When I was nine years old, my Dad, Clay Carrel, found some bikes in St. Joseph at a second hand store. There was a bike for me and a tricycle for my brother Richard and my dad’s brother John. They were in good shape and cost five dollars each. We didn’t know how to ride them but my dad told me when he got home that night he would help me learn how to use the brakes and balance the bike. My dad had a truck and hauled livestock and whatever the farmers wanted him to haul. Before the day was over, I got in a hurry and rode it not knowing how to use the brake. The ditch down by the railroad tracks stopped me. The highway went through town at that time in 1934. I got skinned up a little and the bike was put up because I didn’t wait like I was supposed to.

I got a drivers license when I was 16. I just went into the bank in Clarksdale and paid 25 cents and signed my name. We renewed them every year. I didn’t learn to drive until my husband died in 1959. I took drivers training. It was hard to explain that I had a license and couldn’t drive.

I lived in Kansas City. In about six weeks I was able to drive from Kansas City to Clarksdale. From then on I drove on trips to far and near. My folks Clay and Conne Mara and my son Mike were on the highway every summer. I still enjoy driving. It is relaxing for me. I don’t drive as far now, just local St. Joseph, Cameron and close around. I don’t drive to Kansas City, but when I want to go, my son takes me.

Phyllis Carrel Bond

Maryville, Mo.