Salvage
They say there’s a difference between
good junk and bad junk. In any case it seems to depend on
an individual’s perspective or need. Take the merchandise
at Jordan Salvage located on the east side of town at the
corner of Highway 54 and Jeff Davis Drive; there are many
items of interest but it’s difficult for me to
differentiate.
The owner of Jordan’s Salvage, Robert Jordan, and I grew up
together in Fayetteville when the social customs were quite
different than they are today. I lived on the southside of
town and Robert lived on the east side. He worked for Mr.
Ed Travis from the time he was just a child until he
started his salvage business. When he was a child he did
odd jobs and ran errands for the Travis family. He would
sometimes stop by my house on his way to town and we would
play. We enjoyed riding down the hill on my coaster wagon.
Later he worked in Mr. Travis’ hardware store. (Also, read
my story “Real Baseball.” I mention our playing baseball
together.)
The main building at Jordan’s Salvage is one of the oldest
in Fayetteville. When I was growing up Mr. George Mitchell
ran a grocery store there. Most of his customers were
black. This was a place where they not only shopped but
socialized. I remember my mother sending me there once
during the World War II years. Many food items were not
only rationed but not available, especially canned meats.
It was rumored that Mr. Mitchell had some “Double-Q” pink
salmon in stock and Mother sent me there to buy a can. That
was the only time I ever entered the store.
If you don’t know him and haven’t stopped at Jordan’s
Salvage you’ve missed the joy of meeting its owner Robert
Jordan. He is a special person, a life-long friend. We have
always called him “Head” but I don’t know why.