The Corral
Jacques rented a parking space in the large fenced in yard of our
neighbor one house up from our house. 364 South 11st. This house
used to belong to a family named King's. Mr. King owned a construction
company and used to park all his heavy equipment in this large fenced
yard/lot. The King’s house was definitely one of the prettiest houses
on the block, it was apparent that an architect was employed in
its construction. It was the only house that had the “Leave it to
Beaver" fifties style to it. Light gray stones that had perfect
masonry joints between them made up the front of the three story
house.
On a late sunny afternoon with the sun going down, little spackles
could be seen in reflecting in the stone work. The front windows
all had light green aluminum sills that set them nicely with the
stone frontage. The front door had 3 small panes of glass one above
the other set at parallel angles, the door itself was made of light
blond varnished wood. A very rich and fancy looking wrought iron
railing decorated the front porch again not matching any other houses
on the block.
Looking through the large pillared gates leading to the Lot/backyard
there was an island framed by cobblestone edging next to the house
that had a magnificent beautiful pink tulip tree. Along the fence
facing the street grew pussy willows and yellow forsythia’s which
give a park like setting to the side yard. The back of the house
had a fenced in upper deck for lounging – "Sunbathing".
When the Kings lived there I would sometimes see their daughter
Joyce take in some rays up there. Yes this house would look good
in Hollywood California, especially when Joyce pulled in with her
New 61 T-Bird. Well the King’s had vacated our block like so many
of our original neighbors did over the years – I guess they all
moved to greener pastures – we stayed put.
The new owner was a Southern black gentleman. He owned hunting
dogs and kept them in the fenced in yard. I got to know him when
my older brother Pierre parked his first car there (A French Car
– Renault = Tin Can) He was a knowledgeable man very patient and
would answer all my questions that I would ask of him. I liked him,
he had no pretences about him – what you saw is what you got, not
a phony.
Now he’s second tenant Jacques was quite different from brother
Pierre, quite is really is not the word --- A whole lot different
and the southern man would soon find out how different!
Coming Up - The South 11st Mechanics
John Desranlesu is a Car Show Photographer.
You can view his work at:
http://community.webshots.com/user/foxbat008
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