The old Victorian style building that housed Fred's News, was to say the least, odd shaped. For those that never actually stepped inside the building, it appeared somewhat normal, from the front, with two beautiful bay type windows on the second level, one dormer, complete with small arched cathedral type windows on the upper level and of course the huge plate glass "Paris Window". If you actually stood outside and admired the building, you'd notice the old-fashioned dental work adorning the roof line. At one time, in the earlier part of the twentieth century, scalloped wood shingles also adorned the upper levels. If one used the stairway on the front sidewalk, leading to the second floor, you could actual see how much the old building had settled. Although we used it mostly for storage, climbing up and down those stairs wreaked havoc with your equilibrium. In the catacombs of the basement the old flat stone foundation must of groaned a few times over the years, as the building settled into its current position. Much like the slumping posture of old age....Fred's News, now empty, still sits on the sidewalk, her glory years, now passed, but if you stop, close your eyes and listen, sweets sounds of the wonderful happy memories, might still be heard.
Inside of Fred's News has changed a number of times over the years, but the four boxed in lolly columns, supporting the weight of the upper levels, still stand solid. Although there was a time one could actually see the metal columns, Mr. Bill boxed them in with pine board, giving a much cozier look to the spacious room.
The stool closest to the pole, was a very popular stool. Depending on which side of the pole you sat, you could remain undetected, as patrons entered the restaurant. Three stoosl were beyond this pole, with the one closest to the pole,"the best". By the number of times we painted the pole during our twenty-plus year reign, you understood what a great back rest it actually was. In the early morning hours, Bill and I would sometimes have our first cup of coffee and read the newspaper, hidden from those who might want a much too early coffee or muffin. Those that knew our secret, would sneak in the back door! Whether it was long time friends Dave and Doug, or the farm boys in desperate need of food, Mr. Bill and I always obliged, the paper could be read later in the day. Mr. Bill always said...."I like to read the daily newspaper before someone drops their drink or egg yolks all over it!" Most times I take another paper from the rack and save it for later, unless someone came in "Oh man, no more papers, that's a bugger!" was the usual complaint. "Not a problem, I just happen to have one more!" I would cheerfully reply......."Mr. Bill will just have to read through the smudge marks!"
Depending on the time of day, that same stool served as a haven for many. For Johann, the Nephew....Great, who at times, wore a long coat similar to Clint Eastwood's garb in those "spaghetti western" days, it was a place to sit and pet Fred the Dog, who just might have slithered through the back entrance undetected. He would snuggle up to Johann's "High Plains Drifter" coat and let him scratch the hell out of his neck. Problem is, sometimes Fred would emerge as greasy and grimy as Johann himself. Other times, the seat would be occupied by the students from the Academy of the Holy Family, this position allowed them to consume numerous cigarettes, smoke being drawn out the back door, yet, if one of the good Sisters came in the front, they'd remain undetected. Evenings at Fred's News was a whole different crowd, yet they were all regulars. Much like stopping home at the local bar, they'd stop in for a late coffee, sometimes a meal but mostly a dessert. Ward would sit down the end, listening to the evening news or some sports program with Mr. Bill. He'd be helping with the closing procedures, emptying partial bottles of ketchup, laughing and joking with the cleaning crew. For many Fred's News was home away from home, life's problems were shared and sometimes eased by the camaraderie of it's patrons. It was....A Constant Place!
Inside of Fred's News has changed a number of times over the years, but the four boxed in lolly columns, supporting the weight of the upper levels, still stand solid. Although there was a time one could actually see the metal columns, Mr. Bill boxed them in with pine board, giving a much cozier look to the spacious room.
The stool closest to the pole, was a very popular stool. Depending on which side of the pole you sat, you could remain undetected, as patrons entered the restaurant. Three stoosl were beyond this pole, with the one closest to the pole,"the best". By the number of times we painted the pole during our twenty-plus year reign, you understood what a great back rest it actually was. In the early morning hours, Bill and I would sometimes have our first cup of coffee and read the newspaper, hidden from those who might want a much too early coffee or muffin. Those that knew our secret, would sneak in the back door! Whether it was long time friends Dave and Doug, or the farm boys in desperate need of food, Mr. Bill and I always obliged, the paper could be read later in the day. Mr. Bill always said...."I like to read the daily newspaper before someone drops their drink or egg yolks all over it!" Most times I take another paper from the rack and save it for later, unless someone came in "Oh man, no more papers, that's a bugger!" was the usual complaint. "Not a problem, I just happen to have one more!" I would cheerfully reply......."Mr. Bill will just have to read through the smudge marks!"
Depending on the time of day, that same stool served as a haven for many. For Johann, the Nephew....Great, who at times, wore a long coat similar to Clint Eastwood's garb in those "spaghetti western" days, it was a place to sit and pet Fred the Dog, who just might have slithered through the back entrance undetected. He would snuggle up to Johann's "High Plains Drifter" coat and let him scratch the hell out of his neck. Problem is, sometimes Fred would emerge as greasy and grimy as Johann himself. Other times, the seat would be occupied by the students from the Academy of the Holy Family, this position allowed them to consume numerous cigarettes, smoke being drawn out the back door, yet, if one of the good Sisters came in the front, they'd remain undetected. Evenings at Fred's News was a whole different crowd, yet they were all regulars. Much like stopping home at the local bar, they'd stop in for a late coffee, sometimes a meal but mostly a dessert. Ward would sit down the end, listening to the evening news or some sports program with Mr. Bill. He'd be helping with the closing procedures, emptying partial bottles of ketchup, laughing and joking with the cleaning crew. For many Fred's News was home away from home, life's problems were shared and sometimes eased by the camaraderie of it's patrons. It was....A Constant Place!
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