As our family store did better, the original one was torn down to build a new one. Our parents decided it was time to build a larger home in which we could live comfortably. The same rule applied as My Dad, who taught at Desoto Elementary, needed to drive to work each day and we needed a home location in which mom could walk to work.
They ended up purchasing a lot on Rome Ave. and used Mom’s cousin, Benny, who was a contractor to build most of the house. They used customers from the store (such as Sampson’s Cabinet Shop) to do the cabinets and Woody, a person that lived across from us on Kathleen St., to do some of the floor work (such as the brick payers). Both of these people were customers at our store (along with others), that did the work or supplied materials.
It ended up being the largest house in the neighborhood (at the time) and I remember Mom saying a few people, said “They purchased the house”’ due them trading at the store and did not return. Fortunately, these were only a few customers as most continued to shop at the store; because they were used to the “great service” and the “quality of meats” found there.
Here, Mom lets me take her picture while in the backyard (she never was one for pictures). Although, she kept a busy lifestyle she always had a smile for us. Mom passed on her work like it was all part of life and made us know how worthwhile for us.
We did not move into Rome Ave., until I graduated from high school. It was a beautiful home and I know how proud our parents were to build it for our family.
They had modeled it after a home that they admired in South Tampa, but changed a few rooms due to the location of the river. Ray and I shared a bedroom, but Bobby had his own room (it was fair as he had to share when he was younger).
I got to know Ray more at this time. Bobby was younger and had his own friends like Ray. Looking back even though we shared times together, especially on family vacations to Gatlinburg, Louisiana, California, or even Washington D.C.; it seems like we never shared as much time together as it could have been. Ray and I did get times to talk before going to sleep at night, but now I wished I had spent more time with both brothers when we were younger, as the years go by so quickly!
I feel the difference in age separated us more than anything else! If we would have been closer in age, it may have made a difference in how much we did together. We all had different interest and different friends. For the most part we got along, but as brothers we had our differences as well. As we got into our late teen years, it seem like we got along better. We would always have breakfast together at the table brought home from the farm in Louisiana. The table was left behind in the barn and dad thought it would be a great table for the house (somehow he moved it from there…I believe he paid Uncle Truitt to bring it down along with some other items when he visited). Mom always believed breakfast was an important meal and we had everything from homemade pancakes, French toast, bacon, sausage and eggs, as well as grits, and many times we ate steak for breakfast.
We had many good neighbors there and most of our friends lived in the neighborhood, so it was a wonderful time. Mom and Dad lived next door to Bill and Becka. Becka would love coming over in the mornings to talk, but I could feel Mom’s anxiety as she had to get us ready for school, cook, and go to work. Many times we were still not dressed (in our boxers) and having Becka over would cause us to panic. After her many visits, we got over it!
Dad got to know our neighbor, Bill Smith, who lived behind us and later he became good friend. He was a backyard mechanic and he would work on our cars when needed.
He worked on many cars and at one time had a Ford Cobra he worked on. Michael Chamoun, my friend, and I were lucky enough at that time to go on a “test ride” with Bill in the neighborhood and we felt how powerful the car was for the times. We asked Bill to “gun” it once coming up a hill (where as younger kids we would skateboard). It seemed fast, but I thought “not really” until Bill said he was already in fourth gear; we were then impressed thinking it was slow for first and second gear, but very powerful for fourth gear.
Due to the size of the house and with both parents working, it was common for Aunt Francis to come over and clean for Mom once in a while. It was common for Aunt Jennie or Aunt Mary to visit us. Family was still close, but parties at the lake had disappeared.
We had many Thanksgiving and Christmas meals there, but vigilia di Natale was usually held at Aunt Mary’s house, as Mom worked long hard hours and did not have time to prepare for a Christmas Eve gathering. Mom did have one party while we lived on Kathleen and at the time much of our same furniture from St. Louis (including some of the red living room sets) was there. I remember the fun was having great food, talking, and the laughing that went on.
Dad (while we were at Rome) continued to improve the house. One of the things he wanted most was a fence that matched the house, so he hired a neighbor, Daniel, (who was a tile man) to build it. Somehow I was nominated to help and I remember having to dig the holes and set blocks. Guess this was to save money while the fence was being built. We did the fence in sections and many times Dad would cut the wood while Daniel and I worked on the block work. Dad showed me how to make the curve in the fence by using a string and a circular saw. Although, each piece was really a straight angle cut, by the time the section was cut, it appeared to have a curve in it. When finished it looked great, but for many years the posts were not as stable as they should have been. They were supposed to be filled solid with concrete and many of them were not. Other than that, the fence did look great and complimented the house. The fence still stands today and compliments the house as well.
Our home was the place where everyone would gather; most of our friends would come over to visit and sometimes stay to eat. Mom (of course) would feed everyone and that may have been why they were always eager to come over. I know she would sometimes get frustrated when Skippy’s brother, Ricky, would come over and peek into the pots and pans and say, “Tilly, what’s for lunch or dinner?” We never thought anything about this, but later on in life she would make comments about it, which we found to be very funny.
During this time I had my car (1965 Mustang) that I kept in the carport. I loved working on it or just cleaning or waxing it. Once I was working inside the car, under the dash with my feet up on the seat. Not sure if I was replacing a fuse, working on the radio or what, but Bobby (who was a jokester) came by the car and lit what I thought was a firecracker and threw it in the car. Not knowing that he was playing a joke; I tore out of the car as I thought it was real. Of course he was the same person that blew up mailboxes. So why wouldn’t he not place a firecracker where I was working in the car? It was only a fuse, but it was enough to scare me!
We laughed so hard when it was over, but I still remember how frightened I was to see this fuse going off in the car.
Dad loved our home on Rome Ave. It was the pride and joy for both of them, since they had worked so hard for it. On many weekends after having the well BBQ built, he would make Sunday lunches (chicken, sausage, hamburgers or steaks). No matter what he cooked, it was always great!
Dad was cooking his steak and Mom was outside for a rare picture event. These pictures were not on the same day, but it seemed right to place them side by side. They moved the wood stove from Kathleen St. to Rome Ave. and had a place built for it inside the utility room. She loved cooking on it more than Dad loved his outdoor grill! I have to say the meals were fantisistic!
When Dad’s family would visit, the favorite places to talk would be on the front porch, in the living room, or on the back porch. They really had no favorite spot; they just enjoyed the conversations about government, old friends, local news, and politics as well as life in general.
Pictured here is Dad and his brother, Von sitting (next to him) on the back porch. I’m sure they solved many world problems with their discussions!
Here Uncle Paul and Aunt Jean were visiting in the Florida room on Rome Ave. They would visit from time to time and sometimes Jean came by herself, but most of the time they came together.
Many times Nonna would visit with Aunt Jennie. Pictured here are Nonna and Roseanne in the dining area. It was always a treat to have company, especially family! When we lived on St. Louis, we would visit their house and they visited ours. When we moved to Rome Ave., they usually came over to us and for the holidays we went to their home. Nonna began living with Aunt Jennie, which were a few houses from Uncle Tommy and Aunt Mary’s house. Holiday traditions were now different as Nonno had passed and we did not have their home for celebrations any longer. Aunt Jennie sold their home and their duplexes next door. She then built her own home and took care of Nonna.
I must have been studying, since I see papers in front of me. The TV (next to me) was the first portable I ever owned. Mom won it by purchasing stock for the store from “FROG” (Florida Retail Owned Grocery), where they were members. Many times banks would give prizes for major purchases or deposits. She would take advantage of these free gifts and we would enjoy the benefits from her hard work.
The Columbus Drive Bridge
From the time we lived on St. Louis, moving to Kathleen St., and finally to Rome Ave. the Columbus Drive Bridge was a place to meet, talk, swim, fish, crab, or have an adventure. As younger kids, we sometimes met at the bridge and just talked underneath it, went fishing from the bridge, and used it to cross over to the park. Also, we would take our push carts or go play basketball in the park. As we got older, we would dive from the bridge into the water or just walk across and enjoy the river from above.
In high school, I stopped diving from the bridge after seeing a huge ray under me in the water. From that time on, I thought the next dive could land me right on top of a ray or something else! We caught many crabs from the bridge as well.
The bridge had the original track left over from the days they actually when they wanted to use cable cars in Tampa. Nonno had invested in them, but as it turns out Tampa has never been a place for mass transit. In fact, Florida has never been a place where mass transit prospered except for cabs and buses.
In the bottom left hand corner was where I threw a push cart stack from the cart into the river. It had a smoke stack that was built into the body and we had just finished racing at the park. Someone had the idea of placing straw into the pretend smoke stack, but it happened to be a bad idea. Once it caught fire, we threw the smokestack and straw into the river; so as not to cause a larger fire. To the far right is the house on Kathleen.
Horses and Motor scooters
Bobby and Ray (as we grew) up had different hobbies. I continued with boating and skiing and Ray continued from the early days of living on St. Louis with his horse shows. He was becoming an expert, receiving many trophies and blue ribbons. He showed his horse and showed for others. We did attend the place where he boarded his horse (a place close by where he kept it for years), but I do not remember seeing him in any shows. I do remember many pictures of him with his cowboy hat on at the shows he went to. I still keep his hat with me and have never let it go.
Bobby, on the other hand, was the wild one! He (somehow) talked my parents into getting a Bridgestone motorcycle. It was not powerful, but could travel about 55 miles per hour.
I never really knew how he accomplished this, but realized our parents supported each of us in different ways. They knew Ray loved horses and I loved boating, so I guess they supported Bobby with the motor cycle.
I did take it for a ride a few times and enjoyed it. It was fun and the traffic then was much less congested, than the present time, but there was always potential danger!
He kept it for a couple of years and then one day, he decided not to ride it any longer and sold it.
Here is a picture of Bobby about the time he owned the Bridgestone cycle. You can definitely see he was a “cycle-man”!
Although, this is not his cycle, it is similar other than Bobby’s cycle was red. It was produced in the 1960’s. Introduced in 1965, the 50 sport was the bike to beat in the 50 c.c. class! The top speed of his bike was in the 50-55 mph range; as I remember coming back from West Shore Mall on the interstate and holding it wide open going downhill. I finally hit 55 mph. (I think the red color matched his personality)!
Of course, I have to mention “BOSS,” our pet Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and is named for the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. What you may not figure out is what the name stood for. “Bobby-Olivero-Stafford-Senior”… I’m not sure how I ended up with that name! I do think I started it off and it caught on!
Fun Times at the Store
Since elementary age, I was always expected to work at the store. I found this to be normal and fun. There were times I put up stock, sweep the floors, or mopped. There were times I was able to go on deliveries with a co-worker, Tony Scaglione. He was older, but fun to be around. He was a hard worker and his family was struggling, but that did not change how he enjoyed life. I know Mom tried to “guide him” while he was with us and encouraged him to do better in life. When we delivered to different people’s homes he was always well received. We had a game we played when delivering to places that had air conditioning. Since it was hot during the summers and the delivery trucks never had air conditioning, we would both say “suck up the cold air” while we were inside an air conditioned building and “exhale” when we were back in the truck. We knew it would not help, but it was a way of laughing and enjoying the work that we did. He worked there only a few years, but I got to know him and respect him as a great friend at the time. He went on to work somewhere else and married Barbara Sampson, whose family traded at the store. Bobby would later work for (The Sampson’s Cabinet Shop) on the next block. Later on, they built and installed the cabinets in the home on Rome Ave.
At the original store, which was a wooden structure, we would receive deliveries. I remember the man that worked for RC Cola and made deliveries. Tony, who worked at the store and I would drive him crazy, as he must have been terrified of snakes. As he would stack the drinks on the ground from the truck, we would yell, “snake!” We would laugh each time as he would almost drop the drinks to get away from where we yelled. Afterwards, we would all laughed and continue with our work.
The small stock room and restroom was located in the back of the store. I would try my best to keep an area cleared, so deliveries could come in from the back, and be able to use the sink to wash up. We would keep the “clean aprons” there; so when we worked in the meat department we could get them. It was a small store in size, but fun to work at. On weekdays, I thought I could get away by sneaking out the back door and going out to play with my friends. It was not long before I was found (it was a small neighborhood) and I returned to work! At the time, I thought how horrible it was to work, but now I look back with fond memories of being there, enjoying the benefits of eating when and what I wanted, watching Mom do her magic at the counter, and listening to Julian explain how to do different things. Julian enjoyed having our parents as partners!
There were occasions Mom enjoyed and wanted me to enjoy in Tampa. They included the “fair” and Gasparilla. On those days I would not have to work at the store. I remember them taking me to the Gasparilla parades when I was young and later when Mom or Dad could not attend, Mom would give me money for the Florida State Fair and the Gasperilla Parade. It was fun to go to the fair and ride or look at the exhibits. There were some earlier times that Dad would take us as well.
The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, a key component of Tampa’s premier community celebration – Gasparilla Pirate Fest. The parade boasts colorful floats, bands, and of course, Jose Gaspar’s appropriately costumed swashbuckling pirates. These were always fun to watch as a child! I think Mom felt guilty about not going, but did not want us to miss it.
Years later, I participate in the Gasparilla Invasion since I was allowed to take out the boat. I realized how much fun it was to be part of the celebration, pirates, cannons, and crowds.
To read more, follow this link: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/about_us/as_seen_on/2014-childrens-gasparilla-parade-tickets-go-on-sale#ixzz2XSsOKyGv
The fair was held near downtown Tampa and as I grew up, it became larger moving to an area near Highway 301. I always preferred the first location because it was smaller and so easy to get to. I remember fondly all the fair foods that could be bought there: Italian Sausage sandwiches, ice cream on a stick, and cotton candy. Mom loved cotton candy and that would be her only request to bring some back. At one point, the store sold Italian Sausage to the fair and when it was not operating, I would sometimes deliver sausage to many of the fair operators.
Children’s Day at the fair was always fun! Sometimes while attending, you often met friends from school. Once while attending Desoto Elementary, I had the chance to be in the Children’s Parade. I was part of a group that pulled a float and I remember it was fun. It was the first time I crossed a bridge walking and I had some fears, but that did not stop me.
Mom often would be tired, and took a quick break after waiting or checking out customers, sweeping, helping with stock, or checking in supplies. As soon as she grabbed a quick stand-up lunch, she would be ready to go another round. Her face may indicate she was tired (as in this picture), as she did a lot of thinking on her breaks.
Here you see the first multi-task person in the world! She would work the register, talk to customers, check-in orders, and ring out a customer all at the same time without blinking an eye. What amazed me was that although none of the money (in the register) was organized; she could (in her head) tell you how much she sold, or if anything was missing. I would help arrange the cash and coins for her after bagging for customers, but within minutes it would be back like it was…….
It was Mom’s personality to treat everyone with respect and kindness. (This included all nationalities and races). In the late 60’s, when race riots were prevalent; it was nice to hear how the “Blacks” (as they were called in that time) would come to the store and say, “Tilly, you will never have to worry about anyone burning or destroying your store.”
Here is another photo of Mom behind the counter doing what she loved the best. I can hear her now telling the “new mom” to enjoy her babies, as they grow so fast! Most of her customers were there for life.
This picture was taken outside the store in the 1971 range. I know from my 240Z included in the picture. The Chevy van is what I had used for years to make customer and sausage deliveries to all the stores and restaurants. (Before that we delivered in a VW van and previously a 1954 Ford Station wagon). The original store was located to the right side and later torn down to become an empty lot. Later on, the lot was given to Uncle Paul for all his help with building the new store.
This is the front of the store as I remember it, with the Signage of Julian & Stafford, the Coca-Cola signs; as well as, stating we were an Italian-American store specializing in American, Polish, and Italian sausages. The building in the background was a Phillips 66 gas station (there were no self-service pumps). One day I drove up to the station with my go cart and asked the owner to fill it up. I think he managed to put in either one or two cents worth of gas. He did not seem too happy about the sale!
Dad at times would also work at the store (mostly on weekends and summers). After teaching all day, he was never excited about going in. In the early days, he would wake up early and we would go to the Farmer’s Market to buy vegetables to sell at the store. He told me about the time I climbed a huge potato stack and it collapsed on me. I must have been very young, as I do not remember it. I do remember workers there asking me if I wanted to buy a Bolita ticket, but I was only in elementary school and did not carry money (even if I had wanted to purchase one). Bolita was big in the Tampa region growing up. It was a form of gambling and the winning numbers could be obtained in the Sunday paper by the way the sports scores were laid out. I never purchased a ticket but knew of many that did.
Bolita was brought to Tampa, Florida, in the 1880s, and flourished in Ybor City’s many Latin saloons. Though the game was illegal in Florida, thousands of dollars in bribes to politicians and law enforcement officials kept the game running out in the open. The alleged king of Bolita in the 1920s, was Tampa native, Charlie Wall. Later, Italian mafiosi, Trafficante Sr. and Santo Trafficante Jr. also figured prominently in the Florida Bolita games.
Santo Trafficante, Jr. (November 15, 1914 – March 17, 1987) was one of the last of the old-time Mafia bosses in the United States. He allegedly controlled organized criminal operations in Florida and Cuba, which had previously been consolidated from several rival gangs by his father, Santo Trafficante, Sr. Reputedly, the most powerful Mafioso in Batista-Although Santo had many homes, one of them was behind Chuck Mistretta’s home in Tampa, Florida.
Secrets to Working at the Store
There was little profit in selling the groceries and meats, but we were fortunate enough to have trade from the people that owned dredge boats that dug shells from the bay. They were large crews, and the owners wanted food and meats that were not expensive. We were able to get rid of items that would soon be out of date; therefore, it helped with our profits and less would be thrown away.
The fair that came into town (once a year) was another great resource; as well, as local restaurants such as Leonard’s Bar and Licata’s.
After that, we began selling to what was called the “Big Barn” which later became “Kash & Karry”. I would sometimes make a thousand pounds of Italian Sausage in a week and then have to deliver it to their stores. We would use the VW van and when it wore out, they purchased the Chevy van. It was really fast and I enjoyed driving it from one end of town to another. The sausage was placed into a freezer that was plugged in (usually the night before) to get cold. Then we would place ten pound boxes into the freezer, so the meat would not spoil while being delivered.
There were days I would cut, grind, season, stuff, box, and deliver two or three hundred pounds of sausage. I thought on those days, the day would never end!
Here is where I spent a majority of my time. I would mix and make sausage for Kash & Karry and others, as well as keep an eye out on the smoker. Many times taking sausage out of the smoker was a treat. I would “accidently” break or drop something, so I could (in my own mind) justify eating it. Most of the time is was with Mortadella, although I was known to drop everything!
Mortadella is an Italian cured sausage, resembling bologna in size and appearance. It is made of pork that is first ground and then mashed into a paste, getting its name from the Roman word for “mortar.” A mortar and pestle were once commonly used to crush meats, fruits, and grain.
In addition to meat, Mortadella is studded with fat taken from the throat of the pig. (We used fat from a Boston butt) It is spiced with pepper, and may contain myrtle berries and coriander. (We did not use the myrtle berries) In Italy, the sausage is often studded with pistachios or pine nuts. As prepared in Italy, it is cooked for several hours at a low temperature, with low humidity. After baking, it must be refrigerated, but can keep for up to eight months.
Mortadella was and is still most frequently produced in Bologna, Italy, and it’s mentioned in records dating as far back as the 14th century. An estimated 160,000 tons are consumed in that country each year.
These receipts are to be kept within the Family at all times!
Secret seasoning for Italian sausage is as follows:
- 15 lbs of Boston butts ground once on a course setting. Fat trimmed
- 12 lbs of stew meat ground regular once
- 8 oz of salt
- 2 oz of white pepper
- 2 oz of fennel seed
- 2 oz of sugar
Usually a half gallon of cold water then mixed
It would be stuffed in sheep casing and the size was usually 20/22
Fresh Polish Sausage:
- 25 lbs of fresh cut Boston butts ground coarse and fat trimmed
- 8 oz of salt
- 8 oz of white pepper
- 8 oz of garlic
- 8 oz of sugar
Usually less than half gallon of cold water
Hog intestines were used usually the 32-35 size
Fresh American Sausage (Pan Sausage):
- 25 lbs of pork but usually with much fat ground once coarse
- 1 box of salt
- 8 oz of white pepper
- 8 oz of sage
- 2 oz of red pepper
- 2 oz of sugar
All of it mixed then added as a mixture of 2 oz per pound of pork
After mixing it was then ground once more on fine to make the patties
It could also be stuffed the same way Italian Sausage was made.
MSG, fillers, or other additives were never used in the above recipes.
Although the store in its later years did well financially, it was hard work, long hours, dedication along with long term planning, and the “do it yourself attitude” that paid off.
We had different people that worked for us, I remember in my younger days, Tony Scaglione, taught me to put up stock, learn to sweep, and help me learn the routes for deliveries knowing that one day I would take over. After he left to get a better job, we had others. One of the most memorable was Joe-Joe, who lived behind the store; (he was from Maryland) and had a funny accent. It was not uncommon for him to say “sink” and we thought he said “zinc”. He loved cars and owned a 1950 Ford convertible that was painted black by him and well maintained. He would do odd jobs around the store, sometimes for money, and sometimes for food. As for butchers we had, our Uncle Paul, who was given much credit for bringing his experiences from Chicago. Our Uncle Tommy, who owned a dairy and land on Dale Mabry, would later become a multimillionaire, by winning the 17 million dollar Lotto and selling land on Dale Mabry, but in his lean years he worked with us on weekends. He was a fun loving person who loved to joke as and work hard. We also had a butcher named Toby, but never knew when he would work; as when he got paid we would sometimes not see him for days or weeks until he sobered up.
As high school came around, I was placed more behind the counter cutting meat, making sausage, and delivering. Ray and Bobby would help on the front side.
It was a very consuming job and I disliked not having as much free time as many of my friends. None the less, I would never trade the time spent with Mom, Uncle Paul, and Julian.
Toward the end, I began to express how I thought that (as much business as we were doing) we should get help. I rarely studied in high school and my grades showed it! When I was done from work, I just wanted to unwind.
When college began, I was given more time off and allowed to study more, but while at the store I felt I was still treated like a child and not allowed to make decisions or give opinions. Working with Uncle Paul was hard, yet rewarding. I always enjoyed him and went to his house on Sundays to help him install air conditioners or whatever he needed.
Later on, times and my world were changing and by talking to others (in college), I began thinking it was time to branch out. I had a talk with Mom and told her that I felt I needed a change. I was fortunate enough to have one of my best friends, Jimmy Giovenco, who worked at Montgomery Wards, introduce me and I was quickly given a job there.
I felt relieved, but so guilty for leaving Mom at the store, as she worked day and night to provide for us! I was often reminded (in my mind) of living on St. Louis Street, when she was able to purchase a small chuck steak; as she was not working. I had mentioned that I was hungry and asked if there was more. Later on in life, Mom said due to me asking about the steak, we would never be hungry again and to her dying day she made sure all of us always had food and home cooked meals!
Love you, Mom and Dad!
I have thought many times and wondered what would have happened if I never left? I have wondered what she thought when I told her I did not want to work there anymore.
As the college years went by, I did return a few times and a couple of times after graduating, but things were not the same anymore, as life had moved on. I wanted more of my own choices and knew the world around me had changed!
Working at Montgomery Wards
Leaving the store was bitter sweet for me! Little did I know that life would begin changing so fast and so much would happen so soon. As I recall, this is one of my first experiences of growing up!
I was now in Clearwater Jr. College due to the fact my grades had suffered while in school. I did not study much spending most of my time working; and when not working I wanted to play which gave very little time to school, homework, and studying. I realized I had done wrong (not studying) when I applied for regular college and was told I would be better off going to Jr. College, as I was not prepared for college. It was an eye opener!
My parents sent me to talk to Dr. Covington that worked at the University of Tampa. Dad knew him when he attended college as, he taught Florida History. Dr. Covington would sometimes come over for a Sunday meal with us when we lived on St. Louis and I never expected to see him in my future. He was the one that suggested I attend a Jr. College first, and then apply later on, when I had a better background. I feel he gave great advice, as Jr. College was a pleasant place, a place where I learned to study, and a place that just worked for me.
Later on, after finishing Clearwater Jr. College, I too would have him as a professor for Florida History. He had written several books and I enjoyed his class.
During this time, Jimmy Giovenco, a lifelong friend helped me get the job at Montgomery Wards. He always told me how easy it was to work there and I never realized how different it would be. His manager, Fred, spoke to the manager, George, about me. I was interviewed and soon afterwards, I began to work for the department store in the plumbing area. I thought it was strange on the first day of being hired to be placed on the sales floor without any training. I did not know the products in the plumbing department and certainly did not know how to operate the registers, nor did I know how the different departments operated.
It took a few days, but since I had experience from the store, I was able to carry that experience over with me. Since there was no “formal training,” I had to ask salespeople on the floor how to punch in the register. I had experience a register, but did not realize that each department was like having your own store and you had to ring up each department on a separate key.
I soon realized my biggest asset was having the experience of working at the store; since I dealt with customers and had individual responsibilities. I soon discovered I had an ability to organize and predict future sales, which seemed to mature there. I would say even though sales came easy to me, my favorite activity was to organize the departments I worked for. I worked in the plumbing section and home improvement section, which carried many items. I was amazed at how disorganized the place was and how simple it would be to put it in order. Most of the employees (like me) were part time and was paid minimum wage. Due to this, most of them did nothing other than what they had to do and many times not even that! With my background of “ownership” I did not realize this concept was engrained in me and worked as if I owned the place. I feel this concept was probably my most important asset; when working in any job or teaching career. Later with running a Career Center, this early training gave me the skills needed to be successful in whatever I did.
As time went on, I completely organized the merchandise and within a few months had moved up to what was called a “manager trainee”. I got a raise and was proud of it! Right after that, I took over the books and began ordering the merchandise resulting in another raise.
I really enjoyed this more than selling and probably spent about half my time between sales and ordering.
The job became a social outlet for me as well. With Jimmy there, George, Bob La Chance, a Canadian, and Dave Kennedy we became very close and took breaks together when possible and went out on weekends. On Saturdays we would go to the Lincoln Restaurant on Columbus Drive where we purchased a huge meal of Mellissa steak, plantains, salad, and yucca for around $1.25. Wages would start off at $1.25 per hour and I worked myself up to $2.25 before leaving the company. The average wage when I left was around $1.65 per hour.
We would talk and plan our free time during lunch. Later on, George left and a new manager, Jim, came in with a college degree. He was very ambitious and turned the two departments into productive departments and sales increased. He and I got along well and he began using me more. He liked the way I took care of the department, my ordering, and gave me some experience with making Sunday ads for the Tribune.
I continued my work while at college and spend usually twenty to thirty hours or more at work; so I could afford my gas, lunches, and “going out” money. My parents still paid for college and materials (I was very fortunate in that respect) along with providing all the food, housing, clothing, and much more.
There were times when it was difficult to keep up with work and with school. On Saturdays, I would have access to the warehouse and lifts. There was a section dedicated to plumbing and home improvements which only contained large boxes such as water heaters. While I was back there, I would use the lifts to make a place up on the second level (where I could not be found) and that is where I would study when things were slow. I would first make my orders, doing them fast, and make sure there was employee floor coverage and then I’d go back to the warehouse in order to study.
Jim, my manager, continued with his work at Wards and it was very clear he wanted to be supervisor one day. Now I understand how well he did and realize how much he appreciated me. There were days I told him I would love to have off, as I wanted to go water skiing (my passion). I was now “assistant manager” and one of the highest paid part timers there. Because he could not give me more raises, the days I wanted to take off he would compensate me by clocking me in for the day, and he would work my shift so I would have “free time”. I did not realize how lucky I was to have someone like him that did that for me at the time.
College, times, and friends were changing! I soon discovered I did not have as much time for my grandparents as I did in the past. The few times I visited them was to help them cut the grass, or once in a while, I’d eat there. My world was expanding and I did not realize how many things would change. The people that I had held dear to my heart for so long would soon be passing.
Finally, (on my fourth year at Wards) Jim left and another manager came in. I had asked for a final raise before Jim left and it was not given. I guess for the first time, I thought to myself if I cannot get a raise and the people I had worked with are now gone; perhaps I should go work for someone else. I decided to ask for a job at Maas Brothers and got it. I went through one night of training and quit. Wards called and agreed to another raise for me and (at the time) I was the highest paid part-timer, so I decided to stay with them.
Soon afterwards, I graduate from college and the store supervisor, (of which I had never spoken to) Jim Gallagher, asked me if I wanted to take over three departments. By this time, I thought I would honor my father by going into teaching. I felt with Wards that I (would be following Jim, who was a great inspiration to me) and become a store manager. This in itself was great, but what was not appealing to me is that I never wanted to leave the area that I grew up in, the people there, family and friends, and I loved where I lived; so I politely turned him down knowing I would have made 2.5 times more than the teaching job I was to take on. During my first year of teaching, I still worked 30-40 hours a week at Wards to make up for what I thought I had lost in salary, but the stress placed me in the hospital and I soon realized that I needed to cut back on work hours.
As with working at the store, I have many pleasant memories of working my first job outside the family business; I enjoyed the many friends I made and I will never forget the love I had of both.
Working since I was in Elementary School had its disadvantages of not “playing” all the time. I now realize I had enough “play time” and the experiences with Mom and Dad, my Uncle Paul, and our partner, Julian Turlington, gave me skills that would prove to be useful my entire life!
You can never place a price on experience!
My experiences with work were great; I now realize if I could have balanced them more with studies, life could have been easier. But to this day, I have no regrets for all the experiences and hard work that I had to endure compared to many others!
I feel good work habits and skills that are learned early on, can follow you in life and help as you use them over and over.
- Pride in workmanship
- Pride in work
- Organization and planning
- Paying yourself first
- Taking care of your pennies so your dollars take care of you!