What was my dad, Jerry Dixon, like when he was a young boy and a young man... before he met my mom? What was there to do for fun in Anderson at the time?
Don Gallamore was my dad's best friend. I met Don just a few times that I remember. I wish I knew him better. Mom recently told Don about the Mom and Pop blog and Don gave her two typed pages of stories about he and dad (and a few other buddies like Jim Drake) and their escapades in Anderson in the late 30's and 40's.
There were a few surprises in his letter. For example, we all wonder if our parents dated anyone else before they met, right? Well guess who Don Gallamore dated before my dad! Growing up across the street from the Myers Gravel Co. pit on Alexandria Pike, I am fascinated about stories of pit swimming near downtown Anderson. And it was funny to learn that being attacked by Muncie Central Bearcats is a long-standing tradition in the family! Don also shares details of their involvement with the YMCA.
Here is Don's memorial to dad in it's entirety:
Where do we start when looking back over now more than 70 years of a wonderful friendship? Really only one place, "in the beginning".
As my memory goes, Jerry and I met at Sunday School - he was probably 7 or 8 and I about 7 or 8 months younger. So we were just "little guys". Both of us became beneficiaries of "Y" memberships just a year or so later; and from then on through our teens, we were together - doing what kids do at that age. Boy did we have fun!
Already, I have used the term "we" many times; but this little bit of fun for me is about your husband, your father, grandfather and good friend. Simply, out front, a great guy and a man all of us have loved and admired for his character and strength. He is missed; and now a few tidbits from my memories of Jerry -
Other than his parents, Jerry's mentor as a young boy had to be Ted ("Fuzzy", "too-short" or whatever) Stewart, Boy's Physical Director at our "Y". Ted wanted everyone to look as neat as they could, always. So, he gave Jerry and me our first comb and made certain that we combed our hair before we left the "Y".
As soon as age permitted, as we recall about 10 or 11 years of age, Jerry became a member of the "leaders club" - which, among other things, meant that we were able to play basketball all day Saturday and then stay overnight in the gym. That was living!!
During the summer, Ted always made it possible (financially) for us to attend the YMCA camp, Camp Tecumseh, near Delphi. I believe we attended every year for 9 or 10 years - the last 6 or 7 as Cabin Leaders (wow!). After putting the campers to bed, Jerry, Jim Drake and I paddled up the Tippecanoe River in the big war canoe. Sneaky, but fun!
We will remember, always, Jerry's mother standing outside our bus window trying to keep the tears away until after Jerry had left - this from the time he was a "little guy" through those embarrassed teens. It was my pleasure to talk with Jerry's mom many times after his father passed away; and we always remembered those precious moments.
Our family didn't have a car but, thankfully, Jerry's did. Don't recall how often he got to use their car but when he did it was much appreciated. In high school, we double-dated many times. Early on, I often dated Mary Alice and he dated another one of the top choices - until he latched on to the best of all, Mary Alice. I started dating another "supreme choice" lady (now my wife of 60 years) at about the same time. When I needed a "best man", Jerry was my only consideration. He always was the bestman.
We spent much time with Jerry and Mary Alice during our last year of high school and the first couple of years of our marriages. Then, as it should be, much more time was devoted to "making a living" and taking care of family. But, we stayed in touch. The years that followed belong to Jerry and Mary Alice and Family.
Then, years later, Jerry and I were back at it - at our "Y". He remained the same warm, friendly person - liked by everyone and loved by many, always ethical and trustworthy - that we met long ago. He is missed!
and some further thoughts -
Just had a little smile as we remembered the old high school rivalries in basketball and other sports: including the time Jerry and I got chased all over the backyards of Muncie by about 30 "bearcats", finally got away (we thought) only to have them waiting for us at the bus station when we tried to "sneak out of town". Fortunately, there was security at the station and we made it home without getting our clocks cleaned!
In our early years, Anderson was the site of many gravel pits - always "no/no's" without reservation from Jerry's parents and mine; but no one ever said we were angels! So, many were the summer mornings that Jerry, sometimes Jack Samuels, Joe Fox and I - in our birthday suits - slipped into the cool waters of the Main Street pit. At 3:30 AM, we always looked forward to what else was happening there at that time of the morning. Then off to the old Post office Cafe where we spent most of what we made for breakfast! Surely, enlightening times - in many ways- for all of us.
This could go on and on - but one final observation from a very old friend: Over the final 20 or more years of his life, I really don't know how many times Jerry worked-out at the "Y" but I know he was there almost every time I was. This is the point I want to make. In all those times, I do not recall a single moment of anger, abusiveness or mistrust in our conversations. How many times can we say that? How fortunate I and many others were to call Jerry our friend! 'Nuf said!!
FYI... Jim Drake was Dr. Drake to us... he was our family doctor!
I have asked mom to tell Don to send in any other memories he has of growing up with dad. I sure appreciate his taking the time to share these memories with us and for his kind comments about dad... all true!
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