We spent five years cleaning our childhood home in Rush. Everyone saved everything. There was lots of trash, but also lots of "goodies" in the junk. One postcard in the collection stood out.
My grandfather, Ward Darron, and my grandmother, Flora Fielder Darron were classmates in Rush in the 1920's. The were married at the end of July of 1929.
It was a hot day in Rush, and the newlyweds did what they all do: go off on a honeymoon. Unlike today where many are off to the airport for a flight to some exotic place, the choice for those of little means back then was more practical: an automobile road trip to the Adirondacks. No doubt the car was all loaded with gas, food and camping equipment the night before as this postcard was written at 3 PM the day after the wedding. They probably hit the road first thing. Of course the roads in 1929 are not what we are used to today. There were no Interstate Highways and no New York State Thruway. Cars didn't have radial tires, so blowouts and tire wear had to be paid attention to. This was a first long trip away from home without adults. It makes sense why this postcard survived as long as it has. Parents always remember the first time that their kids went on a trip by themselves.
Grandma and grandpa had a great road trip, probably looking for signs that encouraged "car campers" like themselves when they wanted a place to camp. They would rig up a tent with the car as a support.
The car was their partner. It gave them the freedom to travel and enjoy the outdoors. They were the first generation to really "road trip" in a car.
I'm sure they hiked and probably paddled a canoe around a lake or two and had a great time without care and without great expense. The Adirondacks Park area of New York has always been a beautiful tourist destination.
It's one of the reasons that my wife and I enjoy going there so much today. It is beautiful open space that looks the same as it did back when grandma and grandpa were kids.
I always wondered what happened to the Hoffmeister's store in the postcard. Was the town a thriving place today? Or just as quaint as it was in 1929? Was there a terrible gas station or a 7-11 where the store was?
The store building is still there, but its rundown and in a bit of a revival. Maybe it will be apartments or an "Air B&B" for travelers like my grandparents. No sign of life when I was there on a weekend. Maybe I'll pay a visit again sometime to see what becomes of it.
Next door was the post office where my grandparents sent that card back in 1929. It was open and I walked in.
The regular postmaster was taking the day off, but another local postmaster was taking her place. I didn't get her name, but it seems that the regular postmaster is also the town's clerk and historian. No wonder she needed a day off. The one room contained a history display of the town and the judge’s bench, ready to try your case while you buy stamps and check your post box. I'll bet the town board meets at the table in the room too. There isn't a big internet presence for the town, so I would guess that residents just need to wander in to know what's going on. It reminded me of the Town of Rush of my youth when the library was in a closet and the Town Hall had that same kind of "all in one" experience.
Be sure to enjoy the wide open spaces and pay a visit to the Adirondacks if you can. If you do, take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints. If you drive through Hoffmeister in the future, send me a picture. They don't sell postcards anymore.