Robert Hall

As I faced my first layoff from the closing of The Far Hills Inn, my attention turned to getting another part time job. At least, that's what I'm assuming.  I can remember a lot of things, but I have no recollection of how I ended up at Robert Hall.  Aliens could have picked me up and placed me there for all I know. Robert Hall was a family clothing store chain in the Northeast that started in the 1930's and had a 40 year run into the 70's.  This was my first job that required a necktie. Ok, I'll wear the clip on one. I'm real glad this job didn't require a bowtie...like the Milkman or Howard on the Andy Griffiths Show. I think Floyd the barber wore a bowtie too. 

The first day, the manager gave me the task of changing a couple of the spotlights, recessed into the overhang at the front of the store. Mr. Manager brought out a rickety looking, wooden step ladder to do the job. Now I wasn't the Jolly Green Giant, so the only way I could reach the bulb was to stand on the very top step of the ten foot excuse for a ladder and stretch to unscew the spot. The Manager didn't hold the ladder, caution me not to use the top step or say forget it, we'll get someone else. Nupe, let's get the light changed or die. Oh, and here's the bulb for the second one. I spent the remainder of my time there praying that not-a-one-more light burned out on that overhang. I also kept an eye on the ceiling  fluorescents inside the store too. 

The one good perk from that job was getting a ride home from my co-worker Alba Balice. She was a little bit older than me and had her driver's licence.  Alba was a tall and attractive brunette and had her Dad's Olds 98 and I didn’t have to wait for my Dad or a friend to fetch me. Thank you my friend from down the street on Roger Avenue.

As much as I don't recall leaving Robert Hall either or much else other than the ladder and Alba, I do remember finding myself in front of Ed Mitchell, the store manager at the A&P grocery store in Pluckemin, NJ. I went from a scary ladder to knives, saws, a grinder, meat hooks and a room full of crazy Butchers. That odyssey is next.