Southport - Starting Out – The Way it was….

What follows is an excerpt from several accounts by a Southport native, Frances Reinsborrow, who graciously shared many memories of growing up in an earlier time. She was the first to post these priceless rememberances on Southport’s Facebook page. Click on “more” below to see the rest of her story so far.
"The Whittler's Bench at the foot of Howe Street (which intersects with Bay Street) has, as far back as I can remember, been the place for school friends to gather, usually on Friday and Saturday nights. When I was in high school, there was a beautiful tree which shaded the Whittler's Bench, but times change, and the decision made to later not place a tree there. The Whittler's Bench would never be the same for many of us without a tree there. Usually Friday night ballgames took place, and then most of us visited "The Pines" Restaurant and Drive-in to get a burger and drink. Loitering was allowed! After that everyone usually gathered at the Whittler's Bench. One prerequisite was that the driver had to "circle the Cedar Bench" to make their debut! It was always exciting when someone was fortunate enough to get a "muscle car" to show off. Everyone showed their excitement. There were Chevelle Super Sports, GTO's (Goats), Super Bees (Dodge or Plymouth), etc. But if someone was really lucky enough to acquire a Corvette Stingray - now that was a thrill! The times we had were wonderful as I look back. They were simple times - but good times." Read more.
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