James Alonzo Noll - Gig Harbor Farm

Greyhound Bus Paul, Crawford, Donald Noll

11A. Three Boys Ride the Bus to See Grandpa

We are off to see our Grandpa
In 1936 my mother had moved to Arlington, California. She was still completing her college degree. My Grandpa lived in Gig Harbor, Washington. Although my parents were separated my Grandpa loved us boys very much. Each year starting in 1936 he would send my mother enough money for the three of us boys to ride the Greyhound Bus to Seattle, Washington where he would meet us. The bus driver was given our tickets and money for food and he would watch over us on the trip. He always made sure we sat in the front seats so he could watch over us. That was wonderful as far as I was concerned because we could see everything. It was an exciting ride for a young boy. I was five, Crawford was 6, and Donald was 7. Crawford is now known as JC and Donald later was known as Mark when he went into the Air Force.

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Greyhound Bus from LA to Seattle Paul, Crawford, and Donald
I'm not sure how long the trip took but I suspect it was several days. In those days there were no freeways and almost all the roads were just two lanes. I think the speed limit was just 35 mph as well. Whenever we stopped for breakfast, lunch or dinner we went with the driver and got food. I guess because we were such cute kids and looked so poor that almost always someone would pay for our food. Remember this was during the depression years. My mother had taught us well and we always ate wholesome food and never just ate junk food. When it was time for us to return to Los Angeles my Grandpa would give the driver money and tickets for the return trip. After we got home we always had money left and we gave that to a grateful Mother.