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Friday, May 23, 2008

1931: IN THE THROES OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION

THE GLOVER FAMILY WAS ON "RELIEF" BACK THERE IN THE EARLY 30'S. MY DAD LOST HIS TRUCKING BUSINESS DUE TO THE LACK OF HIS CUSTOMERS NON PAYMENT OF BILLS. "GILLS EXPRESS" WAS FORMED BY MY FATHER BACK IN THE 1920'S TO SERVE THE MANY POTTERY INDUSTRIES IN TRENTON. WHEN THE MARKET CRASHED, EVERY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCED FINANCIAL PROBLEMS. ACCORDING TO THE STORIES I HEARD, MANY OF THE UN-PAID ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE WERE FAR GREATER THAN THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE. RESULT: THE PHONE COMPANY CUT OFF THE LIFELINE OF GILLS EXPRESS, THEN CAME UNEMPLOYMENT AND ULTIMATE DESPAIR. I REMEMBER GOING TO COLONIAL FIRE COMPANY'S SECOND FLOOR ONCE A MONTH OR SO, FILLING OUR BAGS UP WITH DRIED PEACHES AND APPLES, FLOUR, SUGAR, AND OTHER ITEMS WHICH CONSTITUTED OUR RELIEF "DOLE."

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