A step back in time

To the Editor:

I stopped at an antique shop in Peru last week and found a 1949 Rumford and surrounding town’s phone book. The first thing I did was to look up my phone number and there it was 391W. That sure was neat going back 62 years. I then began to look at the yellow pages and before I knew it I was five years old all over again.

I started to look at car dealerships and although I remembered some I surely didn’t remember them all. I want to bring you all back 62 years for a little while and see if maybe you sit back and smile about “The Good Old Days” as I did.

Do you remember Morse’s Garage? It was at 36 Congress St. They sold Willy’s and Packard’s. It seems as though there was another company at 36 Congress St. named Hanson & Joy. They also sold Packard’s. Do you remember Britton’s on Hancock Street? They sold Buick’s and Pontiac’s.

Then of course we have Israelson’s Motors that sold Chevy’s. How many of you remember Rumford Motor Sales at 486 Prospect Ave.? They sold Hudson’s. Boy would I like to have a Hudson today. Do you remember Nash Rumford, Inc.? They were on Bridge Street in Mexico. Those were strange looking little cars. How about Morrison Motors, they didn’t sell cars but they sold International Trucks.

Who can forget George W. Cummings? When I worked at Puiia Hardware and Lumber Company in the 60’s and 70’s, I remember Mr. Cummings coming over to the store with a cigar that was almost as long as he was tall. He was usually looking for Nick to try to sell him a Cadillac. He sold Dodge and Plymouth and I remember Cadillac’s over there as well.

Do we have any Ford guys out there? If we do you probably remember Turner Motor Sales on Main Street in Ridlonville. Yes, they sold Ford’s. Do you remember Times Square Garage? It was on 40 Prospect Ave. and they sold Studebakers. I saved Lazarou Motors for last because if memory serves me correctly they were the last one standing. That’s where you went to get your Chrysler or Plymouth.

Well, that’s all I have on car dealerships. I hope it took you back to a good era and you enjoyed reminiscing. I am going to read my phone book again and in a couple of weeks we can go back to memory lane together again.

Jim Rinaldo,

Rumford