It was a good job for a teen-ager, and I was able to bank some money to help pay for my college education. I also bought my first car, an old Dodge while employed there.
I served hot dogs, ice cream and cotton candy to hundreds of people on hot summer days. And made many good friends.
Pat Van Atta, of Oakwood also remembers NCR and Old River park in the ’50s and ’60s.
“In fact I have an unusual story about Old River,” she shared. “Even though fishing was not permitted in the park I ended up with the only fish I ever caught at the park.”
She said she and a friend rented a boat. “Half way around the lagoon we got stranded on the bank. Then we heard some noise on the floor of the boat, and it was a fish. I don’t know if I hit it with an oar or it just jumped into the boat on its own. After a few laughs the fish was back in the water and we were back floating again.”
Pat said that she also remembers fondly “the marvelous free movies at lunch time (and Saturday mornings) in the big NCR Auditorium. “Women employees were to sit in the middle section, and the men would sit in the side areas. We would always get a laugh when a new male employee, unaware of this setup, tried to sit with us ladies.”
Carl West, who now lives in Olean, N.Y., remembers the free movies on Saturday morning for the children of the city. “My sister Eden Hughes and I lived in South Park, but children came from Walnut Hills, Edgemont, West Dayton, Ohmer Park and all over,” West remembers. “Robert Kline was the master of the organ. When the movie was over all the children were given a treat — an apple or orange, or a giant cookie. At Christmas we were all given a little box with Christmas hardtack and one delicious chocolate drop.”
West remembers that NCR used some of the acreage near the park for children’s gardens.
West said he and his sister had a plot of land in the gardens assigned to them.
“Everyone who was given a garden space was also issued a notebook,” he remembers. “We made a record in the book of all the seeds and plants we were given. A garden superintendent was in a frame building near the gardens, and he told us how and when to plant. We were responsible for hoeing and weeding,”
He said that when the vegetables were ready for picking, they were asked to make a record of what was harvested.
“We raised tomatoes, green beans, spinach, and red beets. After the superintendent checked what we had, we took this bounty home. Believe me, my mother really appreciated the fresh vegetables.”
He added, “I remember my grandmother was waiting one time at the front gate with a salt shaker in her hand for a fresh tomato. When we took our goodies inside, my mother was all set to begin canning.”
West said that special garden awards were handed out. “In 1926, at the age of 13, my garden won first place. I was presented $25, which in those times was really a lot of money.”
West said, “The garden experience was a lot of work, good fun, and a rewarding experience for a young man.”
He added, “I just pray that Dayton gets museum space where memorabilia from the good days of NCR can be displayed to remind us of that early time.”
It is an unlikely scenario, but it sure would be nice if NCR donated or sold the world headquarters building, on Patterson Boulevard across from Dayton History, to the community to be used as a museum. It never hurts to dream.
Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He’d like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.
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