By Barbara Garnett, October 9, 2018 — When I was a child, coming up in North Philly, it was a great thing to get a new car. Your neighbors would peek out their windows or doors to get a look at your new car. No one discussed prices or down payments for vehicles. In those days, many people got refunds from income tax returns and that money went for a new car. The color of the car didn’t matter; it was clean and sparkled like new money or gold jewelry.
I can remember my dad getting a new car (1954 or 1955). My sisters; Dorothy, Gloria and I, went to the dealership with him and Mama. I remember that Mama had a big stomach. She was carrying our sister, Aretha, the next baby for our family. The car he chose was black in color.
My Dad had many cars over the years. I remember one of my hair ribbons was left in one of the old vehicles. My Dad never had a van but it would have been helpful since he had so many children. My Dad’s largest vehicle was a Ford station wagon. What we really needed was a bus! No plane or bus for us on a big trip, we used the family car. My Dad needed the car for work and he was always working. I’ve only purchased one new car in my life, a teal-green, 4-door, Ford Escort.
One night, while I was sleeping, my son Chris had an accident with my car. The vehicle had 3,000 miles on it with 3-years ownership. I never bought a new car again. New vehicles depreciate once you drive it off the car lot. My sister, Dotty has an electric car. I’m happy for her.
If I get a new car in the future, I’ll be the person surrounded by old folks looking for a chauffeur, butler and a maid and helper. What will my next vehicle be, a bike or a car? I can always ride the bus for free. See you out there.