A Step Back in Time
I submitted this piece of flash fiction to a local literary festival and won first place! I hope you enjoy this little step back in time.
There is just something about old newspapers. Perhaps it's the feel of the paper beneath my fingertips, it’s edges brittle and yellowed by time. Maybe, it’s the glimpses it affords of people, just like myself, going about their day to day lives. A record of their proud achievements, heartbreaking losses, and seemingly mundane activities. Today however, it’s an advertisement that catches my eye and imagination. Men’s Leather Oxford shoes from JC Penney’s, $2.98.
My thoughts are interrupted by my faithful four legged companion, who’s tail reminds me it’s time for his nightly walk. Following him to the door, I place the leash on his collar and we set off toward the quiet Main Street of historic downtown Midvale. A breeze brushes my cheek just as a mint condition, blue, 1946 Buick Super rounds the corner.
Out climbs a friendly faced looking man in a button down shirt, slacks and leather Oxford shoes. “Beautiful night for a walk.” He smiles, tipping his hat as he rushes to open the passenger side door and assists an equally well dressed woman out of the car.
“We better hurry, we’re going to be late for the show!” She urges, as she straightens her skirt and smooths her hair that has been coiffed into an updo. They both look like they’ve fallen straight out of the 1947 Midvale Sentinel I had just been reading.
My eyes follow them as they pass under a sign marked Rexall Drugs and alongside other vintage cars to the Main Street Theater. Only now however, a long vertical neon sign spells out Burk and below it, a marquee advertising “Life With Father starring William Powell and Irene Dunn.”
It’s obvious they are filming a movie here, which has been known to happen but considering the way the street has been transformed, no expense must have been spared.
Wanting to capture the moment, I reach for my phone and realize I left it at home. Sighing, I pat my empty pocket and begin to weave through the sea of actors and actresses in forties attire, who quite friendly, smile and bid me a good evening. I pass a bank, Phelp’s Floral, a law office, and a jeweler until come the familiar location of Vincent Drug. Normally dark, it’s new sign complete with a clock, is now lit. I look through the gleaming windows to find It’s shelves full and an advertisement for Burma-Shave. The heavenly scent of roasted chicken spurs me on to a cafe next door. I peer in and find diners who’s low hum of conversation can be heard everytime the door opens and closes.
It isn’t until I pass a Diamond Billiards and find myself standing in front of JC Penney’s that my curiosity is replaced with disbelief. It’s windows are filled with the very items mentioned in the ad that had caught my eye, down to the same men’s leather Oxford shoes.
The breeze picks back up as I feel a tug on the leash. Glancing down, I find my walking companion ready to continue on. I look back up and to my surprise I’m met only by my reflection, the merchandise now gone. Turning, I discover that the once bustling downtown is now quiet and the luminescent glow of neon replaced with pools of empty lamplight.
Perhaps it was just my vivid imagination spurred on by a love of home and history. Or maybe, on this magical late summer evening, I was transported back in time from now, to then and back again.
