Mrs

Mrs. Williams, a widow, ran the film department and was my best friend there. She was a real encourager. Her son was one of the first of the wave of MBA’s who ran the financial systems of the country. I think he was an Annapolis grad.

There was a lady who ran the pamphlet room who was a real character. Once she was mistaken for Bonnie Parker of Bonny and Clyde fame.

The building was the former First Baptist Church. It was stone outside and dark wood inside. No air conditioning so summers could be warmish. There was a fascinating circular staircase that led upstairs to the children’s library and a bunch of nooks and crannies to explore. I had my own private reading room where I could relax during my lunch hour.

My grandmother, Nora Barrett, worked for BonWit Lennon one half block away and she and I would often have lunch at the Neicners soda fountain. I could get a hamburger, fries, a coke and a piece of pie for under a dollar.