Paul Blackburn on the Teeter Totter

Annual BBQ & Carl Bergman Old Car Games at Groven Farm

October 2007 - As told by Don Ross

Pictures by Bud Kelly

Went to bed last night and dreamed about "home-made fresh peach ice cream" several times during the night.  Intended to arise at 6 a.m. before daylight.  Had my sleep-out and headed to the bath-room for shower, shave, and other essentials. Got dressed and then looked at the clock.  Clock said "10 minutes to six".  Obviously I had gotten up at 5 a.m., not 6.    Ice cream custard had been made Thursday afternoon.  Good "fall-peaches" had been purchased at Ben's Sunday afternoon.  (Always a gamble whether the purchase is a day too early, or a day too late).  This time, "purchase timing" became perfect.

One and 1/2 gallons of excellent ice cream now rests in the freezer at Ross-House in Lancaster waiting to be hauled in rumble seat of 1931 Model-A roadster to the Groven Farm Sunday afternoon for antique car games and picnic.  Per the annual custom, bring utensils and other personal stuff.  Ross, the weather forecaster, says "dress-warm”.  See ya eating good peach ice-cream, the best I've ever made.

Games started at 2:00 pm….29 folds observing.  Hal Cox (the mountain-man) served as “flag-waver” and referee.  BBQ food started at 4:00 pm with Bud Kelly, Chief Executive.  Yes, Bud received some help, but not much.  Hot-dogs, Chicken-Chunks, Fried Hamburgers…take your pick…or eat all three.  Desserts were many…again, take your pick between pies, cakes or peach ice-cream.  All folks noticed that the eating of food quieted the yak-yak down to a quiet whisper.

One observer of all activities of the entire afternoon was “Buster” the Groven Farm dog.  Buster is a very unusual dog….large, but very timid…arrive at the Groven house, and Buster will bark enough to alert everyone in the house that a stranger has arrived.  Will buster bite anyone?  Never!! Will buster receive food from your hand?  Never!!!

Overall, everyone exhibited appreciation, and cooperation, before leaving the Groven Farm.  Incidentally, cameras were clicking all afternoon.  Perhaps some pictures will appear in our antique auto clubs’ publication, Gas Buggy Gossip.  (see above)