Recalling the cherished days of my childhood, I will never forget the refreshing taste of a cold slice of watermelon was on a steamy summer day. Appropriately, during the week of the 4th of July this year, I had an opportunity to relive those carefree days and remember the wonderful gentleman who trucked those watermelons to Patrick County from down south and sold them from the bed of his large produce truck. "The Watermelon Man" was Mr. Aubrey Martin, who made a living for most of his life by selling to Patrick Countians carefully selected watermelons, cantelopes, and other produce that he transported to our community from producers in North and South Carolina. There were no melons better than the ones that "The Watermelon Man" selected and sold with loving care (not even the ones we naughtily stole occasionally from someone's patch as kids)! Mr. Martin, who died last October at the age of 95, was not only a the guy to turn to for a great watermelon, but he was my friend and my neighbor growing up in the stateline community on Rt. 8 South of Stuart near the VA/NC state line. I grew up with and went to school with Aubrey and Grace Martin's children Billy, Roger,Rodney, and Joanne Martin.
Last week, I was delighted to hear that in his retirement after 38 years with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Billy Martin, his nephew Gideon Martin, and his first cousin, Alfred Martin (the son of Aubrey's equally famous merchant and brother Charlie Martin) were carrying on the family tradition by selling produce once again here in Patrick County. Billy wanted to revisit the southern produce markets to which he used to accompany his father and to bring back sweet memories by again making this fresh produce available for us to enjoy once again. Billy also wanted to expose Gideon to the lifestyle and occupation of his beloved grandfather and to raise some money to assist Gideon in the future. Gideon is a fine young 17-year-old gentleman who is a rising senior and an outstanding multi-sport athlete at Patrick County High School (baseball and golf). He is also a Piedmont Governor's School student who plans to attend Virginia Tech after graduating from PCHS and to purse a degree in mechanical engineering. Under Billy's tutelage, Gideon has become quite proficient at selecting fresh produce and is enjoying his summer experience as he explores his family roots.
"I enjoy carrying on the legacy of my grandfather," said Gideon last week when I interviewed him and Billy as they sold their fresh melons and vegetables at Gilmer Biggs old store on Rt. 8 about 5 miles south of Stuart. Probably many a watermelon selected by Aubrey Martin, the "Melon Man," was sold at that once popular country store and many others. Billy, Gideon, and Alfred also sell their watermelons and other produce in Patrick Springs, which Billy calls a real "hot spot" for watermelon sales. It was great to visit Billy and Gideon and to reminisce about the good ole days and to honor the memory of the little grey-haired man in the blue Ford truck who will forever be remembered as Patrick County's "Watermelon Man." This beloved gentleman is now now selling his heavenly melons in that great marketplace in the sky, bringing a cool, sweet taste to the paradise of Heaven!
I wholeheartedly urge you to patronize Billy, Gideon, and Alfred Martin's produce operation this summer. Please support their efforts by purchasing melons and more so they can continue to bring in these delicious summertime treats for us to enjoy. Departing way before dawn and returning around dark, Billy and Gideon travel to Columbia, SC, each Monday morning, and they make their tasty melons, golden cantelopes, and other fresh produce available to the public to buy each Tuesday beginning around 8 a.m. at the former Gilmer Biggs store (Billy thanks Carlton, Charles, and Delana Biggs for allowing him to park and sell there.) and at the intersection in Patrick Springs. I ask that we all help them to keep alive this wonderful family tradition from Patrick County's past. Enjoy the juicy melons and the sweet memories!
Please listen to my "Richard on the Road" news feature Tuesday, July 10, 2007, on the WHEO local news and learn more about the Martin family's proud produce marketing tradition!
Making radio a lifelong labor of love,
Richard Rogers
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