Stuck in the Mud
Back when most roads were unpaved in
Fayette County, a motorist who was just passing through got
his automobile stuck in the mud at the intersection of
Highways 85 and 92 just south of where Melear’s Barbecue is
located.
After several local people failed in attempts to pull him
out, it was suggested that someone call Doc Tinsley down at
Senoia to bring his wrecker. It should do the job. Mr.
Tinsley had made his wrecker using parts of old trucks and
automobiles. It was an ugly looking contraption, yet quite
effective as a wrecker. You could say it was a wreck of a
wrecker.
Mr. Tinsley was called and after about an hour he arrived
at the scene. The wrecker was running hot and loose parts
were shaking and clanging in rhythm with the motor. Mr.
Tinsley got out of the wrecker and approached the stuck
automobile.
“Looks like you’re having a little trouble there,” remarked
Mr. Tinsley. “Can I help?”
“Well, maybe so. They’ve called this Doc Tinsley in Senoia
to come, but the son of a gun (I’ve substituted the word
“gun”) hasn’t shown up!” responded the stuck stranger with
disgust.
Mr. Tinsley slowly and methodically backed his contrivance
near the stuck vehicle and attached a heavy duty chain from
the wrecker to the automobile’s axle. With a number of
jerks, wheels slipping and spinning, the automobile was
retrieved from the quagmire of mud.
“Thanks a million!” the man joyfully exclaimed. “How much
do I owe you?”
“Make it thirty-five dollars,” answered Mr. Tinsley.
Thirty-five dollars was a lot of money back then and the
man reacted, “Thirty-five dollars! Isn’t that a bit much?”
“Well,” replied Mr. Tinsley, “That’s ten dollars for
pulling you out and twenty-five dollars for calling me a
“son of a gun. ”