I just finished riding through my old neighborhood and saw many changes. Gone are the Renns, Gaskins, Roaches, Ayscues, Walkers, Pittmans and Singletons, to name only a few. Mickey Cochran is the only original neighbor that was raised on Tenth Street and still lives in the family home where he, Steve and Sandra Jean were raised.

The big lot we played on beside my house had a dirt driveway that would carry you to the Renns’ and wind past the Getsingers’ home. Our lot had a big, crooked tree trunk that was high enough for us to climb and a limb for us to attach a swing.

There were many games played in this lot, causing some windows to be broken by flying objects but never with a complaint by parents. This lot was owned by the Singleton family, and they enjoyed seeing us playing. It was years later that the trailers started moving in but never stopped us from playing.

The first of two trailers was owned by Mr. Fields, who taught at the high school and drove the activity bus for the football team. He was my ride home after returning from an away football game when I was the manager. He carefully parked the bus, and we would get in his car and head to Tenth Street. He always recapped the game even though he was not a coach.

The next trailer was owned by two of my favorite people, Carl and Claire Jessup. Mrs. Jessup taught at John Small School, and Carl worked for Weyerhaeuser Company. The two were childhood sweethearts from Elizabethtown. They became good friends with Mom and Dad and were a fun couple to be with. Carl always had a joke, and Claire had a smile that would light up any room and a golden personality. Even though the Jessups moved to New Bern, our families have remained close.

Even with the trailers parked, we still had room for Mike Renn to put up a basketball goal. The goal was just high enough for us to dunk, which made us all feel like we were seven feet tall. We all took turns taking care of the goal, such as replacing the worn-out net. We would shoot baskets ’til dark, and we wore the goal out. Rose Ann and Wayne were not allowed to shoot with us because they were too small; however, others in the neighborhood were allowed. Keith Roach, who was younger, grew up shooting on that goal and later became a star player for the Pam Pack. On the other hand, Warren Everett (Eddie) was too big to play during that time. We had our neighborhood rules and most of the time it was usually just Mike and I shooting hoops.

Today, on that famous lot, are two beautiful homes. Never in my wildest imagination would I ever think homes would be built on our lot. I am sure that Mike, Wayne, Warren, Keith and Rose Ann share my sentiments. I am afraid the days of the neighborhoods have gone, and gone with them are the kids outside playing, competing and learning social skills that are valuable in today’s society. There are times I reflect on my youth and remember the families that impacted my life, such as the Gerards, Alligoods, Tankards, Sawyers, Sheppards, Jarvises, Bonds and others that are no longer there. These families helped to raise me, and I am forever thankful for the adults in those families who corrected me when I was wrong and praised me when I was right. Thanks, Mickey, for being the rock that never left!

They were the best of times with the best of friends and in the best of places — Washington, NC!

— Harold Jr.

Harold Robinson Jr. is a native of Washington.