10
To Florence, her mother was confidante, cook,
teacher and friend. Elizabeth relied on Florence to help care
for the younger children.
The Bevo Neighborhood was a close-knit community
where neighbor took care of neighbor, doors were never
locked and children were as safe outdoors as in. At a very
young age Florence began running errands for her mother.
As she grew, so did her marketplace responsibilities. From
groceries to notions to dry goods, Florence handled it all.
When I was nine years old I got a brand new bicycle.
It was a two-toned Ranger bike with big balloon tires.
I earned the bike selling newspaper subscriptions.
Eight people had to take a subscription. Dad took the
paper to work and some women in his office took
subscriptions.