Parking Meters and Police

Do you remember when the “Cops” walked their beat? That is a phrase from the past, as I am not sure just what the word “beat” meant, but I assume it would be a designated area they patrolled each day or night. That was back when the young ones were taught that policemen were their friends. I know that there were a number of men who served our city and county as police officers, but there are several that come to my mind, those being Mr. Abern, Mr. Sather and Mr. Baynum.

My husband often shares a memory of his first exposure with local policemen. He was a “country boy” on a rare trip to town with his mom. As most children do, he was tagging along behind Mom, no doubt taking in the sights of town, when he felt a hand on his shoulder, gently turning him around and directing him into the store that his mom had just entered. Don’t think that is going to happen today. I can remember the police carrying their night stick or baton, but did they carry firearms on street patrol? Once Glasgow grew in size, parking meters were installed. This became another job for our local city police. I am sure that several readers may remember arguing with local law enforcement about that parking ticket that had just been placed on their automobile. Did arguing work?

Fortunately I wasn’t of an age to experience too much of that. I do remember meters taking pennies and nickels, but could you also feed them a quarter? Of course the wise, frugal, motorist knew of parking places that did not require feeding the meter.

When traveling Glasgow’s main street, (2nd Ave. S.) you might want to try to visualize parking meters instead of the trees along the sidewalk.