Grandma's car was big and comfy but the trip across the salt flats was endless. Whether we had been in "the city" meaning Salt Lake City, UT for the day or hanging out at the Hotel Utah or Grandma had picked us up at the airport it seemed that the sun had always set before we managed to get to Wendover. Grandma kept us occupied with "the game". A silver dollar! went to the first person to spot the cowboy. It was a game that didn't work well from the other direction because of the massive rock blocking the way but crossing the salt flats one could see the glimmer of the lights that illuminated our friend Wendover Will with his friendly wave, his directional point and his wagging cigarrette. This sign meant the fun was really about to begin. Summer in Wendover meant freedom. We wandered around town by ourselves, rode horses, visited the pig farm, swam at the Motel, explored caves, and hunted for lizards. I remember spending time with my Howlett cousins, being a pest but being really well treated. Sleepovers at Aunt Elaine and Uncle Chet's house were memorable. There was also a couple who were entertainers in the Casino who had children my age. I must be getting old because I can't remember their names but I remember having a great time.
Do you remember Wendover? If you would like to contribute to this blog send your e-mail address to joelkers@yahoo.com and I will give you authorship access.
ReplyDeleteChildhood road trips were probably more fun in my memory than they were in reality. Who could be bored with mom's seemingly endless number of road trip games? Having made the Winnemucca-Wendover trip in the last five years, it is definitely longer than I remember, but pulling into Wendover meant hanging out with my cousins, and that was always the BEST. Drapers: do you remember making our parents watch the 'plays' we made up? How they managed that with a straight face, I'll never know. Or playing video games until our fingers were sore? Or wreaking havoc at the pool? Grandma Chili and grandpa Lefty always stayed at the casino, in separate rooms, because they couldn't agree where to set the thermostat. When we were older, we drove out to the salt flats for the most amazing display of stars on the planet. I saw my first R rated movie, had my first kiss, and made many, many good memories in Wendover!
Most of all, Wendover was where the Stateline was. I'm pretty sure that Wendover Will was patterned after my great grandpa, and stands for all of the accomplishments that he and my great grandma Anna made. I'm so proud to have my great grandma's name, and am proud to be a part of her family.
I do think it's super funny that the old Wendover Will had "This Is The Place" written underneath him. Did Grandma Anna come up with that? Hilarious!