Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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SEC. B.—PAGE 10—The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C. Dec. 26th, 1968 HOURJOF DECISION#; By Pat Carol As far as Bill Adams was concerned, there could be no better time. Nothing like start ing the New Year off right. Do it with a big decision. Walk right into the old man’s office on the last day of the year and tell him goodbye. No Talk. No explanations. Just a simple statement. "I quit.” He rapped quietly, but firm ly on the door. ^Come in.” Bill entered, feeling uneasy, as he always did whenever he entered what Hurst Company employees had come to refer to as the "Ivory Tower.” "Sit down, Bill. I was just thinking about you.” Bill sat down. "Mr. Hurst. I’ve been doing a lot of think ing lately about my future, and 1 think. . .” Mr. Hurst sat upright in his chair. "That’s unusual, Bill,” he broke in. "I have been doing the same thing.” "Well, Mr. Hurst, 1 believe that I can. . .” APOLOGY Again Mr. Hurst stopped him. "Bill, I know you have had the feeling things haven’t been moving just rignt for you. I’m aware of the fact that you have a growing family and I think about that, too. We’ve tried a couple of projects that just haven’t worked out. Re member, I promised you the Colton contract, and it fell through. Would have meant a nice raise in pay for you, but that’s the kind of business we’re in. You win some and you lose some.” "But, Mr. Hurst. . .” "I know, Bill. You’re young and you’re concerned about where you are going. In my book, that’s what makes you a good employee. That’s why 1 plan to give you the Net- tleton assignment.” " The Nettleton assignment?” "Oh, that’s right. I haven’t talked to you about that, have I? I’ve had it on my calendar for days, but you know how busy I have been. This is a big one, Bill, and we have it almost wrapped up, all but the final details. Things are at a standstill right now because of the holidays, but I’m sure we’ll get back on the track early next week—it’ll really be next year, won’t it?—and then you and 1 can sit down and talk about contracts and commis sions and that sort of stuff. I’d like you to keep your cal endar open and be ready. Right? We’ll really have to move on this one. You should see the schedule. But. there’s time enough for that next week. . . .Incidentally, what are you and Sarah doing to welcome in the New Year? The wife and I are having a small get- together and we’d like you to come if you can." Sarah was taking Billy from the top of the kitchen table when Bill walked in. "This child,” she exclaimed. "He needs two people watching him every minute of the day! Bill laughed. "He’s a typ ical boy. All boy, in fact.” Sarah handed him over. "Well, he’s all yours. I have another one in the bathtub that needs seeing to.” Later, when the children were asleep, they sat quietly in front of the fireplace. "Mr. Hurst invited us over tonight,” Bill said. Sarah snuggled close. "I’m § !ad you didn’t accept. I don’t elieve I could have endured it. Did you talk to him?” " I tried to. But all he wanted to talk about was a new job coming up. With Nettleton en gineering. Says I’ll get the assignment. With benefits.” "Seems he said the same thing about the Vulcan assign ment, the Claymore job, and w Bill Adams reached over and picked up the phone. He dialed slowly, deliberately, then waited. "Mr. Hurst? Bill Adams. I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year and to say I really appreciate your thinking about me for the Net tleton job. But, as I said, I’ve been doing some thinking, too. Mr. Hurst, I resign." He crad led the phone. Sarah threw her arms up in the air. "Well, Well. Happy New Year!” CHRISTMAS IN MIDSUMMER In Central and South A- merica, where the holiday cornea in midsummer, Santa Claus and Christmas trees are seldom seen. But alter midnight mass on Christmas Eve, or at dinner on Christ mas Day, families gather to enjoy tne traditional roast suckling pig and their wide assortment of desserts. IN BRAZIL A unique custom practiced in some sections of Brazil is typical of the spirit of Yule- tide. To make Christmas hap pier for poor people in the community, others contribute small gifts of food. They are wrapped in white paper and the packages designated for children usually contain choc olate in one form or another. The donors gather around a manger in front of the village church, singing as they place their gifts in the creche. A THOUGHT Except for Christmas, December would be the drear iest month of the year, with the days getting shorter and blacker, and the nights colder and bleaker. Without Christ mas, som^hing like it would have to be invented. -WILLIAM FEATHER Hi! Merry Christmas Bill’s Glass Shop to Everyone! Bill Graham 2433 College Street Phone 276-1332 The Christmas Season always will be a time for the expression of good will and the exchange of friendly greetings. In this spirit of friendship and with genuine appreciation for the pleasant relations we have enjoyed with you, we extend the season’s greetings and best wishes. Kemper Chevrolet-Olds Co. College St. Ext. Newberry, S. C.