Page 3

This is part of a writing by Mrs. Freed titled “Neighbors.”  

Much of this article did not refer to Cradock, therefore, I did not copy
the original papers. I just extracted information pertinent to Cradock and Portsmouth. 

Yes! Mrs. Seeley, when I first came to Norfolk I was so disappointed. It did not seem “homey” to me: Everyone seemed so drawn into themselves. Just as soon as I crossed the ferry into Portsmouth it seemed as though someone’s arms were outstretched to gather me in like an old friend does when she hasn’t seen you for a long time. Everyone was helpful and kind in every way; thoughtful, too. I had been riding around Norfolk for over two weeks paying straight fare and as soon as I landed in Portsmouth I was told about the “tokens”; it was a saving. There was the good old “Five-and-Ten”, too. How I pounced on it. All Those little needfuls one cannot always remember to get are laid out to remind you. I have such a poor memory: Sometimes I make a list of things to get and then --- go off without the list.

Here, in Portsmouth, I made several purchases, in a hurry, and found them unsuitable, so took a chance on returning them. I found the merchants very kind, polite and even refunded the money when there was nothing else to my liking. You know, Mrs. Seeley, in some cities it is almost like “pulling teeth” to get your money back and, I believe, that the storekeepers lost more than they gain by that attitude. I know, when I was in business, in “Philly”, I would much rather have a person coming into the store every day for a small purchase than sell him once, at a good profit, and never see him again. I actually walked back four blocks to get a pair of shoes because the dealer had shown an interest in my feet that I felt was not feigned.

Do I think I will really stay? Oh! Yes, Mrs. Seeley, I like it better all the time. You know I like to go to High Street and see the ferry so near and then think I do not have to cross it. I can get all I want on this side and being more intimate they do not treat you so impersonally.  I know a dealer in Norfolk who never fails to repeat my name when he sees me, a stranger, and thinks he can “get by” with it, but, unless he “make good” he will have cause to remember me through a letter to the Chamber of Commerce; it is about a trifle, only, but, to my mind, it is easier to fight elephants than to be pestered, day after day, by flies and mosquitoes.

1927
Maydell Freed