Jones DX gas station on the corner of Seerley Boulevard and Main Street in my hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa, was the place to hang out with my buddies. Roy Weikert owned the station, and he didn't mind if we hung out there as long as we didn't get in the way and as long as we bought a bottle of pop. I was fourteen years old and not able to drive, but that was to come soon than I expected.
The older guys would drive in just to show off their hot rods and custom rides and wrap up their exhaust pipes. And they were loud! I just sat down and waited for the day when I could drive alone.
There was a driving range at the college where my dad taught where new drivers learned to drive. My dad would take my sister Barbara there and I would ride along.
I knew already that I could drive better than she could. I just needed to get my chance. In the meantime I waited.
Not too much later we were visiting Grammy Spickler's farm. My dad wanted to get some fresh air. We went for a ride. It was my big chance. My dad pulled off the road and he asked me if I wanted to drive. "You bet!! WOW!!" I slid out the front door right into the driver seat. With my dad's help we were off. I was driving! I could barely see over the dashboard. My mother never knew.
Later he took me to the driving range where I did quite well. We went to the driving range often after that.
Later I got my driver's permit so I could drive on the road with my dad or mom.
