Back in my time in Swainsboro, the youth of our town minded our parents and did not want to participate in anything that might seem rowdy. We were good kids. However, there was one enticement that tempted the boys. Note I said boys—for no girl would set foot in the “Busy Bee Café.” This little café was on the square and contained pool tables and served beer. The boys were allowed to play at the pool tables, but alcohol was not sold to anyone underage. This eliminated the real fear of parents. With long time Emanuel County sheriff Payton Youmans and his deputies giving surveillance, there was no way this law would be broken. Police Chief, Walter Lamb, and officers, Elmo Berry, Curtis Coleman, and the fearful “Tar Bucket” Braswell, kept a watchful eye that “Busy Bee” never served these young pool players more than a hamburger and coke. There was a time when many law-abiding citizens rebelled. Parking meters were installed at each of the spaces around the square. A nickel had to be had to be put through the slot for each half hour. Ingenious ways were used to avoid this insult. Some would drive around until they found a meter with time left. Another escape was telling the passing meter checker that they had put in their nickel, but it did not register. The checker put in another nickel which gave the car owner a legitimate half hour. Also, you could park and ignore completely. When tickets appeared under wipers, the wind just blew away. What a dilemma this caused! What should the fine be for an unpaid nickel? What was a need for such meters when the Bone Yard was never filled. Meters were removed, and as far as I know, were not tried again. Our little city returned to being law abiding. Write to Shirley at sptwiss@charter.net.
