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September 1943. "A Greyhound bus trip from Louisville to Memphis and the terminals. Roberta Locker, going to Chattanooga from Elora, Tenn., to work." Co-starring Roberta's hat, an elaborate construction of netting, fabric and feathers. Photo by Esther Bubley for the Office of War Information. View full size.
"Something exciting is going to happen, and I am to be part of it!"
Long ago when I was 3 or 4 years old, my mother and I took the bus from Eugene, Oregon, to Salem to see her brothers. At that time there was a "stewardess" on the bus, in uniform. She served little sandwiches and milk. Handed out pillows and blankets. I know I didn't dream this because years later I asked my mom and she said it was common practice at that time (around 1958). And just as Gary said, we all dressed up like we were going to church.
She looks like a cute, bubbly girl. Also, the brunette two seats back looks nice. Then there's some pretty gams poking out, toward the back...
My research indicates that this is Roberta in the following obituary:
SMITH, Roberta Locker, 85, of Winchester, TN, died Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, at Sunbridge Care for Winchester. A native of Lincoln County, she was a former bookkeeper for Mead Package and was the wife of the late Marvin Smith. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. today, Sept. 20, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, where services will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be in McClure Cemetery, Huntland. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
I can afford
To board
A Chattanooga choo-choo
I've got my fare
And just a trifle to spare
(OK, it's not a train)!
What would Roberta (and the rest in this rail car) think if they could travel on the bus today? In my youth, we wore our good clothes on the bus or train; couldn't afford to fly then. Of course, today everybody seems to wear sweats or jeans, even in first class on an airliner.
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