Grandpa always had some enterprise to keep us boys busy. I remember collecting night crawlers after dark all week and selling them in sawed off milk cartons for .25 a dozen on chilly weekend mornings.
He was also a big fan of Paul Harvey. I remember sitting around listening to his broadcast with gramps. One Sunday grandpa had a stack of GRIT newspapers and explained his plan.
Paul Harvey always did his own commercials and GRIT was one he did every week. He had a way of doing the advertisement in such a way that you felt obligated to purchase the newspaper. We sat listening to his show that day and sure enough about halfway through he did the GRIT ad. Grandpa loaded me up with papers and hustled me out the door to canvass the neighborhood. I sold all but 1 paper that day thanks to grandpas ingenuity and Pauls smooth voice.
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Did gramps also teach you to throw in a handful of "extras" to cover those that might die (although the mortality rate was extremely low)? Also would "lose count" while filling an order. Great trick. Word got out quickly that the kid on Park always gave away extra crawlers. Also earned tips that way. Made lost of spending money back in the day.
Yeah, I remember him telling us that as well. He said " if you keep your customers happy, they'll be back with their friends" he was right, of course.
I miss gramps. He always had a smile, quick wit, and a few words of wisdom for us. I always wanted to grow up to be a man he would be proud of. I can only hope he's happy with who I am.
"No blood, no broken bones, you'll be juuust fine." :)
I was lucky. As a teenager, my dad was close like a friend but wise and stern like a father. Enjoyed many glasses of butter milk along with onion sandwiches after I came home from dates.
Ray - I know my dad and I know that he is very proud of ALL his sons and grandkids. He also knew it wasn't always easy for some of you.
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