A Million Little Pieces Of My Mind

It's difficult to overstate the excitement in St. Augustine as the year 1965 came to a peak. St. Augustine had been founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Avilés, as absolutely every resident knew by heart. That made this exactly 400 years from its founding, and there was a lot of money to be made. A giant cross was being erected on the site (not that the cross being there would generate money, but the workmen and metalworkers got paid). The 168-year-old Cathedral was being renovated (more paid workers, including artisans). And a great outdoor theatre was being constructed, that would house Florida's Official State Play, Cross & Sword, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green.

Although I was working as a lifeguard by day, not being a partier, I was happy to supplement my income by working for the State Play in whatever capacity I could find. The one they offered was as drink vendor, working the aisles in between acts.

Although the pay was minimal, I was able to watch the show for free every night, all summer long. (In later years, I would be in it.) I also got to hang out with my pal from Boy Scouts, Tommy Wilbur, who worked alongside me.