Things I Remember About Rockville

I remember a lot of neat things about the small town I grew up in... and I want to share them now, before father time takes them away (he always does).

I remember standing amongst a sea of townspeople downtown for the 1958 Sesqui-Centennial Parade and celebration. I was there with brother Stu, cousin Dwaine, Leda Clifford, Arlene Oullette, Carol Oullette and a mix of Rockville and Ellington kids who all grew up and played together.

I remember Market Street, Bud's Music Shop, the Soda Shoppe... and especially "Cheap John's" (at the top of School Street) where you could purchase an "Atom Bomb" (a mix of every flavor on the soda fountain with seltzer water) for just a nickel.

I remember "flying home" from the Palace Theatre on School Street after watching the 9th episode of the "Rocket Man" serial (a double-feature, with cartoons, serial, newsreels and coming attractions for only 12 cents... the Princess was 10 cents).

I remember playing Little League baseball for the Moose Club team (coached by John Hill, John Gill was the League President) in downtown Rockville, watching Roger Javarockus belt one into the Hockanum River and Bobby Lanz throwing the ball 95 miles an hour (well... it seemed that fast to me). The fans all sat on the gentle sloping hillside to watch... It was thrilling!

I remember the Halloween Parade of Goblins down Main Street at dusk, and dark... somehow it was not too late for us kids to be out, and our parents didn't fear the grim reaper to let us wander around this small town collecting up candy, fruit and, yes, even donuts and warm cider from perfect strangers' homes.

I remember doing my paper route in the rain on my used bike... for 2 cents a paper, delivered to your door. I thought I was a millionaire... and when I got a 50 cent tip, I had to write a "Thank you" note.

I remember days when any bad word spoken got your mouth washed out with soap... or, in my case, turpentine... Yummy!

I remember when civility was an expected behavior for all adults... doesn't seem like that long ago.

I remember when radio banned "Stagger Lee" from airplay because it merely suggested bad behavior with its lyric "there were two men gambling in the dark"... doesn't seem like that long ago.

I remember when it was a good thing to want to do something nice for your hometown... doesn't seem like that long ago.

Ah yes... the "Good Old Days" ! Then, in a blink, Rockville merged with Vernon, Market Street was leveled for a Parking Lot, the Little League field in downtown was razed for another Parking Lot, and it was all gone... In the name of "downtown revitilization" and some local developers ideas about modernizing Vernon.

Maybe we should do more "remembering" and less grandious "planning". Remember what is said about what happens if we don't remember history? We are doomed to repeat it. Let's not!

Think "historic preservation" not tear down and destroy. Think "save our historic places" not bury the past. Think "Rockville" and you'll help save Vernon.

Spoken as a private citizen... Cliff Edwards