Beaches, Blondes and Bellhops
June 5, 2009 at 11:06 a.m.
Beaches, Blondes and Bellhops
By Jill Williams
Something odd catches Tim's eye while out one day. It's a 1940 Packard Limo, and he cannot believe what he's doing but he's going to buy it, without his wife's knowledge. Luckily, Tim is married to a wonderful lady who indulges his trips down memory lane, and supports his attachment to "Patricia" (as he affectionately names the car.) In fact, Tim's wife, Katy, even goes along with the idea of driving Patricia during part of their trip back to the Jersey Shore. Along the way, Patricia really uncorks the bottle of Tim's memories from that summer long ago.
Tim and Katy find the very same hotel that Tim worked at as a Bellboy. The hotel has changed a little, but much has remained the same. Back in 1951, the rooms all shared a bathroom at the end of the hall. In 1990, Tim and Katy enjoy a private bathroom. At every turn, Tim is thrust back in time, reminiscing about that summer when he experienced some very unusual going-ons, as well as some typical teenage ones. For example, there was the rich lady who received breakfast in bed every morning, drove a custom made Packard with 18 karat gold keys, and practically threw herself at him. There was also the murder investigation, and the couple that were caught in an unusual bathing predicament.
The most important part of the summer of 1951 for Tim, though, was his infatuation with Helen. She was the one who got away. In 1990, it is quite extraordinary that Helen and her husband are also staying at the Grenville. Tim also manages to reunite with Bobby and other friends from that time, all because he bought that Packard Limo. It's a purchase that reaps unexpected rewards.
This book is based on the true events the author experienced during an exciting summer in 1951. The author and his wife live in Sarasota, where he is still active with the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, the famous WWII flyers, serving as managing director. The author enjoys sailing and traveling, and still holds a pilot's license. This is his second book.
The author's story involves some interesting period details and a first-hand account of some funny things that happen when you meet a lot of people. It demonstrates how youths of the 50's spent their time and how fond one can be of a special time in your life. I didn't realize just how many different things Bellhops were responsible for. I found this book interesting, but would probably get even more out of it if I were of the same age range, and could also reminisce about that time.
Jill does laundry for a 7 year old who thinks he's too old for toys, a 5 year old gymnast, a 5 year old niece who has joined the family, and a 3 year old computer whiz. She also occasionally irons her husband's suits. In between loads, Jill loves to read.