Old Brick Store

I lived, in the house directly behind the Old Brick Store, which Grandpa owned. I was quite young - specifically, age 3-7 (1972-1976). I don't have many memories from this period that specifically relate to the store, but a few come to mind. One is Grandpa's addition of a real peanut butter machine, which impressed me because I loved peanut butter. I remember he was quite proud of it, and gave it a prominent spot .. right there on the front counter by the cash machine at the entrance. It had a glass enclosure that let you see the peanut butter being churned, and dispensed on the front. I believe the customers would fill the jar or cup themselves before paying. My other memory is of the events surrounding my earliest (and only, to this day) experience being a thief. I had recently stolen some magic markers from the back seat of my Aunt Becky's car, and gotten away with it so far, so decided to try my hand at stealing something bigger .. a straw 'cowboy' hat, for sale for $2.00 from a low shelf in the back corner of The Old Brick Store. I don't think I had my eye on it specifically to start, but merely walked the store to see what caught my eye. I hid the hat, and the magic markers in the tall grass between the store and our house, where they were uncovered by Dad within days as he was weed wacking (I remember watching him nervously, knowing it was just a matter of time). I think he was the one most upset with me, and insisted I repay the debt. He explained to me that Grandpa owned the store, and by stealing from the store I was stealing from him. Aunt Becky visible showed me her disappointment (I remember her saying "I can't believe you stole from me, T.D., but I still love you", and consciously giving me glances with a sad face for days, which was effective .. it made me feel terribly guilty, and I never wanted to steal again after that. I recall being assured that Grandpa was disappointed in me, but he never showed it. He forgave my debt immediately and insisted he didn't want to hear another word about it. I think he asked me "You'll never do it again, right", and I shook my head in the affirmative, and he said "Then that's that".

For a short time I worked at the Old Brick Store while pregnant with Nicholas and still living on Elm Street right behind the Brick Store. Holly Whitten-5