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FACTS, HEARSAY AND MEMORIES - Page 19 Our carriages were always undercover. There was room for four. There was on shed with no floor for the two second best-a covered wagon and an open wagon. The carriage house had during the time my father was in the undertaking business been occupied by the hearse. That I do not remember, but later when a new carryall was brought home was a very proud day. It was a very good carriage made especially to order by George L. Brownell of New Bedford. A little metal plate on the back bore his name. The seats were upholstered in a very dark green felt and there was nice carpeting on the floor. It was well equipped with well fitting buttoned curtains and a rubber boot for rainy weather to keep one dry. There was an opening in the boot for the reins to go in. When not in use the boot could be neatly folded and placed under a flap on the dashboard. I would have liked a "canopy top" which was then coming into style, but these my father said were fine in summer, but very impractical. So I took solid comfort in feeling that no one that I knew of had a better looking carryall. A large tan colored cloth which had formerly covered the hearse to keep the dust off now covered the carryall. It shared the carriage house with a buggy. While one did not have to think of whether or not there was gas, wheels had to be greased. Sometimes a carriage would go by, and the squeaking noise told that someone had neglected to grease the wheels. It also made it much more difficult for the horse. Then, too, the spokes of the wheels would become dry and shrink. It was considered a good plan I recall to drive through the brooks not only to let the horse drink, but it was good for the wheels and also for the horse's hooves which became dry and sometimes cracked. There were visits to the blacksmith shop, and to the carriage maker "to get the tires set" when rims became loose. I always thought these were free services as I never saw any money passed, but learned that as my father owned both these buildings these seemingly free services were a part payment of rent. I always hoped to get to New Bedford at least twice a year-spring and fall. Sometimes for a new hat, coat, or shoes. My coats were often "hand me downs" but hats were usually new. Nichols & Damon's shoes store was elegant with its long plush seats. Both these men and the clerks always seemed to recognize us and called my father by name which I considered a great honor. Haskell & Tripp, Whiting's, Moynan's, and John Spare's were the leading dry goods stores. Briggs and Lawrence was the predecessor of Wing's, but Waite's carpet store was patronized by my mother because her cousin was the manager there. I always felt very grand when we entered Kibry & Hicks' stable on Elm Street in our new carryall, and a colored man came to take our horse. Perry's stable was close by, but as both Kirby and Hicks had come from Westport my father patronized them. The ladies' room with its red plush seats rivaled over Nichols & Damon's, and the flush toilet was a source of wonder. When it came time to go home, the carriage was sometimes let down by some mysterious contrivance from a higher level where it had been parked during the day. "James Henry" was brought out and hitched to the carryall, and usually went prancing out of the stable, anxious to get on his way back to Westport. As far as stores were concerned a visit to Abraham Manchester's in Adamsville as a good substitute for a trip to New Bedford. There was a large assortment of almost anything I can think of except furniture and ready made clothing. Although Deborah's name did not appear on the sign she was a very important partner. If ever there was a saleswoman Deborah was one. I don't suppose she ever had a course in salesmanship. She must have had an inborn talent for her work, and I believe thoroughly enjoyed it. She would wait on customers as fast as possible, and at the same time keep the store full of waiting ones feel that they were recognized and not being neglected. She would call out a cheery greeting to one, make a comment on the weather, ask how this one's grandfather was and find something personal to say to everyone. She would always say, "Now, Mr. Macomber, let the children look around all they want to, and they are all welcome to go upstairs too." Once I recall being much enamored with a little tin horse and milk wagon with a little driver on the seat. Deborah noticed my admiration of it, and that I was making it known to my father and called out, "That's right, I'm sure he will buy it for you." I went home with it and every child in the last seventy years enjoyed this fifty cent toy. A few years ago when going through Adamsville I had a desire to go in, but nothing was the same except the cheeses for which they were noted. Deborah's as we often called it is just a memory. This year I passed through Adamsville and it caused me a pang to find it closed. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
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