| Arthur Smith and The Crackerjacks - Do You Remember???? |
| When I was a young kid, my dad worked at JP Stevens Hannah Picket textile plant in East Rockingham. He slaved away day in and day out at this mill - mostly on the second shift. He worked in what they called the dry finishing room. I would get to go up and visit with him at times while he was working. Sometimes he would take me down to the weaving room - boy, was it noisy down there. I guess at the time, a lot of people living in Rockingham and surrounding areas worked in textile mills. But every so often the mill employees were treated to a picnic paid for by the company. The picnic that stands out in my mind was when Arthur Smith and the Crackerjacks appeared there. About the only time you would see this group was on Channel 3 or Channel 13, Charlotte or Florence. It was a real treat to see them live..in person...in our small town. They put on a great show - Brother Ralph, Arthur Smith, Tommy Fale and of course, Little Wayne Haas. (I hope I spelled their names correctly). I used to watch them on TV regularly and it was really something to see them in person. When the show was over, we got to meet some of the personalities and shake their hands. Tommy Fale was my favorite - because he had the deep voice and was tall and lanky, kinda like me. Brother Ralph was the funny one of the group but I believe he passed away a few years ago. Seems that all the girls liked Little Wayne Haas. I remember also that across from the plant was a company store. Dad used to take us there and buy us shoes, etc. During that era East Rockingham had a booming economy. But now, the mill has closed and weeds are growing. I guess this is what you call progress but it seems a shame sometime that a lot of the old landmarks are going away. That's why I keep adding to this list of memories....hoping to keep some of them alive for others to reflect on. |
| So, as the Train of Life keeps chugging along, another page written of my Childhood Memories of.... Rockingham Remembered. |
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