Emmet and Ada
by Dewey Maggard
The two people dnamed above were among the finest people that I have ever met. Emmet couild neither read nor write. Ada had gone through the 3rd grade. They spent most of their lives in West Virginia where they were both born and raiised. They came to california in the late 50’s through some miracle in order to make a better way for themselves. My first encounter with them came through one of my furniture dealer clients. This dealer told me he felt sorry for these people and they really needed someone to help them in what they were doing. They had started selling used appliances in their fron yard. The furniture dealer asked me to do a good deed and help them out especially with their sales taxes. The State Sales Tax compliance division was constantly looking for small business’ that might not be paying their sales taxes. Emmet or Ada did not have the slightest idea what was involved.
I figured it would be no problem for me to help them if they would follow my instructions so that I would be able to make a proper report. I found their place where there was several washing machines and stoves in their front yard- with for sale signs displayed. Emmet came to the door when I knocked and asked why I was there. I indormed him of what Mr Rose, the furniture dealer has said to me-and that they would need someone to help them with their sales taxes- or they could lose their business. I said, if you can afford $8.00 per month for me to do your reports, I will help you. Now 8.00 was no where regular fees for doing this kind of work- Nevertheless I figured I could take the time to help them. Keep in mind this was in the late 50’s. These folks were industrious and managed to go to Stockton twice each week to an auction for selling their items and replenishing for future sales. They were making enough to buy a better used truck. With this truck, Emmet managed to get exclusive permission at the Oakland (Cal) City dump to take all bicycled and/or parts. They then had enough to rent another place in the country 9 miles west of Modesto,(Cal) to set up their bicycle operation. Reassemble these parts and make bicycles.Ada became the paint lady. Between these two people, they built a business sufficient that Emmet had to buy a used 6 ton truck. In a short time, their were other auction sellers who were calling on them and buying wholesale from Emmet and Ada.
On one of my monthly calls to them., I arrived at their lunch time. Emmet invited me in and ask me if I would have lunch with them, He said we are not used to much but you are welcome. I had not eaten, so I agreed. When I sat down, here is the only things I saw. A platter of hot biscuits, a big steaming bowl of white greavey- and a platter full of sliced onions. This was their lunch. I made Ada happy by bragging on her gravey and biscuits.
Now at this time, just when things were going great for Emmet and Ada, the state had begun construction on the Nimitz Freeway that came into Oakland. In this process, the state began to change all our high-and freeway road signs. This was doomsday for Emmet as he had been familiar with the old signs, but could not now read all these new ones. The Dept of Motor Vehicles of course issued a restraint on him and advised him to apply for disability.
I still have after over 50 years, the Dresden shaving mug and shaving brush that Ada gave me- Also otherr items such as the civil war cast-iron bean pot. These two items especially are dear to me as it reminds me of two very special people who were not letting their handicap getting them down.
2-3-2008.
