My First Date by George D. Hatt

I’m not sure what year it was – I was either nine or ten years old – but I remember my first date like it was yesterday.  Even though I was small in stature, I was a “big shot”.  My dad was the assistant manager at the Grand Theatre in Douglas, Arizona.  When he was working, I could watch the movie without having to pay.  Anyone who was with me received the same privilege. 

Ann Metcalf lived on the corner of 8th St. and “A” Avenue, just a few houses down from my “1143” address.  We became great friends from the day we met.  One day, we found an old burro walking around the neighborhood and decided to make it our pet.  We put it in my back yard and tied it to a china berry tree.  In the middle of the night, the burro started braying loudly and woke my dad up.  Needless to say, he made me turn the burro loose.

It was about a two-mile walk from our house to the Grand Theatre.  I wanted to hold her hand, but I didn’t have the courage  -- I didn’t know how to initiate such a bold move.  My hand accidentally brushed against her hand, my fingers locked onto her fingers, and, in one miraculous instant, our friendship was elevated to a new level.

My dad collected the tickets, and he always greeted everyone with a smile.  He probably thought I was too young to be going on a date, but he never expressed it.  I escorted my date into the Grand Theatre like I owned the place.  The best part of the movie was the popcorn and “Rocket Man” continuing serial.

Ann moved out of town, and I never saw her again.  But my memories of her will always be fond.  She was my First Date.  I hope the Grand Theatre can be brought back to life.  Good luck in your venture.