Nestled into the hill at the top of Main Street was a huge building with a great arched roof. A doorway was situated at either side of the face of the structure. There were stairways leading up to these doors from the main street. As you climbed the stairs you could see the pretty rock garden, flowers and little evergreen trees that had been planted in the centre, separating the staircases. The lights from the building were so bright you could almost imagine you were in a big city somewhere. The aroma of fresh popcorn drew you to the doors like a magnet. Yes,,,you were going to the "Theatre".

Tightly clutched in your hand was your allowance for the week. Twenty-five cents,,,wow,,,,the decisions that would have to be made on the spending of this fortune. You knew you would go to the theatre and that cost was fifteen cents. The problem now was how to spend the other ten cents. Would it be a bottle of pop? Oh, that is tempting as it is always icy cold and Mother would not let you have that at home. Would it be a bag of popcorn? The popcorn was a real challenge to the senses, as you could smell it all the way up the stairs to the theatre. Would it be a comic book? The comic books were available at the Pharmacy and Mr. Galloway would always pretend that he did not see you peeking at it before you purchased it. The price was the same for all three, just ten cents.

You make your decision. This week the comic book wins out. Now you will have something to savour for the entire week, one page at a time, even reading all those ads on the back page that tell you of all the money you could make selling greeting cards, or all the things they would send to you c.o.d.. Visions of miniature seahorses and miniature monkeys dance in your head.

Now its time to go to the show. The theatre had the best movies on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Saturday was the big night as everyone came to town from the surrounding farms. Monday and Tuesday were out as far as going to a show when you live on a farm, only the "Town Kids" got to do that. You climb the stairs, reading the posters of the coming attractions as you go and finally find your way to the ticket booth. You part with your fifteen cents and grasping the ticket in your hand, rush to find the very best seat. It is very dark, the aisle slopes to the front of the theatre, your footing is unsure and just when you start to panic, a gentle voice offers to help you find a seat. Mr. Pyle was always there with his flashlight to show you the way.

You settle into your seat, the lights hit the massive screen, the curtains magically pull to the side, the music begins to play and you are transported into another world. First there is a newsreel telling you of events and showing you pictures of things happening in far away places. Next, the very best part, the comics, Bugs Bunny, Woody Woodpecker, Tom and Jerry, Sylvester, Heckle and Jeckle and even Daffy Duck. All too soon the comics end and it is time for the main feature.

Half way through the feature, you start to get a bit uncomfortable. Mother Nature is calling you and you know there is no public restroom available. You can't wait, so you head for the door, hoping you can make it to your Auntie's house and maybe get back in time to see the end of the movie. As you open the door to the lobby, that wonderful man appears again.

Mr. Pyle stops you on your way out and asks what is wrong. When you have told him of your problem, he takes you by the hand and shows you where there is a restroom in the staff area behind the lobby. You hurry on your way and rush to get back to the show. Mr. Pyle is standing at the door, ready to help you get back to your seat and as you settle in he hands you an ice cold bottle of Coca Cola and pats you on the head. You thank him for helping you and also for the pop, giving him a smile from ear to ear.

Mr. Pyle was probably my first hero.