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Sunday.... The FIFTH
Al Vinson It was the summer following the end of World War Two in Europe. I was at home in Lufkin, on leave from service as a radio operator in the Merchant Marine. Still to come was a trip to the Philippines, Panama, Aruba, Brazil and France. But, for now, I was at home, where I most wanted to be. I had just returned from a trip to Italy, Greece and North Africa. Since it was my first Sunday at home, I was dressed in my uniform to attend church. I walked from our home in Oak Grove addition to Downtown Lufkin, and since I had time to kill, decided to do a little window shopping. My first stop on the tour was Gary Eaves Men's Store. I knew full well that civilian clothes were out of the question till the war ended, but it was fun to look. While dreaming of my return to "civvies," I was brought to reality by the voice of an old family friend. He said, "Allen Earl, what are you doing here. Don't you know they won't let you wear those fancy duds?" It was Roy Kurth, Senior, a local banker. He was, as usual, dressed to the nines, right down to his diamond stick pin and gold headed cane. After a brief conversation, Mr. Kurth said, "Allen Earl, let's walk down to the bank. I have something for you." We walked a block to the Lufkin National Bank. He unlocked the door and we went to his office. Opening a cabinet, Mr. Kurth selected a fifth of whiskey and handed it to me saying, "There's your welcome home present." I was expecting a key chain, but managed to stammer my appreciation for such a nice gift, and departed the bank. Outside, on the street the revelation came that I was on First Street downtown, two blocks from my church, with a fifth of whiskey in my grasp. The only place open was "The Manhattan Cafe." I walked in, and facing down the stares of the few patrons inside, explained my problem to the manager. He wrapped the fifth in a newspaper and placed it in a space under the cash register. I began breathing again, put on a saintly face and did a double time march step to the First Christian Church. After services, I picked up my gift from the Manhattan Cafe. |
 Al Vinson |
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