SHORT ORDER

My late wife was hired at the age of 14 to help out a friend of her family.  Romeo B. owned a "short order" shop called "The Bucket."  It was shaped like one.

The Bucket was located across from "The Continental Screw Company" which employed around 600 men who spent their days in 90 degree heat making nuts and bolts as well as screws.

Many men bought coffee before work and many more showed up at lunch break to get which was probably their most nutritious meal of the day.  This large amount of cliental was getting to be more than Romeo could handle alone. He needed someone that he could train quickly and get skillful enough to help him at lunch time.

My future bride was a "quick study" and became a big helper for Romeo almost at once.  She was able to rearrange her High School courses so that she could be available at lunch time.  (She knew a lot more than her teachers anyway.)

Eventually, Romeo got ill and this assistant took over the whole operation.  Imagine a 15-year-old girl filling lunch orders for scores of men five days a week.

Here are a few "short order" terms in use at that time: (with help from Reminisce magazine.)

Two cows, make 'em cry = Two burgers with onions. (logical, right?)

Adam and Eve on a raft = Poached eggs on toast. (my favorite)

Whiskey = rye bread.

First lady = Spare ribs.

In the alley = Served on the side.

Axle grease = butter.

Keep off the grass = Hold the Lettuce.

On wheels = To go.

Put a hat on it = Add ice cream.

Adam's ale = Water

Baby juice = Milk.

Squeeze one = Orange juice.

Houseboat = Banana split.

After a couple of years, Romeo died and The Bucket closed, allowing my pretty girl friend to accelerate her school work.

Soda Jerker

I met my friend Courtney Gilbert in 7th grade.  He was a strange dude who was misunderstood because of the way he looked and dressed.  For instance, he came to school dressed in a 3-piece suit and drove a 12 cylinder Packard, (Yes, in 7th grade.)

I've written a lot about Courtney's writings, some of which were published when he was in the eighth grade!

After eighth grade graduation, I went on to High School, and I figured that Courtney would too.  But he fooled me and got a job as a soda jerker.  Working behind a counter, he made milk shakes and banana splits 12 hours a day.

I thought that this was a big mistake = a waste of a great God-given talent..  He didn't think so and worked behind that counter long enough to join the Navy to avoid getting drafted into the Army to fight in the Korean War. 

I lost touch with Courtney.  Years later, someone sent me a newspaper clipping reporting on his drowning while digging quahogs for a New England clambake. (What a way to go.)

R.I.P., my friend.

 ..........................................................................