Last month, Robert Crandall "hung up his bag, retiring for the second time in his career," The Times Argus Editor Steven Pappas informed readers earlier this week.
Some in Montpelier, Vt., already knew that another had taken over the route that their 90-year-old carrier had trod for 10 years. Many more had to find another dentist after his first retirement in 1993.
When her still-active husband's job as a Census taker ended in 2000, Elfriede Crandall called his attention to an ad in the Barre-based paper for a carrier to handle a one-bag downtown paper route serving about 20 subscribers and some street sales.
Crandall covered 45-minute route shortly after 8:00 each morning along a stretch that included the statehouse and other government buildings in the small state capital. Having become acquainted with many of his customers, including the governor and other officials, Crandall told Pappas the route was a pleasure rather than work.
Though he made deliveries in all weather, cuts and bruises from a fall on a stone stairway two months ago persuaded Crandall to hang up his bag.
Pappas quoted Circulation Director Melody Hudson calling Crandall "certainly one of our best carriers." She said "He did an excellent job... out there every day" on one of only two remaining walking routes.
After his fall, Crandall's absence prompted inquiries from well-wishers. He returned to his route, but only for a few days -- just long enough to train his replacement, celebrate his 90th birthday, and make one final solo round of deliveries.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here