On a trip to mail packages, I passed by Camp Taylor Ball Park on Poplar Level Road near the Watterson Expressway exit. It is still the scene of teams and spectators just as it was when my Uncle George coached young ballplayers during their summer league schedule.
Uncle George also operated the concession stand at the upper edge of the Park to raise funds for purchasing uniforms and sports equipment for his teams.
The Park is now lined with trees producing such dense foliage that unless you knew it was there, you would not realize that it exists. But if you and your sister, Jean worked for your Uncle collecting bottles that spectators dropped beneath the bleachers, you could still hear the roar of parents and friends cheering a player rounding the bases and heading for home plate whenever you drove along Poplar Level Road near that Watterson Expressway exit.
Back in those days, soft drinks in glass bottles were purchased from the concession stand where George P. Kernen entertained his customers with stories of past league activities. He was never at a loss for words as anyone who had the pleasure of stepping up to that concession stand would remember.
Whenever I see a ball team or a bleacher, a memory flashes in my mind and I see my sister, Jean with me picking up bottles and carrying them back to Uncle George who is laughing and telling one of his stories. I feel fortunate to have such vibrant movies for my mind to replay now and then.
Life is never dull when you replay an Uncle George mind movie. A concession stand brings back those same moments as does a summer breeze or driving along Poplar Level Road near that Watterson Expressway exit.