Dad's Dodge

Dad began work pushing a broom at the Chrysler Corporation. A paltry fifty-five cents an hour was his compensation! 'Twas during the Great Depression when times were really hard. He was elated to get the job and held Chrysler in high regard! Dad was a "Chrysler" man thro' and thro' and for his "wheels", Always owned an assortment of Plymouth and Dodge automobiles. The one I recall as a lad was a Dodge, a nineteen thirty-five. It was in this car that my patient Pa taught me how to drive! Brand spanking new it cost Pa six hundred forty-five bucks. It was touted as the latest and greatest, an auto car deluxe! The gearshift and dimmer switch were located on the floor. To indicate a turn or stop, you hung your arm out the door! The spare tire was on the trunk with a ram's head on the hood. It was the sharpest vehicle in all that Hoosier neighborhood! A feature was the new leaf springs, providing a smoother ride. He kept her washed and waxed - 'twas truly his joy and pride! The old Dodge survived World War Two, bald tires and all. It took us where we needed to go and would seldom ever stall. It served us for nigh on fifteen years 'til, alas, she died. ('Tis still told in family lore that my Pa broke down and cried!) Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)