Route 66-based story
written by OC,SH’s founder, inspired by his September 2009 Route 66 road trip
CHAPTER 25: A LONG MEETING & A VISITOR
Less than 20 minutes transpired from the time the eldest brother hung up the phone to when he steered the Caprice Classic into the town hall parking lot, with his younger sibling with him. It took them a few minutes to find a parking spot because more than just the local Route 66 Association members were there. Word had spread quickly through town that part of the local Route 66 Association’s agenda was to discuss the idea of rebuilding the town’s train depot. Since the meeting was in their town, the townsfolk decided to voice their opinions & support … in person. Also in attendance was the brothers’ sister.
The local Route 66 Association whisked through 4 agenda items in less than an hour. Then came the 5th & final agenda item … the rebuilding of the train depot … the discussion of which lasted an hour & a half. Per etiquette, the local Route 66 Association members first spoke about the proposal, then opened discussion to the public. The public spoke indeed. The shopkeeper was the 1st to the open mic, telling everyone how much a rebuilt train depot would mean in terms of showing the world how the town had been. He was careful to caution against hoping for more trains to come through the area; that wasn’t the goal. After a seemingly endless line of people spoke, mostly in favor of the project, the head of the local Route 66 Association turned everyone’s attention to the oldest brother, who voiced his support of the project & told those gathered about the plan he & his brother had for a Route 66 trip.
At the end of the meeting, the 3 siblings waited their turn to leave. Many people expressed appreciation to them for attending. Several folks advised the brothers on who & what to see along their trip.
“I guess I’ll need to step in a bit more than I thought while you’re gone, huh?” queried the sister.
“Not necessarily,” replied the eldest, as the 3 siblings approached the Caprice Classic. “I don’t think this project will be moving THAT quickly.”
His sister shook her head. “I don’t know. Your idea to rebuild the train depot sure seems to be picking up steam….”
“Pun intended, sis?” interrupted the youngest brother, chuckling.
“…& I’d hate to see it stall while you’re gone,” continued the middle sibling, ignoring her younger brother, “…especially if the State decides it doesn’t like the idea….”
“Well, if you want to help, that’d be great,” replied the eldest. “We can talk more about it before we leave town. Right now, I know you need to get home, & I’m tired.”
With that, the siblings said their goodbyes, & the sister drove home to her family. The eldest was looking forward to a good night sleep when he & his youngest brother arrived home, but as he steered into his driveway, the Caprice Classic’s headlights illuminated another old car parked in the driveway.