Growing up on the Shore in the 60’s.There wasn’t many cars on the go.Not many people had cars.

Taxis were the big old boat type cars such as the 69 Dodge Polara or the Fury11.People liked to go to Town and spend some of that hard earned Fish money.Most Cabs back then carried a full load about 8 or 9 people.The Southern Shore was not paved back then.The Black top started in the Goulds.Oh those lovely farmers fields.A nice wet rainy summers day.

Driving in Waterford Bridge Road.Big Trees on both sides and the Gorgeous Big Old Houses.Having not been used to pavement.It muffled the rattles and car  engine.Cars passed by sounded more like a zoom.Most got off at the OK Taxi Stand and Walked down Water Street for the Shops.Men mostly let the wives shop while they stopped in to a Watering hole such as The Esquire Lounge or Fidler’s.Coming home in the evening was the fun part.The Taxi driver would get a grin on his face and request someone sing a song.Gordon would sing The Jolly Tinker or The Darling Girl From Clare.Patsy sang some good old Hank Snow Yodelling songs.Boy oh Boy How She Could Yodel.

It amazes me how good the Taxi Drivers memory is.They know the City like the back of there hand.Every nook and cranny and back street ally to avoid the traffic and arrive quicker.The Late Night drivers in the City having to deal with the Drunks and some of them not wanting to leave the Car.Pay the Fare.What is that B’y?Requires nerves of steel and lots of patience to be sure.The Drivers back then had new cars yearly because of the high mileage they put on them.I remember one year OK Taxi had a fleet of 69 Chevrolet Impalas.Red in Colour with Black Interior.Fancy Rigs.Next time ya see a Taxi Driver kindly wave at em and let them in because it is what makes a living for them and a kind deed is always appreciated.To end on a Corny Note is my desire.This one on Wrong Phone Number.”Hi,Is this the Mount Pearl Taxi the young Maid asks?” No it is not ,But I would love to pick You Up the Cheeky lad answers.Be Good to Yourself!