Paw Paw Didn't Have T.V.,

By

Michael Poole

Copyright (c) 1991

All Rights Reserved

Printed in U.S.A.

(Back Cover)

About The Title:

Paw Paw is the affectionate

name used by the grandchildren

of Olin Poole.

* * *

He was undisciplined

during a time of

change. He saw hard

times and experienced

life. He learned

life has its own

disciplines.

Introduction

I recall many things during my youth, but the best of times was when my farther told me of his adventures as a boy.

The author wishes to convey both humor and tragedy. As in life, if one dwells on tragedy they may not experience humor.

On these few pages are stories occurring for the most part within a thirty mile radius.

It was called "Hard Times", but it was a time for learning...

CONTENTS

Indian Mountain

The Epidemic

The Family Cow

The First Toy

Old Red

The First Henry Ford Model T

Papa's Encounter

The First Airplane

Poke Berries

The Liquor Stills

Moving To Rock Run

The Railroad Workers

The Big Bang

Flips

The Water Spout

Uncle Bill Poole

The Accident

Rumors

The Old Frost's Place

Piedmont, Alabama

A Sad Time

The Lumpkin Farm

Papa's Gone

Adam's Shop

Prospect, Alabama

The Jim Ellis Farm

Young Valley, Georgia

The Traveling Salesman

Gosion Valley, Alabama

Atlanta, Georgia

Indian Mountain

Olin (no middle initial) Poole was born at the base of Indian Mountain in Cherokee County, Alabama, on April 15, 1915. Ten months earlier, Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife had been assassinated. On December 7, 1914 the United States declared war on Austria and Hungary, marking the beginning of World War I. The entire nation was singing, "Over there, over there we won't be coming home until the war is over, over there."

Olin, the son of Brice Bartow Poole and Charity Estelle Trotter came from a large family. In all, there were nine brothers and sisters: Olice, Opal, Otis, Olin, Ovia, Orman, Oree, Oliver, and O'Reece. I have never understood the fascination with the letter "O". Many different ideas came to mind. Once I even speculated that Charity waited until the moment of childbirth to name the children.

Olin remembers the end of World War I; he has said it was a tiny wrinkle in his memory, the elaborate noisy celebration of joy. People fired their single barrel shotguns, threw kitchen pans in the air, and rang the large dinner bells. The bells were mounted on tall poles and were high enough so that only the grown ups could reach the ropes. They were normally used to communicate with other families when danger was present or help was needed. These were miners, normally a very quiet, reserved group of people. They knew the solitude of the mountain. Their actions alone during this celebration were enough to make one take notice. Looking around, Olin knew right away that something very unusual was happening in the little town.

The little valley was home for some four hundred families who rented mining shacks from the Rock Run Mining Company. The mining of low grade iron ore and bauxite from the mines was the primary means of support. The average miner's wage was two dollars a day, paid in Rock Run Mining Company script. This script could only be used to pay rent on the company owned shacks and to buy goods at the Rock Run Mining Company Store. Farm hands and other similar types of workers were receiving fifty cents a day. While this was only one fourth the amount miners were paid, they were free to spend it wherever they chose.

Rock Run, Alabama, is located due west at the base of Indian Mountain. The unusual name describes the path the railroad took to pick up the ore carved out of the mountain. When visiting the mountain today, one can see the large holes left after the mines shut down. Many of the pits have filled with ground water and underground springs, forming a picturesque view of assorted colors. There are pine trees now, and white oaks mixed with mountain oaks where once was only a stripped mountain. It's difficult to imagine so many families living and working in the area. The overgrown roads and occasional pile of iron ore are the only remnants of mining days.

The Epidemic

Immediately following World War I, an epidemic of influenza killed many people, leaving others too weak or sick to bury the dead. It seemed as if a plague had descended on the mountain and its people. Then diphtheria took its toll and the outbreak of the dreaded disease known as cholera. Throughout the Southeast, children died by the thousands.

Olin recalls, "Our little sister Oree, whom we called Angel, was stricken with the unpredictable malady." His mother prayed all night and far into the following day for her children. Holding her weak trembling hands high above her head, she prayed, "Oh God, not for my sake but for all these little children's sake."

While none of Olin's family died during this dark time, Angel was never again strong. She lived only a year.

In time, the survivors of the plagues recovered and began putting their lives back together. Many of the small graves have now been long forgotten.

The Family Cow Jersey

Jersey the family cow was indeed an asset. "She provided so much for us", Olin recalls.

One hot summer day when Olin was three years old, Old Charlie Langston stopped by the house. Now, Old Charlie Langston wasn't really old, but everyone called him that behind his back because no one trusted him. He had a reputation for doing practically anything to benefit himself. Old Charlie, on this particular day, offered some money to Olin's mama for Jersey. She told Old Charlie that she would have to talk to her husband when he got home from work. Papa wasn't interested in selling the cow, just didn't want to talk about it.

A couple of days went by and Old Charlie came by again and Mama explained to him that he would have to talk to Brice. When Papa returned from the mines Mama explained to Papa that Old Charlie had come by again. Another day went by, but this time Old Charlie waited until Papa returned from work. Papa simply said he wasn't interested in selling the cow, turned around and walked back into the house. Everyone thought that would be the end of that.

Olin was playing on the floor of the house when Papa returned the next day. He had noticed that Mama was nervous all afternoon, but didn't know what was wrong. Charity jumped up and ran over to Papa and said, "That Old Charlie Langston cut our fence and stole our cow." Papa didn't say a word. He reached up over the door and lifted the gun which always hung there and went outside. Papa never did say a lot, you might say he was a man with few words. He just didn't like to talk. A few minutes later he was walking back to the house with Jersey. We never did know what happened that day or what Papa did to get the cow back. No one talked about it and Old Charlie Langston never came around again.

The First Toy

When he was four, Olin received his first toy. The Christmas present was a long handled cart with a red body and two blue wheels and a bell that chimed. It was the prettiest thing he had ever seen and he marveled that it was his. He could not take his eyes off the cart and imagined himself pulling it laden with rocks as if he were a horse and wagon. His mother and father took great pride in his joy.

That year was a memorable one, a White Christmas. To the south, the mountains stood like giant snowmen. The trees had a thick crust of ice and snow; everything was white. Memorable too, because Olin had the measles. Even at the age of four Olin was feeling the need for adventure. Covered with measles, he lifted the wooden latch on the front door. He released the rope slowly, keeping the latch from making any noise as he shut the door. With his cart Olin started up the icy mountain. Near the house the grade wasn't very steep but before he climbed very far, his first adventure was cut short. His mother missed him and ran outside calling, "Olin!", "Olin!". He answered, "I'm not very far away." When she heard him she quickly ran to get him. She asked, "What in the world are you doing up here in the deep snow?" Olin felt sure that his mother was going to spank him for getting the new toy wet and dirty. He started to explain that his cart was not broken. "My Lord's sakes, it's not the toy I am worried about!" she cried. "It's your bare feet and you with the measles, too!"

At that time Olin had never owned a pair of shoes. His feet were toughened and not having shoes didn't seem to be a problem to him. His mother hurried him into the cabin and bundled him up to get him warm. Olin recalls that he survived that Christmas with no complications.

Old Red

Olin's hound dog Old Red was loved by everyone in the family. His friendly ways made him a real joy to have around.

One fine summer day Olin and his hound dog were walking through a field near dense woods. Old Red picked up the scent of a cotton tail rabbit. Olin yelled, "You can catch him Red. You can run faster than any old rabbit in the world!" So the chase was on. Olin could tell from the barking that the race was just about over. He felt sure Old Red would be bringing his reward home in his mouth as usual. When the barking stopped, he thought to himself, "Boy! He got him."

Olin stood at the edge of the corn field waiting for Old Red to return. He wanted to tell him that he was the best rabbit hound in the world. Sundown approached and Old Red hadn't returned. The shadows soon turned into darkness and in a short time Olin was fast asleep on the ground.

Using kerosene lamps Mama and Papa found Olin. He was sleeping and crying at the same time. His parents awakened him and wiped the dirt and muddy tears from his face. They were glad to see him but curious as to why he was out so long after dark, crying as though his heart was broken. Through his tears Olin told Mama and Papa about Old Red. He wept as he described the rabbit chase, "I know he caught him, but he didn't bring the rabbit to me," he sobbed, "I called and I called, but Old Red never answered."

Every family member old enough to carry a lantern set out to search for Old Red each taking a slightly different direction. They all searched well into the night, but Old Red could not be found.

Eventually, everyone returned home and retired for the night. Olin dreamed that Old Red was in trouble somewhere, but he didn't know where. Next morning, he set out before breakfast, determined to find the dog. Old Red had never let Olin down, and Olin didn't intend to let him down either.

Olin walked and stumbled around nearly all day, looking in every test hole he could remember. The test holes were deep pits approximately eight feet square and fifteen or twenty feet deep. They were used to locate the bauxite ore from which aluminum is made. Olin had given up all hope when he suddenly remembered a test hole that he had not checked. He ran straight to the hole. It was a cloudy day, but when he reached the hole a shaft of sunlight was shining into it. As he leaned over to look, he saw Old Red. "Hi Old Red!", he cried. Old Red started whining for help. Olin ran straight for home and started yelling, "I've found Old Red!" "I've found Old Red!" He yelled so loud the neighbors could hear him. When he started jumping up and down, his mama said, "Quieten down now, we'll rescue Old Red."

They had an old homemade ladder that was used to climb up on the roof to put out small fires that started from the rock and mud packed fireplace. Everyone grabbed a hold of the ladder and headed for the hole.

When they reached the hole and put the ladder in place, everyone asked "Who's going down in that snake pit?" Olin replied, "I'm not afraid of snakes. I'll go down." Just as he said that, Old Red began climbing the ladder. The dog and Olin were so glad to see each other. Several minutes passed before everyone could calm themselves. The kids were getting ready to pull the ladder from the hole when Olin noticed something in the dark wet pit and climbed down the ladder. The cotton tail rabbit had fallen into the hole with Old Red and didn't have a mark on him. Olin picked the rabbit up and climbed the ladder. When he reached the top he turned the rabbit loose. As the rabbit hopped off into the brush, Old Red watched and didn't seem to mind a bit.

The First Henry Ford Model T

One hot summer day Otis and Olin were playing chase through the house. They ran inside, then out, and finally onto the front porch. Occasionally a breeze stirred on the mountain and whistled through the trees. They played every game they could think of that morning including a bit of wrestling. Clouds of dust kicked up as they scuffled.

Through the woods they heard a faint grinding noise mixed with a ticking sound. Neither of the boys had any idea what was causing the sound and their shenanigans abruptly halted. The grinding, ticking noises were gradually getting closer, approaching the house. The boys looked at each other in surprise, wondering what could be making all that racket. Looking through the trees where the road turned, they could just faintly make out a black shape. The first thing they saw as it came around the turn was two large burning eyes. The thing also had a nose and a very large mouth. Sure fear struck the boys for they had never seen anything like this. Otis stumbled as he turned, falling to the ground. The thing with burning eyes was coming toward the house! In mere seconds, Otis hit the steps, stumbled again, and crashed into the porch. Running and crawling, Otis made it to the door, jumped inside, and ran past Mama. She watched, amazed, as he crawled into the fireplace and shot all the way to the back. Black soot clouds were forming around the front of the fireplace. Mama had been inside and did not hear the thing coming toward the house. She had no idea what was causing Otis to act this way and attempted to coax him from the fireplace. He refused to come out and remained there, trembling for some time, terrified of the thing outside.

Olin remained outside, more curious than scared, to watch the automobile roll up to the house. The driver was Mama's brother Jim Trotter. Mama rushed outside to see what was causing her son to hide in the fireplace.

When Mama saw Uncle Jim Trotter (as all the kids called him) she waved and asked, "What did you go off and buy now?" Then she turned and went into the house to get Otis. It took a while, but they finally convinced Otis that it was only Uncle Jim Trotter, and he could safely come outside.

They spent several hours looking at the Henry Ford Model T (Touring) automobile. It was truly a marvel to behold. Uncle Jim Trotter explained to Mama that he was going to use it in his business. You see, he was a bootlegger during prohibition days. Uncle Jim made liquor during the week and then preached in the local church on Sunday.

He was very proud of his Model T, and was often seen driving it over the mountain roads. Unfortunately the Model T was not engineered to last forever. The crank shaft did not have bearings, so a substance called babber was melted, poured around the crank shaft, and allowed to harden. This in turn formed the bearing. A major flaw in the design was that the engine failed after a short period of time.

Few people owned a Model T, and even fewer knew how to repair them when the machines broke. Uncle Jim Trotter could not bear to part with his Model T even when it no longer ran. He hitched a pair of mules to the front and knocked out the windshield to reach the reins.

For several years Uncle Jim Trotter drove the Henry Ford Model T, pulled by a pair of mules. One hand held the reins while the other steered the vehicle.

Papa's Encounter

Papa worked at the mines from sunup to sundown. As soon as the sun touched the top of the mountain, the working day ended. This allowed the miners time to get home while partial light existed since many of the men did not carry kerosene lamps. If they stayed out too long past sundown, they could be injured stumbling down the road to get home.

Many of the men who worked the mines were related in some way. After work they took a few minutes to discuss local happenings, the company and other similar topics. On this particular evening Papa struck up a conversation with one of his friends, which kept him longer than usual. This was a rare thing for Papa, for he seldom had much to say.

Shortly thereafter Papa found himself walking alone down a dark and rocky road. Every step he took might cause him to stumble so the trip home was taking much longer than normal. Finally he reached the main road and headed home. While this road was not as rough, it did have an occasional large rock which Papa seemed to find. Down the road he stumbled until he came to some low overhanging limbs. He gratefully realized that he was halfway home.

Without warning an animal leaped from the branches onto Papa's left shoulder. The shadows had long since passed into darkness and Papa could not see the animal. Having no idea what it was, he stood motionless in the road. He didn't dare move for it might attack.

Papa suddenly recalled a conversation he had overheard that day. Some of the men had seen a raccoon which appeared to have rabies. In a split second the details of that conversation ran through his mind.

Could this be the same raccoon? Fear coursed through his body as if hope no longer existed for him. There was no doctor within a day's travel, and even if he could get to a doctor he didn't know if he would survive. Being bitten by a rabid animal was almost certain death. Papa had no idea what to do. The animal had landed on his left shoulder. One nibble on the ear would allow the infection to enter his bloodstream. Papa leaned his head as far to the right as possible, increasing the distance between his ear and the animal as much as he could without provoking it to bite. As he did this, the animal dug in deeper with its claws, getting a better hold. Papa felt the claws pierce his coat. He knew the animal had a good hold and wasn't about to let go. Any attempt to swat the thing would be futile. Even if he tried, violent movement might provoke the animal to attack. Papa didn't know what to do. The fear had multiplied ten times by now. Then the idea came to him that maybe he could use a large stick to strike the animal. He knew that to do this, he would have to move and that was something he didn't want to do. Very carefully, with his head tilted far to the right, Papa took his first step. He just knew the thing was going to attack, but it didn't. Then he took another step, and another until he was away from the over hanging limbs. Ahead of him, the woods cleared and there were large fields on both sides of the road.

Any chance of finding a large limb or stick was now hopeless. So Papa, with his head tilted to the right, continued to walk down the road, each step as cautious as the one before. He could feel the animal breathing on his neck. Over and over he planned what was he going to do when he got home. As soon as he opened the front door, he would reach up and get the gun and shoot this rabid raccoon.

At last, Papa made it to the front porch and slowly opened the door. His head was still tilted to the far right. He was ghostly pale.

All the children were sitting around on the floor when Papa got home that night. Just as he reached the gun, they looked up and shouted, "Papa! Papa! Where did you get the cat?" The kids rushed over and the brindled tom cat jumped down. They petted the cat, and fed him some milk and bread while Papa tried, with much difficulty, to straighten his neck.

The kids called the cat Old Tom and he stayed with the family for nearly ten years.

The First Airplane

By the time Olin was four he was well established with the mountain. Each day brought him a new adventure. He was well accustomed to leaving the house in the early morning hours and not returning until the late afternoon.

During the fall of that year, the leaves were just beginning to change for the season. The wind was blowing, not brisk but just an occasional gust, which hinted that cooler weather was around the corner.

Olin's morning ritual would take him down the road to the mines. The journey took several minutes to complete. He was amazed with the men working with the machinery. After he found the entrance to the mines, he slipped around to the sides to watch. Olin didn't like to be chased off for he always enjoyed seeing the steam engine. The pit was over half a mile long and a cable stretched all the way across it. An ore car was connected at the end of the cable. After the men filled the car with iron ore, the steam engine pulled the cable with a large steel spool. The ore car started rolling down the railroad style rails up to the walls of the pit. The steam engine would then pull the car to the top of the pit.

What happened next always amazed Olin. As the car reached the top of the pit, it dumped into a mule driven mining car. Then it started its journey back into the pit, and the mule, without being coaxed, started his journey pulling the mining car. The mule had a well beaten path that it took while pulling the car down the rails. As soon as it was time to dump the load, he would turn to the right which disconnected his harness from the car. The mining car started rolling downhill until it was triggered to release its load. The mule waited to be reconnected to the car to make its journey back to the top of the pit, and the cycle started again.

After a few hours of watching the men at work, Olin decided to walk back toward the house. He walked down the road and ended up at a large field. The tall grass was waving and tossing as the wind touched the tips. Without warning, his normal ritual took a different direction that day, and he proceeded to cross the large field. By now the sun had warmed the day which made it very pleasant. An occasional grasshopper hopped away as he walked by; the cool weather had not forced some of them to hide.

As he found himself in the middle of the field he realized no one could be seen. It was as though he was the only person on earth and he was exploring it for the first time.

He noticed a section of the woods that he had not explored before and started in that direction. As he walked he could hear a buzzing sound and at first he thought it might be coming from the mines. However, the sound was beginning to get louder. At the time it didn't seem to be important and he proceeded toward the woods, but the buzzing sound was getting louder with each step he took. The sound now was something to think about for it totally distracted him and he began to look around. He first looked up, then down the road. Nothing could be seen; there was nothing on the roads. This was indeed a puzzle for now the sound was even louder. Olin looked up and his first impression was one of amazement for he had never seen a flying toy before. He just knew that this marvelous toy had gotten away from its owner and was caught in the wind. At first he watched, then he looked around to see if the person that owned this flying toy was nearby. As he looked and searched, to his surprise no one could be found. He knew that when this little toy came down it would be his.

He knew he must follow this toy, so he started running across the field, taking a different direction than he had first planned. He ran as hard as he could. With each step he knew he was getting closer and closer to his new toy. It looked as though he could almost reach up and touch it. Harder and harder he ran for he knew that when he got the toy, he would be the only one on the mountain with one. Closer and closer he was getting; he was running as fast as he could, looking up as he ran. Then suddenly it felt as if someone had hit him in his chest with a baseball bat. He had stopped abruptly and was on the ground. He had run head on into a barbed wire fence. His cuts and bruises took weeks to heal, but at the time didn't seem to be important. Each breath was getting a little easier now, for the impact surely knocked the wind out of him.

Olin was sitting on the ground and looking up as the airplane flew over the mountain. To this day, he has never really liked planes.

Continue to section 2.

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