Small-world story
It was a snow-slush day outside Macy’s back in the 60s. McDonald’s could have existed on some distant horizon, but in Manhattan it was the ubiquitous “Chock Full O’Nuts” coffee and sandwich chain. I’d dropped in, eased onto a stool at the counter and ordered their famous coffee and trademark cream cheese on raisin-and-nut bread. This guy plopped down beside me cursing the bitter wind and the impassable street crossings.
“Jeeze! … weather up here … Just back from a swing through the South. Big big difference. Oh, Jeeze. Ice in my socks would you believe. Jeeze!
“I agree the slush is awful, but I do love the snow,”I said.
“You “do love the snow”? You from down South somewhere?”
“Mississippi.”
Jeeze … just last month I’m in Mississippi. What town?
Columbus.
Know it. Know it well. Old town. On a hill. Got a river. Ladies’ ready-to-wear there on the corner. Ruth’s! (With his spoon, he traced Ruth’s logo into the air above “Chock Full O’Nuts'” coffee counter, just as it appeared on the corner of Fifth and Main.
R
U
T
H
S
He downed his coffee, swiped his chin, stopped by the cashier, and was gone.
The coat I was wearing? From RUTH’S. Bought on sale two years earlier.
Only in New York.
Marion Whitley
New York City
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.