(As I mentioned in my last post...mom got a little confused with the sequence of events, so the next couple of posts will help to clarify things a bit - thanks Larry for your help)  The Tollison family is still living on Ruth Street, and Willie is working for National Life Insurance, walking his route in the vicinity where he lives.  He worked at a hardware store during this time as well.  He hasn't quite yet found the house on Murray Lane, but definitely will someday soon.
Willie and Helen found out about a duplex that was located on Matthews Street, just around the corner from where they were living on Ruth.  They found out about the place from their good friends, the Alfreds.  The Alfreds were aware of the empty duplex because they lived on the other side of that same duplex.  Willie and Helen thought this would be a good place to live, being close to their good friends and quite a bit nicer than the place they were.  It had a bathroom indoors, which they had been living without since they moved into the house on Ruth. They eventually wanted a house with a yard where the kids could play, and a garden spot for Willie.  That would happen someday, but for now the duplex would be there home.

There are such good memories at the duplex, one of which was Larry deciding that the family needed a television.  He still had his bicycle that he had gotten for Christmas.  He wanted a way to make extra money and decided to put that bike to good use by starting to deliver papers. It was a great opportunity for Larry, being the oldest in the family to be able to help out by bringing in a little extra cash.  One of the ways that he wanted to help out was bringing home a 17" black and white television from PJ's Hardware and Appliance that the whole family could enjoy.  When he brought that t.v. home, it was a surprise to his mom and dad, but he assured them that he would help them pay for it, which he did.  When he couldn't make a payment though, mom and dad made it because they were enjoying having it as much as he was.

How exciting to finally have a television!  Who cares that the antenna cost more than the t.v. and who cares that you could only get 2 snowy channels at best.  It was a TELEVISION for pete's sake and this family had one now, and they were going to see what was happening in other places... other than in their "little" world on Matthews Street.  Their little world consisted of Mom and Dad working a lot, and the little kids being watched by Sondra and Larry while they were gone.  Being the oldest girl meant that Sondra would have to do most of the main chores with Larry getting out of them as much as possible.  Even though it was hectic at times, these kids sure loved each other, and took care of one another..the oldest down to the youngest.

When Larry brought the t.v. in and turned it on for the first time, everyone was kind of in awe.  It was so exciting to have one of these contraptions that they had only seen in the downtown store windows sitting on a table in their living room. You had to have an outside antenna to get reception, and theirs was located outside by the corner of the duplex.  If your channel wasn't coming in very well, you would have to adjust the position of the antenna by going outside and turning it. One of the stations they were able to pick up came out of Memphis, TN, and the other station was out of St. Louis, MO.  Larry discovered that sometimes late at night there would be other stations, but they would without warning go black. 

Not sure if it was because he was helping pay for it, but Larry would at times be a little selfish by only putting it on the station he wanted (of course he only had 2 choices).  No matter how much the other kids protested, he would watch what he wanted.  But, hey...he is the oldest and he should get his way every once in a while...right?  In didn't matter to little Jimmy what Larry wanted, he loved him so much and looked up to his big brother.  He followed him around like a little puppy dog most of the time.  When Larry was home, you would usually see Jimmy not far behind him taking every step he took.

Yep, that home on Matthews Street was usually all a flurry with activity...chores, fun and a television that entertained the family for hours on end.  (See...aren't you glad I didn't miss that part of the Tollison story?)
 


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    Paula Tollison Andrews Maupin
    I am married to Bobby and live in the Nashville, TN area, working as Executive Assistant to both the Director of Sales and General Manager of FOX17, MyTV30 & CW58 television
    _I have 3 wonderful sons and daughters in love (Brad & Holly Andrews, Bryan & Stacy Andrews and Brandon & Ashley Andrews) from Tulsa, St. Louis & Springfield respectively. They have given me 9 precious grandbabies.  (Joseph, Cooper, Margo, Sloan, Jonas, Nora, Everett, Lawson and Blythe & Gma loves them so much) I also have 2 great stepsons and daughter in love (Jonathan & Kathryn Maupin and William Maupin) from Lexington, Kentucky.

    As a lady who's lived through both good & bad circumstances in my life, I've learned and continue to learn a lot of "life lessons".  Along the way I have been inspired to be a better me.  God is faithful in ALL circumstances and His love covers all.   My hope is that you will be inspired to be who you were meant to be. 

    I have been writing this blog about my mom and dad since September of 2011.

    You can find their story from the beginning by going to the Stories link.  Happy Reading!!!
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