The Rolling Store

Barbara Virginia was Rondy and Blanche's first baby and the first grandchild in the Ledford family.  They lavished her with love.

Grandma Minnie and Granddaddy Bob Ledford lived in the Matheson Cove.  They bragged to everyone about their beautiful grandchild, even to the rolling store clerk.

The store truck covered the mountain  communities in Clay County, NC.  The back roads twisted with hairpin curves and cars got stuck in the mud when it rained.  Many mountain folks rarely went to town to shop.  The store on wheels served a great need for groceries and dry goods.

"I hear the rolling store coming up Murray Holler," said Reba.  "Its tires are click-clacking over the gravel road."

"Buy me a Baby Ruth candy bar," said Robenia.  "I want an RC Cola and moonpie," yelled Reuben.  "Me, too!" chimed Rena, Ray, Robert, and Ralph.

"Quiet!" yelled Ma Ledford.  "You younguns stay here at the house and watch baby Barbara.  Rondy and Blanche went to the picture show."

She put on a shawl and stocking cap and scurried to meet the rolling store.

"Where's your grandchild?" asked the store truck clerk.

"She's taking a nap.  The younguns are watching her."

The clerk arched his eyebrows.  "You sure that's a good idea?" he asked with a chuckle.

"My children are very responsible," huffed Ma Ledford.  "This is all I'll need today," she added and rushed down the steps of the truck to the house.  She toted the box of groceries herself and refused help from the clerk.

She barely put the box on the kitchen table when the kids dove into the groceries.  "Hold it, you old goosey things," hollered Ma Ledford.  "Reba, go get baby Barbara.  I want to give her a dose of Karo syrup.  That will make her strong and healthy."

Reba couldn't find Barbara.  Ma trembled and feared someone had stolen her grandchild.  The children searched everywhere for Barbara.  They finally found her under the bed fast asleep.

When Rondy and Blanche returned from the picture show, they heard about Barbara getting lost many times, with many different versions of the story.

by:  Brenda Kay Ledford