I mention the times were "sweet". Two of my fondest memories were once at about age 6 or 7 my dad put me on the L.A. train to San Francisco to see relatives. He sought out a Red Cap (usually African American elderly men who worked the train cars collecting tickets and assisting with baggage). He found a Red Cap and handed him a $20 spot…"Watch my boy please. He will let you know in San Francisco when he sees his family". A large warm black hand took mine and we together collected tickets from the passengers. I fell asleep until he shook me and said, "Are these your kin?"
Another is my memory of the Ice Man. He drove a mule and wagon. In the wagon were large blocks of ice on straw. He would always use his pik and give me a slice of ice to suck on.
Bert Goodrich knew I was lying when I said I was 16, minimum age to join his Hollywood Gym. At 14 he had Steve Reeves write my first program and keep his eye on me.
These events would be hard to duplicate in 2013/2014.
