Uncle Paul was born in a small town in Ohio.
Pleasant Hill doesn’t even have a traffic light.
It does have a statue in the center of its main intersection, which is always getting hit.
Paul’s family lived on a farm.
At an early age, he was responsible for chores. Due to his father’s untimely death, resulting from a farm accident, Paul had to assume even more responsibility.
With all this responsibility, he was able to acquire a wealth of knowledge and upon graduating from high school; held a variety of jobs.
He worked for Hobart Manufacturing, WACO, ran a plumbing company and worked on grain elevators.
Upon marrying Marietta, my wife’s aunt, he built a home in “P” Hill, as it’s known locally, for his wife and another for his mother. Both homes are in excellent condition today, a tribute to his workmanship.
Being an avid fisherman 50-plus years ago, he packed up his wife, their daughter, Sharon, and moved the family to Three Rivers in Michigan, where he built a beautiful lakefront home.
Paul would be extremely proud of the way the new owners have his home looking today.
Upon arriving in Three Rivers, he went to work for Three Rivers Rubber, where he spent the balance of his career.
In addition to being a machinist at the plant, he did electrical work on the side.
Eventually, he became a licensed electrician, and he was so proud to have received that license without attending class.
Bad Weather and a Good Neighbor
Paul was always there to help a neighbor.
When it snowed, and it does snow in Three Rivers, he would plow the road, using the term “road” loosely.
For years, it was only dirt.
Once the road was paved, he continued plowing with his Ford tractor until a neighbor went to the County and suggested he should be paid. From that time on, the County started clearing the road.
Paul loved mechanical things/
He fell in love with old cars, owning a 1926 Model “T” Ford. He completely rebuilt it, doing all the work himself with the exception of the upholstery. He joined the local Antique Car Club, and he was active until his wife became ill.
Upon having to give up his lakefront home and move to an assisted living facility, he gave me his Model “T.”
Whereas he would take neighbors and kids for a ride, today I’m giving neighbors and my grandchildren rides.
He did get a ride from me in the car, prior to his death.
July 4 has come and gone, and it’s past time to get the car out of storage and back onto the road.
Watch for future articles regarding Uncle Paul and the Model “T.”
I hope you are or were fortunate enough to have an Uncle Paul in your family.
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net