by Miriam E. Waters
The newsstand, a collection of weathered boards, leaned precariously against the side of a downtown business. It was an eyesore, but its operator and her newspapers were beloved elements of the city. She had occupied the same space for over 30 years, setting up shop at the close of the last “great” war.
She was a constant for her customers, always present when they stopped by on their morning trek into the city.
The newsstand, a collection of weathered boards, leaned precariously against the side of a downtown business. It was an eyesore, but its operator and her newspapers were beloved elements of the city. She had occupied the same space for over 30 years, setting up shop at the close of the last “great” war.
The old woman bent to retrieve a fresh newspaper from the stack beside her chair as Eleanor exited the bus in front of the newsstand. Like countless others, she often stopped to exchange a few friendly words with the old woman.
“Hello sweetness!” the old woman greeted her. “How are you on this glorious morning?”
Eleanor smiled as she warmed at the familiar greeting. “Happy to be alive,” she replied. “Did you save a paper for me?”
“But, of course dearie. You’re one of my favorites and it wouldn’t do to have you go without one.”
Their daily encounter lasted only a moment, but Eleanor treasured it. She worried about “Newspaper Annie.” She often wondered how the old woman could endure the harsh winters and blistering summers ensconced in that weather-beaten pile of boards. She felt compassion for Annie and her apparent need to continue to peddle her papers. The old woman must be in a desperate situation to continue her vigil so late in her life.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Eleanor promised Annie.
“I’ll be here waiting for you, as always,” the old woman replied with a toothy smile that lit her face and accentuated the lines around her eyes.
A headline visible above the fold on a nearby stack of unclaimed newspapers drew Eleanor’s attention. “Heroine’s Promise Fulfilled.” With disbelieving eyes she read “The loss of Annie Engel saddens the citizens of this grateful city. Annie’s quiet mission of providing for countless war widows with the proceeds of her newspaper sales will forever be remembered.”
I remember a newsstand on the Busy Corner right into the 1980's. I wonder if that was her?
ReplyDeleteYep. She was the inspiration for this piece. I don't know her name, but I recall a story about her being very wealthy when she retired/died. She used to have an old lean-to and dress in very very old clothes. I think she may have even worn some type of "Indiana Jones" hat ... or I could be imagining that. I would see her when I rode the bus to Utica's downtown area. I'm willing to bet that Jerry remembers her.
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