We didn’t have any swimming pools in Stonewall, at least not like a lot of towns such as Allen have. In 1944 I was still sort of new to living there but thought I was in hog heaven anyway, having lived in Centrahoma until 1944. So, it was one day when 4 of us boys who had been down on Buck Creek in the July heat spotted this little pool of water. It was near the old water tower and its overflow had created this little pond of cool clear water and it was shielded from view by brush and cane. What better place to take a quick swim?

So being little boys we just peeled off all our clothes and had a glorious time of splashing and playing. It was wonderful and we even plotted our return to this paradise as we dressed for our trip back into town. Walking down the road I remember thinking how that life couldn’t be any better. But what did I know?

Meanwhile, back in downtown of Stonewall, the Chief of Police got a call. It was an emergency. Tommy Crow was ready too as he jumped into his 1941 Ford police car and headed out with his red light flashing, south bound and on the Jesse Highway. We wondered where he could be going as he came our way. It was soon evident. He had found the malefactors and it was us.

Officer Crow got out, opened up his back door and said, “I don’t want any questions, just get in the car and shut up.” I had lived in Stonewall long enough to know Tommy Crow and I figured we were headed to jail. But I was wrong. We headed up two little ruts in a field and went up to an old house. Tommy told us all to get out. He didn’t say it like he was kidding. I was scared spitless. Tommy made a little speech to us. He said, “You boys have brought embarrassment on me, upon your parents, and upon your town. I’m sure your parents are going to have your hide when they find out you have gone naked in front of these two dear ladies.” I had no idea what two old ladies he spoke of but was soon to find out.

Tommy marched us up on their little back porch. Sure enough, two little old ladies sat there, looking madder than a pair of one-eyed spiders. He said each of you will stand before them and apologize for what you did. You will tell them how sorry you are for your misdeeds and promise you will never do this again. I wasn’t too sorry about my swim but my real concern was when I got home. I wondered if I would just be flogged or even put to death for this dastardly deed. We each went forth, stood before the old ladies and even shed a few tears (thought that would help) while they glared at us like they were seeing the devil incarnate.

Meanwhile I saw Officer Crow standing and looking toward the little water hole. He finally asked the ladies “Where is this place? I can’t see any thing down there.” “You can if you stand up here,” one of the ladies said, “and use these.” She had some binoculars. All I could see from my vantage point was some cane and small trees. How they saw us was a mystery. Anyway, Tommy Crow finally led us off, put us back in the car and headed for town. I figured we were headed for jail or worse but no. Tommy let us off downtown, laughed as he said he was letting us out here and wasn’t going to tell our parents. Boy, was I relieved.

I recently drove past this old water tower and noted they have built a brand-new water tower beside it. I couldn’t locate the old house the old maids lived in, nor could I figure just where our swimming pool had been. But I knew one thing: I wasn’t going swimming in it even if the city did let their excess water run over in it. Have a good week,

Have a good week, be sure and go to church Sunday and whatever you do, if you go swimming in Stonewall, don’t do it naked.

Wayne Bullard, DPh cwaynebullard@gmail.com