Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1962 THE NEWBERRY SUN, NEWBERRY, SOUTH CAROLINA Section C—Page 5 (gobpiess^ou Ht Cfjrtsitmas May the Spiritual Truth of This Holy Season Bring You and Yours Lasting Peace, Joy and Happiness ED YOUNG BUICK CO. 2800 College Street Newberry, South Carolina Newberry Recapping Co. tern 1402 Martin Stree* Telephone 276-3731 ^ J. Ellerbe Sease Co. ^ CUT-OFF ROAD Newberry, S. C. |x M* Jgjb * " BY F. L. ROV^LE Y r\R. GEORGE BAXTER stood ^m the middle of the office look ing at his wristwatch. His gaze swung to the gray haired man behind the desk, then back to the watch. And he had promised to spend Christmas Eve with his family this year. He had told Jean to expect him by eight-thirty. It was nearly nine now. The older man spoke into the telephone: “No, this is Dr. Har grave. Must you have Dr. Baxter? What do you mean I’m too old to go out in a snowstorm like this? Yes, he’s here in the office. But I—” “Who is it?” interrupted George Baxter. Dr. Hargrave covered the mouthpiece. “It’s Mrs. Donelly. Says I’m too old to visit her on a night like this.” “I’m sorry, George. Why did it have to be a patient who lives miles from town? But I AM afraid of driving at night—especially when it’s snowing. I’ll handle any other calls that come in. You’ll still spend Christmas Eve with your family.” Old Story “Sure I will,” said Dr. Baxter, trying to convince himself. But he’d heard that story before. The door flew open and Dr. Baxter stared in surprise. Dr. Hargrave must have been reading his mind. “You’ll be home in time to help Jean trim the tree,” he said reassuringly. Dr. George Baxter had driven over some rough roads, but he soon saw that he had his work cut out for him this evening. Snowdrifts lay like sand dunes be fore his headlights. It was im possible to see the edge of the highway. He reduced his speed. After ten minutes of ‘feeling’ his way along the edge of the road George knew that he’d never make the return trip tonight. It was snowing too hard. One more Christmas Eve lost to duty! The car began to vibrate; he was on the shoulder of the road! Then a huge trailer truck crawled past him. George swung the car in be hind the big truck. It was easier driving now with someone break ing a trail for him. Yet he mar velled at the truck driver’s nerve as they plowed along. What precious cargo could have forced the man to drive on a night like this? Surprise Stop They were a good half-mile short of Mrs. Donelly’s side road when the truck stopped. The rear end of the big vehicle looked like a brick wall. Soon a man ap peared in the drifts and wallowed toward Dr. Baxter’s car. George rolled down his window. “Buddy, do you know this road?” asked the truck driver. George smiled. “It isn’t that bad. When you reach the top of the next hill you’ll see a double row of trees. They lead right down to Mrs. Donelly’s place. That’s where I’m going. Why don’t you park there until the storm’s over?” “0. K. Wanta lead the way, Buddy? You seem to know this road.” George would have preferred to follow the truck. That half mile to the top of the hill was the longest he’d ever driven. At last he saw the trees, and with a sigh of relief turned into the side road. They were at the house a few minutes later. George and the truck driver stomped across the porch to gether. Welcome The door flew open and Dr. George Baxter stared in surprise. Jean and the children stood in the parlor behind Mrs. Donelly. “Merry Christmas!” they cried in unison. “What is this?” Jean came over and took his hand. “Mrs. Donelly called for you at home this afternoon, dear. Then I called Dr. Hargrave and we plotted the whole thing. He said you should spent at least one Christmas Eve with your family —even if it is on a visit.” “And it might be a long visit. That snow out there is getting deeper every minute,” said George. CALM CHRISTMAS The “secrecy” of Christmas- Santa Claus and hidden packages —as well as the mad rush of shop ping and holiday preparations stimulates a child’s emotions. The wise parent will find the time during all the “mad rush” to sit down with children and quietly explain to them the true meaning And cnirit nf Christmas. A LASTING G5FT BY F. L. ROWLEY M R. KAUFMAN was a thought ful man. Only a thoughtful man would have placed chairs along the wall facing the self- service elevators. John Kerwin pondered over Mr. Kaufman s thoughtfulness now as he puffed his cigarette. He sat in one of the chairs, gazing fondly at the three grilled doors. He wondered if he’d ever see them again after this evening. A young girl strolled down the aisle carrying a teddy bear. She passed John, turned, and came back to study him. After a lengthy appraisal she said: “You’re fat!” He nodded. “I can’t deny that, my dear. What’s your friend’s name?” He pointed his cigarette at the teddy bear. “Santa Claus is fat too,” she said, ignoring his question. “But I like him anyway. Do you work in this store?” Secret “Yes—at least until six o’clock this evening.” He couldn’t very well tell these wide blue eyes thal he would don a red suit and lister to little ones like herself for the next two hours. “I used to run one of those elevators,” he volun teered. “Did you quit driving it?” MAKE ORNAMENTS You can fashion your own Christmas tree ornaments with aluminum foil plates. With scis sors, paints, glow papers, baubles, and foil plates, you can construct various designs and many color combinations. Foil plates are in expensive and easy to work with. John had a fine view of the toy department from his plush chair. “Only because automation has set in. You see, they push buttons in the elevators. Now anyone can operate them. Even you can pick out a floor you wish to visit, press a button, and whoosh! You’re there like magic.” “That’s nice, but I’d rather see you drive it. What do the drivers do when all the elevators get but tons?” “A good question, my dear. Wish I knew the answer to that one. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to get back to work.” John stood up, stretched, then answered the question in her eyes: “Mr. Kaufman, the owner of this store, gave me another job when I was through driving the elevator.” This seemed to satisfy her. She trotted off down the aisle. John shuddered when he thought of his ‘other’ job; it would soon be over. In two more hours Santa would be out of work—com pletely! How could he explain to Martha? Why hadn’t he told her two weeks ago, when they had taken him off the elevator? Keeping Calm “Better get with it, Kerwin! The kids are waiting.” John turned to see Albert Walker grin ning at him. Albert was manager of the toy department. For some reason he didn’t like Albert. Even now he had to check himself; no use spoiling the Christmas holi days by losing his temper. “I’ll be right with you,” he said evenly. The next time Mr. Kaufman entered the toy department he was nearly tackled by Albert. They had their heads together for a long time. The owner of the store nodded emphatically. When Mr. Kaufman left, Albert made straight for John’s throne. If it hadn’t been f6r the children, John would have told him off then and there! “Guess what?” asked Albert breathlessly. “Mr. Kaufman has juct promoted me; I’m to be assistant manager of the whole store!” “That figures.” “Eh? Oh, you think I’m cut out for the job? Good! That makes me glad I suggested your name when the old man asked who would manage the toy depart ment.” “Me? Manage the toy depart ment?” John was grateful for the beard that half concealed his red face. “Of course. You’ve helped me out in the department a few times. But it was my daughter who gave me the idea.” John blinked. “You mean the little one with the teddy bear?” Gift “That’s my baby. And Mr. Kaufman likes the plan. Says you seem to have a way with children. Thoughtful man, that Mr. Kauf man. Says I should break the news to you as a kind of Christ mas gift—from him. What do you think of it?” John held out his'hand. The A & P Family Our wish for you is the blessing of the season, joy, happiness, contentment, cherished friends and good neighbors. Thank you, and . . . J I o EVERYONE Spartan Grain & Mill Co. NEWBERRY, S. C. 712 Drayton Street Phone 276-1110