Inquisitive Quest

.  With the sound of the four barrel carburetors consuming its motive, Gary pushing the 66 Pontiac towards Hennessey Oklahoma  to rendezvous with his daughter Marlo and her mom at the Dairy Queen.  Kaye and Gary splitting the mileage difference agreeing on this mutual meeting place 68 miles from Oklahoma city and 90 miles from Kiowa,  Marlo able to spend some time in Kiowa with her Dad,  Jan  and little Robert and Sandi. The assemblage concluding, the sun having set, Gary and Marlo started north when the Pontiac began  what sounded like a the continuous backfiring thru the carburetor, Gary having experienced a backfire before but not a continuous one, deciding it might be best to return to Hennessey.

Entering town, the backfiring continuing, Gary discovered a well-lit service station and garage,  the Pontiac halting with the motor still running, the attendant approaching, listening for a moment and ventures an opinion, ” you’ve got a  intake valve stuck open, thus the backfiring thru the carburetor, apparently a valve push rod may have come off”.    The analysis was logical to Gary,  deciding that if he took it easy on the way back,  meaning drive a little slower,  he was confident the remaining seven cylinders would provide ample providence for their return.  The trip back seemed to take forever,  Father and Daughter sharing an unusual voyage to accompanying  sound of an orchestrated carburetor.

.  The morning finding Gary removing the right side valve cover from the thirteen year old Catalina,  discovering the culprit pushrod was still in place but worn beyond adjustment, the would-be mechanic confident a replacement could resolve the quandary.  Gary checking with Gerald Elroy at Jarvis automotive, discovering it wasn’t a stock item and it migh take a while to receive one.  Conferring with Jerry Whitney at work about his automotive dilemma, Jerry suggesting that he might explore the vacant Jack Beasley Ford Dealership building on 7th St.,  Steve Miller  Kiowa Service owner having purchased and the now defunct building still retained numerous parts in its parts bins.  Obtaining the entrance keys to the demise Ford establishment,  Gary with the Pontiac push-rod in hand began searching the depleted bins for a reasonable-fact-simile and to his astonishment, finding a valve push-rod that was almost an exact replica. Upon inserting the replacement a question still remained,  would the provisional endowment endure, only time would tell.

.  It was less than two-week when once again the Pontiac resumed the backfire chorus  through the carburetor, Gary deciding to consult a higher authority,  Larry Foster,  the John Deere service manager,  Larry without hesitation forwarding,  in all probability it wasn’t the push-rod,  but a worn lifter arm.   With the advent possibility of a more serious problem, Gary concluding it was time to bid farewell to his $200 Pontiac, deciding it was time for him to shop for another vehicle, preferably  a pickup.   An attentive resolve finding a Kiowa resident, Mike Mayberry with a restored 1951 Dodge four speed, the pickup  having been utilized  on s farm for many years, an asking price of $350.  Gary was interested, countering with a $250 offer, after a two day lull, both parties finally agreeing upon $300, Gary taking possession of the 28-year-old relic from the past.

.  The pickup bringing back a reminisce of learning to drive in his Dads similar 1940  Chevrolet pickup,  both having a four speed floor shift with a grandma lower gear, hand choke and throttle, floorboard starter,  but the dodge having a low-geared ratio rear end, at its best able to go 60 mph with a tail wind.  The Dodge rear windows a classic one with rounded corners, the uniqueness of the 28 year pickup qualifying as a classic.  The trucks red  paint faded and well worn, Gary deciding to touch it up with a John Deere spray-can red,  but didn’t stop there,  painting the rest of the pickup. It wasn’t a paint shop finish but did clean up its appearance, plus he got the paint at cost, the normal retail markup of John Deere products being around 40 percent.  Gary having mixed feeling about acquiring the pickup,  being a classic it was one of a kind,  but the departure of the Pontiac, with its 421, 4 barrel engine was somewhat of a  status symbol, being thought as a poor man’s G T O

.  The parts department proving not to be an experience,  but an expedition into the world of John Deere, his work application required the use of a forklift,  the movement of pallets, 55 gallon drums of motor and hydraulic oil, even being called upon to load calm bine headers onto flatbed trailers,  plus an ability to operate the divergent motorized equipment for display. The Service Company was not only a farming implement store,  but also having a complete line of John Deere lawn and garden equipment,  but the best-selling mower was something new to the community,  the Dixon Z T R,  Steve Miller having acquired a distributorship for the zero-turning-radius mower.  Gary never ceased to be amazed at the inventory amassed at this agriculture utility center, it’s

.  The building presented no outward displayed emblems of divinity,  only a declaration in large  black letters fastened to a painted 36 foot cement block wall,  position between the two frontal accessions  proclaiming its presence,  Apostolic Christian Church.   The east entre finding a wide extended  covered portico, able to accommodate two vehicles for those disembarking from a means of transportation.   Upon entering the large foyer and bench lined windowed petition, its three doors providing a south entrance to a large Sanctuary, and directly across the corridor a south outside egress with adjoining restrooms.

.  The sanctuary seating providing ample allowance for all in attendance,  the back side of the  pews according the resources utilized in the celebration of service’s.   The king James Bible,  The hymns of zion, and zion’s harp hymnals used in vocal affirmation of Jesus Christ.   A single podium adorned the raised unannounced pulpit, to the rear on either side,  chairs provided for the alternate and visiting Ministers.   A backdrop of curtain providing a shroud for the baptismal immersion vessel,  but high above the beamed ceiling,  adorning the wall is a stain glass window portraying a cross,  the only outward symbol of religious reflection.

.  Traversing the foyer to the west,  a fully adorned kitchen and dining area with two large U-shaped counters with fixed restaurant simile stools.  A complete kitchen,  enabling a fellowship meal to be served between Sunday morning services and a provision for joyous recognitions and austere occasions.   Additional restrooms and a fellowship hall in the west accession,  with ample arbore folding chairs and a piano,  the only musical application in the House of Worship,  its primary prevalence,  for Bible Study and singing amity.   Opposite the kitchen and dining room,  three  Sunday School classrooms,  providing the three-tiered grade levels found in public school.  Classes attended during the first morning service.

.  The seating for services remained steeped in tradition,  with the membership women separated from the men by the center aisle, the nomination of all hymns coming from the congregation.  From the Pulpit,  a canonical ministering brother offering an opening prayer, then without a preconceived script,  randomly opening the old testament reading a scripture,  providing a deliverance on the passage, its message and significance, followed another hymn, the King James Bible  again randomly opened,  this time to the new testament another reading enhanced,  once again the epistle is dispatched with principle to those in attendance. A closing hymn,  followed by a consummating prayer articulated from a congregated Brother  to conclude the first service.

Gary being a new arrival was at first perplexed,  never before experiencing such an atmosphere of expressed unity,  adorned with total humility and solace of purpose.  An admiration for the congregation, the displacement of facades addressing worldly vanity,  the shedding of self-adornment luxuries, and  fashionable  attire in appearance, a reluctance to participate in self-proclaiming public endeavors.   The church elder and ministering brethren, not school by man to proclaim the word,  but called upon by the lord thru their convictions, to stand before the crown of redemption and administer to the assemblage.

.  The church membership constituency discovering many affluent community members,  Marvin Ott,  the president of the Bank of Kiowa,  his farming acreage encompassing the church property,  a donation for its construction.   Farming establishments,  the Farnys, Kissling, Freiden, Guthrie, Allenbach, Schrock, Roth, Tanner, Nelson and many other proprietors of sections or partial sections of Kansas and adjoining Oklahoma land expanse.   A volunteer contribution when a financial need was discerned,  the biblical tithing an available provision,  but never an offering plate during a service, the only employed person receiving gratuity, the person maintaining the cleanliness of the facility.

.  Gary appraised the Apostolic Christian Church a welcomed anomaly,  the communication of the brethren,  the fellowship of accordance,  the directive of submission,  a total acceptance of communion with Jesus Christ.   An aura of solace enveloped the assembled,  a radiance of warmth was fluid,  its presence perceived by all,  a supposition of their propinquity to the Lord.

.  A temporal tranquility was resolved in the family’s N. 11th street residence, an endowed progeny, Jan able to  espouse to a full appointment as a stay-at-home mother, with Gary maintaining a work week appurtenant to Kiowa Service Company.  A review of his income, the minimum hourly wage having been raised but still lacking a require prerequisite, the couple looking for a means of additional financial input.  Jan having discovered a hidden talent during the kindred visit to Gary’s family in California, she had a habit of attesting a knitting agenda to occupy her  time.   Gary’s  Mother interceding with a suggestion that crocheting was a faster and a more applicable contention,  proceeding to instruct her already needle dexterity daughter-in-law the artistic composition of crochet yarn interlace.  Jan proving to be a very astute study, impressing Gary’s mother by immediately mastering the much faster and satisfying  new-found art.

.  The south rear entrance of the house when located on the farm was a basically a screened in porch accessing the kitchen, a place for the farming family to shed the garments of their labor before entering the house.  Sometime during the past.  the porch was enclosed with windows and permanent door,  its private entrance,  an area ample to embrace a possible business opportunity that Jan had been considering, an in-house crochet, knitting, yarn and accessories shop.  Gary being somewhat skeptical,  but admitting his ignorance about the number of knitting and crochet advocates in the farming community.  His first concern was making the area acceptable, but Jan was already ahead of him,  having decided to approach her father asking him to apply his talent to her idea.

.  Bud agreeing to his daughter’s request,  suggesting instead of horizontal and vertical shelves, the wall console would be assembled at 45 degree angles, thus enabling a more effective means of stacking the rolls of yarn.  Bud setting to work making an unfinished entrance into a comprehensive small display room.  The shelving installed, the room painted and made ready, entrance bricks being laid as a walk from the driveway, the only thing left was the purchasing of inventory.  Gary well aware of their financial situation, pleasantly surprised when Jan mentioned that she had already talked to Marvin Ott at the Bank of Kiowa about securing a loan for the inventory.  Jan’s Yarn Basket was open for display at 3 24 north 11th Street,  a newspaper advertised grand opening announcement providing  an influx of local congratulatory customers,  their crochet, knitting and accompanying accessories needs fulfilled.

.  The Murrow Construction Company was in an expansion mode, the building of a new shop and office was in progress,  a 28 x 72 ft. shop and office being constructed to adjoin the Murrow residence at 1019 Dickinson St..   Bud acquiring and introducing a new paint distributorship to the community, Porter Paint,  a renowned application,  catering  contractor quality emulsions to prospective local and professional consumers.  The small construction company with Don Palmer as foreman thriving with increasing business opportunities, Bud having bid on a  major but very unusual construction project for the old Hardtner Achenbach Hospital that was in process of being converted into a long term facility to include the mentally challenged and handicapped.

.  The new ownership concern desiring to have the facility entrance remodeled to replicate the four column entrance to the White House in the nation’s capital.  Gary wasn’t surprised that his father-in-law would bid on such a project, as he had just completed work on another unusual undertaking, an exceeding large monolithic cross as a backdrop for the pulpit of a church in Medicine Lodge.  Bud having secured the Hardtner bid resolving some of the complexities of the project,  especially the construction of the columns, something that wasn’t a yard item at the lumber company. Gary admiring Bud’s ability to manage the paradox between his construction vocation, paint distributorship and his after work farming endeavor.

.  Gary was at awe with the increasing business at Kiowa Service,  finding the John Deere enterprise in an amplification mode,  the new assembly shop being completed, a removal of the old warehouse and loading dock,  the relic of the Feed Grinding Mill being abolished,  a new metal warehouse application constructed.   The preferred rows of displayed tractors,  now enhanced with a large consignment of the new  77 20 combines and headers,  the dealership in transposition towards  a new horizon.  The once apprentice parts person finding his mentor, Jerry Whitney mentioning that he wasn’t enthused about Miller’s combine inducement,  preferring to remain true to his focus on tractors and their accompanying accessories.  Gary very much aware of the direction and vision of the enterprising Steve Miller,  cognizance  of  the changing diversification in parts inventory, Steve arranging for him to attend a two-day John Deere Parts instructional class in Wichita.

.  The migratory green machine wheat harvesters from Canada discovering Steve Miller’s compliment of combines accessible,  their ranks capitalizing on John Deere’s volume discount,  the Custom Cutters as they were labeled,  with one party purchasing as many as five of the 77 20 harvesters.  The once proliferate tractor sales now limited mostly to local farmers, the Kiowa Service wheat harvesting combines sales reaching a broad spectrum of the Harvest trail from Texas to Minnesota.  Steve Miller’s ever broadening John Deere business  highlighting  the small community of Kiowa with Deere & Company and on the national map of commerce.  Gary witnessing the blossoming of a thriving enterprise.

The Willson family reunion

The call was unexpected,  it was Gary’s sister Nancy in Modesto California, his first thoughts being that something was wrong as he couldn’t remember her ever calling him.   The call was to inform her brother about a family reunion to be held at her home  in Modesto, the event would be a first and possibly the last, a reminder of what he already knew,  the Willson’s were not a close-knit family.  Gary’s main concern was the suddenness of the event, the fact that his oldest son and daughter lived with their mother in Oklahoma City,  plus his requesting time off from work  and throw in the financial concern.  Gary calling his ex-wife about the situation,  Kaye assuring Gary that 16-year-old Scott was capable of looking after his younger sister if they traveled by bus.  The arrangements were not exactly ideal for Scott and Marlo, but considering the circumstance it would have to do.   Gary consider all the means of transportation but because of work and the time element,  leaving on a Friday and returning on Monday,  there was but one choice,  a departure from Wichita’s Mid Continent Airport.

.  It was a first for Gary, Mid Continent seemed compact compared to Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, their Flight from Wichita to DFW uneventful.  Arriving in Dallas the family boarding  a luxurious wide-bodied Lockheed 10 11 for L A X, the second leg of their journey.   The family seated in the five seat wide center section of the craft, Gary somewhat disappointed as he knew Robert and Sandi would have enjoyed a window seat,  able to view  the passing earth below.  Once airborne Gary ventured to the rear of the 10 11 and coming upon something he would have never imagined.  The area at the rear of the plane where the seating ended was host to five lavatories in a semi-circle, and centered in front of the area was a small beverage bar,  but more important, on both sides against the outer wall, below the windows were long benches for seating.  Gary immediately realized, Robert and Sandi have found their viewing seats.

.  Once arriving in Los Angeles,  the Willson’s made their way from the Delta to the PSA and  Western Airlines terminal.  The Boeing 7 27 trip was uneventful until the approach to Oakland,  Gary having buckled Robert in the window seat,  the usual return to your seat announcement having been made,  the craft beginning its descent, Gary able to feel the slight vibration and distinguish the echoing hydraulic moan as the wing flaps were rotated down into position.   Young Robert looking out the window over the wing, being observant of what was going on, in a sudden and loud voice exclaimed   “Daddy,  the plane’s broke”.   After giving an explanation, Gary reasoned,  certainty can be a deception,  but acknowledgement is reality, especially from a four-year old.

.  Gary’s sister Kay having volunteered to  shuttle her arriving  brother and family to mom and dad’s house on McRitchie Way in Modesto,  having sold the families childhood home in Oakland.    Gary pleased to find that Scott and Marlo had already arrived,  and were staying at his sister Nancy’s house with their cousins Brian and Sarah.  The valley weather in Modesto was persistent with a shrouding damp presence fog, Gary recalling how frugal his dad was during the his youthful days when it came heating the house.   His mother acknowledging the below normal atmosphere of the house,  saying  his dad had never changed.  Gary’s sister Nancy’s foundation was exclamatory in her unmitigated preparation for the reunion,  espousing everything from dietary convenience to engaging a photographer to encapsulate this once in a lifetime momentous event.

.  Savoring the moment, taking stock of the assemblage,  the Ove’s, Katherine, husband John, their daughters,  Cindy,  Mary, Brenda and Sally.  His sister Nancy, her son and daughter, Bryan and Sarah Crowder.  Gary’s  four espoused children,  Scott,  Marlo,  Robert, and the youngest  Sandi.   The Bob and Betty Willson’s motley crew of aggrandized fortitude,  their presence an acknowledge of ancestral antecedent and the continued  succession of their Willson heritage.

.  Gary having mixed emotions about the reunion,  sensing he was more of an observer that a participant, it may well have stemmed from the fact,  he removed himself from the vicinity of the family enlisting in the Army after finishing high school and in a sense has never returned.  Gary shared and understood  his Dad’s solitary constitution,  his dad a victim of circumstance, Gary by choice.  His dad having lost his mother and father at an adolescent age, the family of seven siblings separated, the girls remanded to convents,  the boys raised in families as  wards of the state. His dad being turned out on his own when the $20 a month benefit,  ceased unable to finish high school.

.  He joined the CCC , Civilian Conservation Corps as a youth,  stationed and working in the forest of Siskiyou County building firebreaks and roads,  becoming a medic on the units ambulance service until meeting the future Mrs. Willson.  The elder Willson seemed somewhat disinclined with the effervescent of activity of the event,  almost as if not recognizing the reason for the assemblage.  The family activity with its youth was almost overwhelming at times,  the patriarch seeming to shy away from participation, but Gary’s Mother was in heaven, her extroverted presence flowing on high, elated with the convention of her family, soaring amongst the gathering,  ever absorbing the essence of this fleeting moment.

.  The reunion was in the element of conclusion,  Gary agreeing that the Willson’s were a motley crew with aggrandized fortitude, but still a symbol of  enduring heritage.  Gary and family once again traversing on a flight to Los Angeles rediscovering a  Lockheed 1011 waiting to expedite them  to Dallas.   Entertaining the flight Wichita,  Gary having thoughts about all that had transpired, concluding, a family reunion is more than a family get-to-together, it’s also a way-stop in life to “acknowledge the past” , “recognize the present” and “forecast the future”.

.  It was a Thanksgiving at the Murrow’s in Kiowa, the multifarious convergence of family on this day would alter each year,  the annual  location hosted on a yearly family residence  rotation.  The Willson family in attendance,  not surprising, the decorative meal was traditional,  a turkey with all the trimmings, inclusive with a baked ham, attesting to Bud Murrow,  the patriarch of the Kiowa family having a diversity about eating any form of poultry.

.  The  Murrow’s, Bud and Helen and their immediate family assembling with the vestiges of the Roth endowment and its Apostolic Church heritage for this celebrated day.   Gary enlisting the churches doctrine that Thanksgiving was a day of acclamation for the Lords relevance and blessings,  a proclamation for families to assemble and acknowledge their fellowship with the Lord and in doing so giving testimonial of his residency.

Included in the gathering from Kiowa was Jan’s sister Lynne and husband Shawn Johnson, their two daughters Sarah and Jamie.  Adhering from Iola Kansas was older sister Gayle, husband Steve Robb and their children, Todd and Jeanette from a previous marriage, and Shawna, Steve and Gayle’s young sibling.  Others in attendance included Uncle Raymond Roth, a Minister in the Apostolic Christian Church, wife Laverne and from Kiowa, Jan’s Uncle Charles Terry and Aunt Esther, their daughter Rita, and husband Del Meyer.

 Visiting from Metamora Illinois, Uncle Melvin Weyeneth, a direct descended of Benedict Weyeneth, the 1847 founder of America’s first Apostolic Christian Church in Lewis County New York and his wife, Leona, better known as Noni.  Also traversing from Illinois, commonly referred to as, Aunt Sis, was Helen’s sister Delma and her husband Bernard Zigenhorn from Peoria.   The congenial patronage making for a covenant of like-minded ancestry,  all having at one time partaken in  the vestiges of agriculture,  save of course the younger generation.

The regalement of comestible was capacious, a buffet line in the kitchen, enabling the abundance to be presented.  Once acquainting with the ample endowment, the adult recipients acquired seating at the two extended  provisional dining room tables with the exception of Lynne and Shawn, because of a lack of space, their presence residing with the children.  Lynne remarking, that someday she would be able to sit at the adults table.  The meal completed, the children relegated to adorned the basement, engaging in playful exercise, the women, once the kitchen duties were fulfilled, occupied the breakfast alcove adjoining the kitchen in a chronicle of conversation.  The husbandry assembling in the living room, finding complacency in a chair to lounge, revealing little interest in the annual Thanksgiving Day bastion of the National Football League, the Dallas Cowboy,  their opponent the Chicago Bears.

.  Soon after being seated before the television, the first quarter of the game having  expired, Gary discovering he was attentively alone in one respect, save for Uncle Raymond.  The adjoining living room chairs were occupied, but without a remnant of alertness,  the stoutly male members of the family, including Shawn the youngest, all journeying into the slumber land of Nod,  a rhythmic protrusion better known as snoring penetrating the aura as they dozed.  The traditional football game in conclusion,  the Cowboys winning 10 to 9,  the Murrow Family Thanksgiving also in conclusion.

.  Gary finding his presence auspicious, accomplishing an inspiring family acquaintance, experiencing the bonding of kinship, a representative model of continuity from a bygone era,  realizing in many households the garnering of family was seldom found.  The Murrow Thanksgiving, a banquet of like-minded serenity,  displacing the facades of worldly vanity,  a presence  worthy of everlasting memory.

.  The wheat harvesting season for the John Deere affiliate having slowed to a trickle Gary having decided on  a weekend journey to Oklahoma City to visit his daughter Marlo,  the trip being the inaugural road trip  for his 1950 Dodge pickup. Having never utilize the Dodge for traveling out-of-town  he garnered some concern,  not about its endurance or any unforeseen mechanical problems but obtaining the necessary  rate of advancement.   With its low-speed axle and wide open in fourth gear, the Dodge might be able to muster 55 mph,  possibly 60 with a tail wind.  It was  the temporal longevity of being on the road that was a perturbing factor, not wanting to spend an extra hour getting to his daughter house.   Deciding to embark after work on a Friday evening,  the warm Kansas summer wind blowing in as he crossed the Railroad tracks a mile south of Kiowa into Oklahoma . The steady sound of the engine keeping him company, the westward sun presenting an effervescent glow on the remnants of the once flowing fields of wheat painting a peaceful and solace picture.

.  Gary turning east at the eight mile corner onto highway 8 through Burlington, then south to Highway 11  electing to abort the alternate means thru Cherokee.  Proceeding on the unimpeded highway paralleling the north side of the Great Salt Plains Lake,  past the popular natural water flowing artesian well just off the highway.  Being familiar with its history, in 1954 Eddie Brickman, the owner of the property deciding he needed an irrigation water source,  hiring a man to dig a well.  Both the owner and the well digger being pleasantly surprised after going down only 25 feet, discovering a continuous flowing artesian water source.  Through the years, even though on private property,  owner Eddie accommodated passing visitors an accordance to fill containers with the unblemished water.

.  The jogging south 132 turnoff being noted,  the grain elevators giving notice of highway 64 and  the community of Nash Oklahoma,  a one block way stop with a convenience gas station, bar and restaurant.  Two mile east back on 132 south,  the vastness of the Oklahoma plains  encompassing the horizon until another jog east,  making an accordance with highway 81,  the southern dictate to Oklahoma City.   The Dodge was performing admirably,  the six-cylinder  flat head,  2 18 CID engine at a resonant rpm,  an appreciated motion driving breeze flowing thru the open windows as the pickup circumvented downtown Enid.  Gary on familiar territory, through Waukomis, Bison, approaching the proud community of  Hennessey,  once a booming oil town spewed with multiple yards of field equipment, nodding donkeys and an oil refinery,  it’s every present gas burn off flame lighting the night sky.

.  An article in Motor Trend magazine documented  Dover Oklahoma as a ‘speed trap’ town,  the 65 mph speed limit reduced to 25 within a quarter of a mile,  the local denizen well aware of the imperilment, a quandary to new visitors passing thru.  Entering Kingfisher with its booming 2000 population, having experienced the demise of the oilfield exploration,  but reinvented with an influx of Oklahoma City affluent personage to bolster the local economy, revitalizing the town as a  manicured and attired citadel,  complete with all the condiments of fast food, and expediency of organizational pride.

.  The final rural vestige before Oklahoma city was Okarche,  a one traffic light event community.  Gary satisfied with the Dodge’s performance,  anxious to see an end to the time consuming journey,  suddenly noticing a red flashing light in his rear-view mirror.    Aborting his progression,  pulling over to the curb,    a young police officer approached, Gary getting prepared to show him his license, insurance and registration,  but instead the young officer wanting to know where Gary was coming from and where he was going, finally asking ” Do you know why I stopped you?”.   Gary exhibited his perplexities, discerning that he wasn’t speeding, but realized he had a Kansas plate, responding that he lived Kiowa and was on his way to Oklahoma City to visit his daughter, and had no idea why he was stopped.

. The young representative of the law in a lectures voice,  asked if he was aware that the pickup was missing a tail light.  Gary thought for a minute,  then rendering an explanation, the Dodge was built with no turn signals and only one tail light,  in Kansas the pickup was legal.   The officer was hesitant,  removing himself back to his vehicle, Gary could see him in the mirror engaging the radio, returning he rendered that he had  called dispatch and  indeed Gary was right, the old Dodge with one tail light was legal.  The  ride to Oklahoma City was uneventful until venturing onto the six lane 2 40 bypass south, the Dodge at maximum speed attaining all of 55 mph,  the traffic coming up behind him at 75,  staring at the driver of the  slow-moving pickup with Kansas tags as they went around.   Gary smiling the whole time,  just knowing that in all probability,  they thought he was “farmer Brown  coming to town in his old pickup’ ,

.  Deciding to check in at the $16.95  a night Motel Six across  Meridian Ave from the Holiday Inn West.  The Holiday Inn,  Gary’s home away from home a decade ago spending four years of his life playing keyboard and piano six nights a week at the Pirates Cove Club.  Placing a call to Kaye and Marlo letting them know of his arrival, asking if there was anything special they wanted to do.  Kaye relating that Marlo had an all-girl Little League baseball game scheduled for tomorrow and thought that he might enjoy watching his daughter play.

.  The Saturday found Gary seeing his good friend Jerry Willis, wife Shirley and visiting his ex-mother-in-law Helen.   During the ballgame Gary  seated, his ex-wife pointing to lady seated some distance from them, asking if he recognized her.   Gary scrutinizing the person, finally shaking his head saying that he couldn’t place her.  Kaye laughingly saying it was Sue Mason, the girl he broke up with 18 years ago to go with her.  With another look Gary saw the resemblance, the main difference  was the weight, 17 years ago Sue and  Kaye were both a petite 105 lbs. and where Kaye remained a petite 105 , Sue had managed to add a lot of  carry-on baggage.  The trip to Oklahoma City to see his daughter provided a confidence in the Dodge, but that wasn’t his intent, concluding the reason of purpose thwarts an act of attainment.

Gary was position behind the parts counter at Kiowa Service when the person approached and asked if he could place a poster in the window.   Across the street,  the Bank of Kiowa deployed a similar broadcast,  a survey of the town,  the Daylight Donut Shop,  Randy’s Corner Drug, Gambles,  Paxton’s Drug Store,  the Ranch House restaurant,  all exclaimed the same proclamation and when the Kiowa News presented a quarter page ad,  the announcement was communicated to all,  the Ford Brothers Circus was coming to Kiowa.

An excitement inhibited the township,  a performing large tent extravaganza,  small but nation-wide traveling circus would acquaint the auspicious diminished Barber County Community.   A caravan of trucks converged on the old unkempt abandoned Kiowa High School track and football field south of town.   A subliminal message expounded for persons interested in helping with the capacious tent the assembly, the Ford Brothers Circus,  a remnant of a past era,  one of the few remaining small traveling hippodromes.

The day of performance having arrived,  Gary, Jan, Robert, Sandi and the Murrow’s  journeying to the large tent exposition,  a bountiful crowd filling the canvas shelter to capacity.  Scaffold wooden seating arrayed the ramparts of the single center ring,  with trapeze rigging adorning the scaling heights of the canopy covering.   An expectation,  an aura of anticipation could be sensed, the multitude filling the expanse of the arena,  the aroma of popcorn mixing with an air of sawdust and the odor originating from the animal husbandry.   A hushed silence,  then the Ringmaster with top hat and microphone, the resonance sound of a shrill whistle commencing the program,  the hushed silence coming to life with the Calliope music and a long standing circus presentation.

A parade introduction, commencing with the elephant’s and a very noticeable lady mounted on the world’s largest living land animal,   followed by an equestrian array of prancing regimented  horse’s,  and a disposition of pony’s, interacting with performing dog’s.  the parade continuing it’s march around the center ring, a circus automobile complete with bevy of clowns making an appearance, concluding with a scantily clad lady of the trapeze.  The Show was Inaugurated.

Gary somewhat familiar with the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus in Oklahoma City, having been privileged to a guided backstage tour with his son Scott, having meant the rigging supervisor for the Flying Caceres, an Argentine trapeze coterie a, while playing piano with Jan Lawhon at the Pirate’s Cove Club.  He found the Ford Brother Circus unique, realizing it was the essence of a dying profession and like the era of vaudeville  it would soon disappear never to return, but would remain a hallmark in the memory of many.   He discerned the duplicate roles of each performer,  the same individuals appearing in multiple presentations, their love of performing very apparent.   Robert and Sandi, awed by the enlighten performance’s,  the bareback riding,  the agility of the performing dogs,  the skill requirements of the trapeze and the antics of the clowns,  an appreciative approval by all in attendance.

The conclusion found a PA announcement for volunteers to help with the disassembly and promoting that an outside animal ride enterprise would be available for those of the younger generation.  Exiting towards the ride  concession, finding an elephant and pony rides.  Gary questioned Robert,  asking him if he wanted to mount the pachyderm, to his surprise  Robert wanted no part of being seated on an elephant,  the Father  persisted,  but no amount of coaxing would coerce the young man into addressing the trunk-laden animal.   Then a voice,  “Daddy, I want to ride the elephant”,  it was Sandi without hesitation stepping forward.  Once being helped aboard  the large ear endowed pachyderm,  a proud wide grin of satisfaction and accomplishment adorning the youngest and most likely the bravest Willson.

Gary concluding  the Kiowa presentation  of the Ford Brothers Circus was a lasting accomplishment for a deserving community and the Kiowa appreciative reception an abiding compliment to a departing craft.

E.T. star of stage, screen and Stateline Crafts

Jan Willson’s Yarn Basket didn’t acquaint its expectations,  Jan finding once you’ve fulfilled a yarn customer’s satisfaction, it might be an extended time before their application needs are apprehended again.  A diversification to the business enterprise was in discovery,  a new sweeping interest was found and with it a booming empiric bodega for its products,  the world of ceramics.   Jan’s interest was spiked,  a purchase of a small kiln,  finding in her a resonant talent, utilizing the kiln’s application  a production of ceramic items was ably produced and with it an artistic capacity for painting and glazing, a natural-born endowment was present.   With a desire to expand her knowledge and ability Jan making inquiries discovering a Wichita enrollment for professional tutelage, an enlistment in a structured class  sponsored by Duncan,  the most renowned name in ceramics.   Upon completion of the instructional classes in Wichita, a certificate of professionalism was  issued, a recognition by  Duncan as a Certified Duncan Ceramic instructor.

.  The expansion of Jan’s success  presented a manifold of complications for Gary,  his enthusiasm for her accomplishments never waning,  and with it a discovery of a larger kiln,  its use discontinued by a community center in Medicine Lodge,  a Paragon,  three stage, 22 point  5inch inner diameter,  96 hundred watt 240 volt acquisition,  requiring a 60 amp breaker,  a paramour of a kiln.  Once acquired a discern was apparent,  the application would have to be stationed in the garage, and their residence didn’t possess a 240 volt appendage.  One advantage of residing in a small community is that you pretty much know everybody, Gary visiting with Alan Hargett,  the proprietor of Alan’s Electric,  the two agreeing to meet in Gary’s  11th Street residential garage.  Alan wanting to see exactly what he had to work with and to discuss the expenditures for applying a 240 volt application for the kiln.

.   A circumstantial  happening,  Alan taking notice of Gary’s golf clubs in the garage,  the uniqueness of the pull-cart and club arrangement.  The cart, a 24 inch wide appliance that held two rows for clubs,  each individually pocketed,  with side and rear zippered compartments,  totally unlike a normal golf club cart,  which resembled a bag with wheels.   Alan was intrigued with the cart and the matched set of clubs,  offering to purchase them.  Gary golfing was nil since moving to Kiowa and he could see  Alan’s intense discernment with the golf inducement made a proposal,  the clubs and cart in exchange for the 240 volt garage installation and kiln hook-up.   Gary with a sense of melancholy sadly  exchanged his past memories of the cart and his golfing experience for the envisioned projection of his wife’s auspicious ambition.

.  The remnants of the Yarn Basket remained,  but a new designation was enhanced,  Stateline Crafts,  the endeavor fulfilling unimaginable success.  Jan’s expertise acquiring prospective students,  her work ethic surmounting an extensive inventory of the artful achievements.   Gary now involved making  numerous journeys to Wichita to purchase gallon containers of liquid slip,  the substance issued to the mold,  when solidified inundates a product, and with the increased business,  the frequent 90 mile vestige beginning to becoming a burden.  Gary coming up with a  solution rather than having to drive to Wichita,  surmising why not amalgamate his own slip by purchasing the contents of the product in bulk form, Talc,  Feldspar,  Soda Ash,  Sodium Silicate,  all available in twenty-five pound discharges.   With the purchase of the slip ingredients, his next concern about a mixing vat was answered, the original house bathtub having been replaced and was still present at the rear of the property, he had found a mixing vat.   A blending formula secured,  the adroit process of an electric drill the source of coalesce, Gary having accomplished his goal.

.  He admittedly could never achieve the proficiency of Jan in the cleaning,  sculpturing,  painting,  glazing and firing of the product that she had attained.  The blending of slip was his first art,  adjusting the ingredients,  professing an almost porcelain clarity,  the local ceramic participants aspiring his product superfluous to the commodity they could buy in Wichita.   A further endeavor intrigued Gary, the manufacturing of Molds,  again research found an acknowledgement.  His first attempt was a request from Jan’s best friend Pam Ott, Pam having brought a handled adorned soup bowl,  questioning if Gary could reproduce it.   Using the one of a kind bowl as the subject,  the three stage initial process beginning with the use of  wooden frames, molding clay and plaster, a mold was accomplished, but the final test was yet to come.  Pouring the slip into the mold to solidify, the time of reckoning, finding the mold  giving life to solidified extraction of a handled soup bowl from its cavity,  slightly smaller but an exact reproduction to be cleaned and  fired,  a new frontier was accomplished.

.  The movie E.T was the most talked about current cinema attraction, Gary having the opportunity to take Robert and Sandi during its presentation in Kiowa.  The memorabilia depicting the extraterrestrial portrayed in the film was a bestseller,  including the figurine of his likeness.  An inquiry was made at Starlight Ceramics,  the Duncan mold distributor in Wichita about E.T.,  discovering you could purchase an unfired greenware product, but because of the copyright and patent assignments, a mold of the lovable E.T. was unavailable for reproduction.   The couple proceeded to purchase an unfired greenware replica,  an unspoken concept being formulated involving Gary’s newly discovered skill of Mold production.

.  Gary always knew there was some buccaneer in him,  without hesitation,  accepting the recently fired and finished E.T. figurine from Jan,  proceeding carefully to pirate a mold for reproduction.   The mold was established, E.T. became a reality and with the purchase of brass rods, switches, cords, lamp shades  and some  expertise,  Stateline Crafts produced a host of E. T.’s and E.T. lamps,  a paramount item at the craft expositions, E.T. found a home.

.  Gary’s participation in the harvest season decamped with the wheat bedded in the silo’s,  another resolution completed,  the full complement of the John Deere service personnel once again able to perform autogenously,  no longer a paid subscriber to the needs of the Custom Harvesters.   The service department staff having been enlarged with the inauguration of the new assembly shop,  continuing with Larry Foster as service manager, Jim Pulliam,  Denny Callison,   Keith Hoffman, all mainstay diesel practitioners and an addition of Bill Duvall and Ron Zahnter.   The fall season having arrived upon the kindred land, the stubble of consequence remaining but finding its earthen substance orbited by eight, twelve, and sixteen bottom plows.

.  The tilling of the soil a  prerequisite before  commencing  the winter wheat drilling process, the insertion of the seed with the tractor-pulled  seed drilling implement.  Gary always amazed at the wheat adorned landscape during the winter months,  the frontal winds venturing down from the north,  displaying  a biting chill,  casting a cold infraction. Within the domain of the city limits the lawns of bermuda grass laid brown and dormant  but the bounding fields of winter wheat were nor,  giving notice to all,  the seedlings arising painting the winter landscape with a blanket of green, a prerequisite sign spring would prevail again.

.  Gary turning the key to the entrance of  the Service Company  at  7:00 a.m., opening the store five days a week and  alternating Saturday with Jerry Whitney.  On arrival,  a normal day  would find  farmers seated in pickups waiting but this morning was different, Steve Miller and brother John, who normally didn’t come in until later were already there.  Steve taking Gary aside promulgating that a sign be placed on the door that they would be closed until 8:30 a.m.  this morning.  Gary’s curiosity being aroused ventured a questioning expression, Steve prescribing that they were having a company meeting.

.  At 8:10, everyone assembled in the service bay area,  the group standing in silence,  Steve Miller beginning his dissertation addressing the gathering about customer service, their responsibility as representatives of the company when dealing with the public.  Moving on he addressed the shop personnel about adhering to the prescribed flat rate time especially when servicing the sales departments combines, tractors and implements

.  Continuing he said he was well aware of the extended break time that many took, he realized that the mechanics couldn’t just stop in the middle of a project to take a break but reminded them there were only two  break periods, one in the morning and one in the afternoon and although he hadn’t yet, he wasn’t above having them clock out for their breaks.  In conclusion addressing everyone, his voice raising spewing that he had noticed  the tendency of workers standing about while on the clock with a soft drink in one hand,  then  sternly reprimanding all with a statement,  “I can’t recall hiring any one hand employees”.  The meeting adjourned, the employee giving witness to Steve Millers  appropriately  stated petition

.  It was hard to believe,  if the rumor was true, an unbelievable occurrence that would resonate thru the Kiowa community.  Gary first hearing about the event from John Miller, it concerned Jerry Whitney and of all things,  Bale Feeders Jerry having ordered.  As the drawn-out story read, a farming customer purchased several service company bale feeders being stored at Fred Dumlers barn northwest of town, and when confronted with the non-payment, the person came forward with a cancelled check for the full amount.  the only disparaging quagmire being,  the check was not made out to Kiowa Service.

.  It became apparent,  after being brought to Steve Miller’s attention,  there was more to the story.  Gary having witnessed Steve in attesting to Jerry’s trust worthiness,  that he could leave his wallet with Jerry.   The whispered rumors around town persisted that  Jerry’s wife Teresa, who was the administrator for Dumler Cattle Company was someway involved,  Gary finding this all hard to believe.   Opening the store Monday morning, then being told that Jerry wouldn’t be in,  the word soon surfacing of Jerry’s resignation.  Gary was perplexed, finding it totally unbelievable, there had to be more to the story,  a person of Jerry’s unquestionable character would never be involved in an act of degradation.

.  Several days later Steve Miller  convoking Gary to his office,  and as was his habit,  probing for conviction, questioning and asking the employee to give a self appraisal in fulfilling the position vacated by Jerry.  Gary was realistic, not altogether surprised at being thrust into the management position,  given the fact that harvest was fast approaching, and it would be difficult finding a more experienced person.  Donning his best stature of  self-assurance,  he expressed his confidence,  making the parts department ready for the upcoming harvest season.  Steve suggesting that if he had any questions,  he might visit with Larry Foster the service manager about the inventory for harvest.   With the new position came an increase in salary, and new awareness of the parts managers responsibility.

.  Parts department clerk Barbara was leaving, Gary having hired Kathy Rathgeber to replace her, Kathy having originally worked for Larry Foster in the service department desiring a change ,  and was already skilled at pricing service work orders and cataloging for inventory control.  Another new person coming aboard was Craig Brattin, a very personable good nature addition,  who would work well up front in customer service. Gary remained addressing  the shop service window, having to be exact in acquainting their needs, a mistake for service call parts would find the person returning, and conveying a barrage of expletive-deleted,  a mistake was a disservice to them,  and the customer,  costing both the flat-rate scaled mechanic, and down time to the customer.    Gary when first employed had experienced the tribulation working the front counter, not knowing a plow shear  from a drill boot, giving Brattin assurance, if he needed assistance he was always available.    In essence Gary having discovered, the acquisition of knowledge in itself is more than a learning experience,   it’s an act of certitude.

.  Ron Zahnter was new to the Kiowa and the Kiowa Service Company,  an experienced  diesel mechanic, having worked at R & H Implement, the John Deere dealership in Syracuse Kansas.   Gary found him to be a quiet person, sociable when spoken to but never one to instill a conversation.  Once you got to know him, he was a very likable person, but at times did come across as one with an attitude,  Ron’s abbreviated stature at  5 foot,. 4 inches might have contributed to his demeanor.

.  Gary could identify with Ron, especially the difficult time he encountered ameliorating acceptance from his newly acquainted work constituents, it was similar to his experience until discovering a workplace adversary,  Larry Swonger.   Larry having observed the hesitant acknowledgement of the out-of-town stranger, welcoming Gary like a longtime friend.  Gary deciding to enact as adversary,  scheduling his breaks to coalesce with Ron and the other mechanics, and before long a semi congenial acceptance began to evolve for Ron.

.  It was Saturday morning,  Craig’s weekend off,  Gary aft of the Service Company parts counter when the telephone rang,  it was his wife Jan who had taken leave earlier that morning to drive to Waynoka Oklahoma,  her Chevette full of hand crafted ceramics  to participate in an arts and craft fair.  Gary somewhat puzzled about why she was calling considering the time,  she responded that she had car trouble,  but was able to make it to Waynoka and set up for the craft show.  She related, about two miles from town there was a loud noise in the engine as if something had broken,  but it remained running so she continued,  the engine temperature gauge registering H by the time she got into town.  Gary first thought was,  a fan belt had probably come off, an explanation for the noise and the temperature gauge reading, assuring her he would be on his way after closing the store at noon.  Arriving in Waynoka,  ascending the hood of the Chevette, he was confronted with a surprise,  not only was the fan belt missing , but the pulley on the harmonic balancer had departed too, explaining the loud noise Jan had heard.

.  Returning home with Jan, the Chevette abiding in Waynoka,  Gary realizing there was but  two resolutions,  towing the car with a rope or calling Keith at D and W Auto,  having their tow truck accomplish the delivery.  Mulling over the two considerations, the first being the least expensive, deciding to find someone willing to accompany him and drive his car back towing the Chevette.  He immediately eliminated calling his father-in-law,  as Bud had been through this once before with towing of ‘Ole Blue.  His second choice was Larry Swonger,  but then someone else came to mind, someone who not only could tow, but someone who could remedy the harmonic balancer pulley problem,  Ron Zahnter.   Gary calling,  finding Ron at home, briefly explaining the situation, Ron agreeing to help, but came up with a far better alternate solution.  Kiowa Service possessing both a pickup and trailer,  advocating Gary call and ask the about borrowing both to retrieve the car.    Gary placing a call to the Steve Miller residence  getting  no response,  placing  a second call to John Miller,  John answering,  telling Gary that he didn’t see a problem with him borrowing the pickup and trailer.

.  The company pickup with the attached trailer set-out for Waynoka,  Jan having related to the best of her knowledge the mile section where the experience took place.  Ron and Gary halted at the side of the road embarking from the tandem walking what they believed to be the designated mile section searching both sides of the highway for the departed pulley, but to no avail.  The two secured the Chevette in the trailer,  Ron agreeing to make some phone calls to see if he could find a used pulley but it being late Saturday afternoon and tomorrow being Sunday it would probably be Monday before he could find one.  Arriving in Kiowa Gary deciding to roll the Chevette off the trailer and leave it parked at the Kiowa Service  yard.  Ron lifting the hood taking a second look noticing that the car had air conditioning and that he wasn’t sure whether it required a double pulley or single with an add-on  accessory pulley, Gary leaving everything up to Ron.  Later Ron had discovered it took an add-on accessory pulley for the air conditioner compressor, but telling Gary, all he could find was a used single pulley, being told that it would be almost  impossible to find an accessory pulley,  new or used,  because  few of the 1 point 4 liter Chevette were AC equipped,  and in probability it would have to be ordered from Detroit.  Gary concluding,  the Chevette having propagated its appropriated duties,  it was time to hand off  its baton of  servitude to someone else, telling Ron to go ahead and put the single alternator fan pulley on, at least the car would run,  and he would trade it without a belt for the  air conditioner compressor.

.  The Willson’s  traveling in the Chevette allocating to spend Friday night in Wichita, the fall morning enticing a journey on Kellogg Avenue’s renown automobile row, the couple seeking to trade the Chevette.  Their search just getting started when Jan acknowledging a pristine looking pre-owned blue Chrysler New Yorker,  positioned on an elevated ramp extending above the other displayed automotive enticements.  Gary taking notice of the large luxury Chrysler,  but continued on Kellogg,  desiring to investigate the inventory of the other dealerships,  but  Jan’s exclamatory of the blue New Yorker persevered.  Attempting to interject some logic,  but to no avail, Gary finally realizing  that any endeavor to examine another vehicle before the Chrysler would be futile,  the Chevette reversing course,  back to the displayed exposition.

.  Halting at the dealership,  Gary was more attentive to the echelons of smaller less luxurious vehicles on the lot,  practicality of usage envisioned, but an inspection of an assortment finding a disinterested Jan, always  returning to the blue Chrysler New Yorker.  The sales person no doubt having sensed Jan’s interest,  having the New Yorker removed from its lofty perch to street level.  Without hesitation,  the lady of the household seated herself in its enhancing leather interior, Gary realized that this closer inspection was contiguous,  awaiting the next prescribed  event from the sales person,  the demonstration drive. Halting at the dealership,  Gary was more attentive to the echelons of smaller less luxurious vehicles on the lot,  practicality of usage envisioned, but an inspection of an assortment finding a disinterested Jan, always  returning to the blue Chrysler New Yorker.  The sales person no doubt having sensed Jan’s interest,  having the New Yorker removed from its lofty perch to street level.  Without hesitation,  the lady of the household seated herself in its enhancing leather interior, Gary realized that this closer inspection was contiguous,  awaiting the next prescribed  event from the sales person,  the demonstration drive.

.  Gary asking Jan if she wanted to be the one to test drive the car,  she decline, telling him to go ahead.  Gary pulled the long luscious New Yorker onto Kellogg knowing any dissuading comments would be ineffectual,  Jan had already made a decision.  The price accord session that was about to begin was a lost cause, the sales person knowing he had a sale, Gary’s only bargaining chip was the trade-in amount for the Chevette.  A company shop representative returning with the Chevette after a brief trip around the block,  giving the salesman an okay,  except for mentioning,   the air conditioner wasn’t cooling.  Gary was hesitant,  with a moment of concern,  not sure of what to say, deciding  not to confer the complete extent of the missing pulley problem, but still to be honest,  stating the air conditioner worked find,  but was missing a belt, the statement technically correct.  The New Yorker prevailed,  Jan, who turned down the offer to make the in-town test drive,  was more than willing to make the rural highway drive back to Kiowa.