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Over the course of one year, the town and the people of Ash
Falls transformed dramatically. One of the most unexpected events was the
closing of the saloon. Rumor had it that after Ruby left, the business suffered
greatly, so much so that the owner had to sell the property at a loss. The sign
that read ‘Saloon’ was long gone and had been replaced by a new one,
‘Wilson’s Furniture’. The establishment was owned and operated by none
other than Gus Wilson. He, along with several of his employees, was responsible
for making the finest furniture around; his reputation was solid, and the
business attracted customers from up to 50 miles away.
But Gus wasn’t the only one who’d been busy. Most of the
town’s men had been working on the construction of a new church. The growth of
the congregation had demanded it. Many of the menfolk came to work on the church
later in the day, after their farms and businesses had been tended to. It was a
community effort and a labor of love.
Although the day was blazing with sunshine, a hearty handful of
some of the town’s most respected men could be found hammering and sweating
over the house of God. Stone, Jake, Brock, Pastor Tom and a band of others
worked diligently.
“You fellas due for a break?” called Josie. She was
carrying two pitchers of fresh lemonade and a baby that was due to be born in
about three months. Behind Josie came a parade of wives, all bringing something
to contribute to the meal.
Cally had her hands full. One arm supported a basket of
sandwiches, while the other was cradled around Matthew, her baby boy.
Stone practically jumped down off of his perch the moment he
saw Josie and helped her with the pitchers. Of course, he couldn’t resist
giving his radiant bride a kiss.
As the ladies tried to arrange the food on the make-shift
tables, a man riding in a carriage stopped by the modest gathering.
“Excuse me, folks,” he said in a kindly voice. “I don’t
mean to interrupt, but I was wondering if you might be able to help me.” He
held out a map to the approaching men. “I’m looking for Ash Falls. It’s
right here on the map, but I can’t seem to get there.”
“Well, this use to be Ash Falls, but that place don’t exist
no more,” Stone said with a sly smile.
“That’s right,” said Pastor Tom. “This here is Union
City!”
©2004 StoriesByEmail.com
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