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We have hunted and fished, swam and boated on the Pamlico River. The Pamlico was a big part of our life.

Both of the movie theaters downtown (the Rita and the Turnage) also played a big part. Back then at the two theaters you needed 25 cents to enter. You could ride your bicycle and park in the alley beside the dime store and walk into the theatre. First, you had to walk in from the side door in the alley to pick up a bag of coconut candy. 

Before that you make a date. Then you make room for your girlfriend. You had to share the bag of candy with your girlfriend.  The movie would run through twice so you got your money’s worth plus a hug and a sneaky kiss.  

I made plans over the weekend but didn’t call until Saturday. We had all day to call on Saturday and wouldn’t be interrupted unless someone on the party line interrupted our conversation. Sometimes the fire whistle went off. Daddy was a volunteer fireman and he knew the location of the fire.

We had it made and didn’t know it. They really were the best  of times. We rode bicycles all over town and nobody worried too much. We never locked our car doors when we drove somewhere  and we never locked doors at our house. Those were the days. 

They were the best of times with the best of friends in the best of places, Washington N.C. the Original Washington.