The Year 1952, Chapter 3

A little before 7 AM on the first Friday of September, the year 1952, Mrs. Barone enters the Larson's home.  She has been their housekeeper/cook/nanny (when Burt needed one) since Molly Larson died tragically many years ago.  

Mrs. Barone, a widow for almost 20 years, is in her early 70s with grey hair tied in a bun.  She could definitely afford to lose some weight.

Mrs. Barone has deep affection for Burt and visa versa.  Regarding Harvey, they have a professional relationship.  They only talk when necessary.

Since Burt can fix his own breakfast of Corn Flakes and fresh strawberries with milk (from his father's dairy), Mrs. Barone is busy preparing Harvey's breakfast: an egg omelet, two strips of bacon, buttered (also from his dairy) toast and coffee with cream (again from his dairy) and sugar.   

Before Burt comes downstairs, he enters his father's bedroom full of curiosity about his father's Thursday.  Harvey offers few details.  But, Burt enjoys watching him shave, especially when he's applying the shaving cream with a brush.  How long will it be before Burt can do the same?

There are two topics Harvey and Burt share in common, baseball and boxing.  Harvey loves the Yankees.  They are easy to love having won three straight World Series and look like a good bet to do it again in October as the American League pennant winner.

"Did the Yanks win last night, Dad?"

"Sure did."

Instead of mimicking his father's passion for the Yankees, Burt feels a desire to compete with him.  Maybe Harvey doesn't give his son enough quality time.  He is always so busy at work.  Maybe deep down, Burt is angry about that.  So, this gives rise to Burt's hatred of the Yankees.  

"What about the Dodgers?"

"I don't know.  You can read about them in the afternoon paper."

What a disappointment.  Harvey knew of Burt's interest (as a Dodger fan) in this score, but failed to take note.  

"Will you be home tonight to watch the Fights on TV?  Two welterweights, Gil Turner and Bobby Dykes."

"You know I always come home as soon as I can.  It should be a good one."

After breakfast and a chat with Mrs. Barone, Burt heads off to school.  However, his next stop will be at the house of his cousin, and best friend in the world, Libby Collins.