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Thirty-two years of continuous and faithful service with Powell-Hackney Grocery Company was awarded with a party for "Uncle" Warnie Collins to celebrate his 65th birthday on January 30th. The hosts were Leonard Slusher, manager of the local grocery company, and the entire personnel, some of whom have also seen long service with the local firm.
A large birthday cake with lighted candles and a Bible, the gift from his co-workers at Powell-Hackney, were presented the guest of honor, who was too overcome to express in words his appreciation, but his face radiated the joy he felt for being so honored. Refreshments of homemade cake and ice cream were served. Since his beginning with Powell-Hackney in 1920, Mr. Collins' duties have been principally with the delivery service. Recalling incidents connected with his earlier service, he remembers that there were no paved streets in Jackson and no good roads in the county; that goods were delivered by mule-drawn wagons. Muddy roads and deep ruts during the winter months made travel a slow-going process. With the coming of the good roads, he soon took up the more modern way of delivery, by truck. Born January 30, 1887, on Caney (now Guage) in Breathitt County, "Uncle Warnie" is a son of Addison and Clara Collins. He started working for the local grocery company when Jack Colwell was manager and has served under his three successive managers, the late Howard R. Parker, Fred Brodtkorb, and Mr. Slusher, his present boss. A member of the colored Baptist Church of Jackson, "Uncle Warnie" is a most faithful and loyal attendant at all services. His wife is a daughter of Mrs. Mary Wilson, one of the county's most respected colored women. They have recently built a modern concrete block residence on the Jackson-Quicksand highway, where they reside. In answer to an inquiry by a Times representative this week, that now he has reached the age of eligibility for retirement, what are his plans? "Uncle Warnie" said, "I am better satisfied working as long as my health will permit." His employer says that he is a good worker, honest, dependable, and kind in his attitudes, thus meriting the recognition which his co-workers have given him. (Article courtesy of The Jackson Times)  |
Coming
as a complete surprise to "Uncle" Warnie, the party
was held in the office at Powell-Hackney with Mr. Slusher as
master of ceremonies. Guests were his wife, Maggie, and Mrs.
J. J. Lovely, Mrs. Raymond Strong, Jackie Strong, and Mrs. A.
S. Sizemore.