James Laird - "Settling in at Lark Ellen Home for Boys" - Page 4

We had kids from broken homes from all walks of life. One parent was a test pilot for Lockheed and his son was always bragging about the fighter plane he flew. It turned out to be the P38. One boy was from as far north as Chico, A town I live near now.

With Santa Monica and Will Rodgers state beaches nearby. Many summer days were spent in the water. I learned to body surf and did it all around the Pacific Ocean until I was fifty years old. Fish we caught at the pier would be cooked for us as special treat by Mrs. Sutton who was a great cook. There were also trips to Venice, Ocean Park amusement piers and the fun house with its big bamboo slide or a swim in Bennie hot pools.

There were many special events some boys were taken to. Like Ken and my 14 mile hike on the beach for boy scouts. Mom drove us in her car and picked up two tired kids hours later. Some were taken to a store to pick out material for shirts that were sown for us. I have been a sucker for bright shirts ever since. Sometimes a couple would be taken for a Sunday drive to places like Big Bear Lake in her car. It may have been so her daughter Carla had company.