of the road and went to a house where there were lights on and they left us use the phone. We called my sister, Mary and asked her if Clyde would mind her bringing us a can of gas. She said she would and I am sure laughed all the way. We got back on the road and got back to Rural Ave shortly and I stayed all night with Betty. The next morning her brother, Richard was home on leave and I could hear him all over the house yelling. "Who moved my car?" We, of course, confessed we used it but felt sure he wouldn't mind. He said "I wouldn't mind but you didn't know the pins were out of the door on the drivers side." There was no way the door would have stayed on if we had jiggled it just the least little bit. Can you imagine!! Well, we had a good time anyway. I left and went home and let Betty deal with him.