The Decker Brothers - Part 8

The Decker Brothers - Part 8

The next thing I know we are making a turn onto H. Decker Road.  Bob says “There must be some clues about the Decker Brothers on a Road named H. Decker Rd. ''
“I’m not too optimistic”, I tell him. I remind him that the year after we met the Decker boys, we returned to Lake Oquaga once again and that year my Uncle Bill Foulkes was staying in Scott’s Farmhouse.  This was 1962 and Sharon and I were vacationing in a tiny cottage on the other side of the lake with my Aunt Marie O’Donnell and my cousin, Diane, and her friend, Renee.  Since the story of the Hillbillies had spread far and wide throughout our family, shortly after we arrived at the Lake my Uncle Bill - ever the sport - and because he wanted to please his two former flower girls ( circa 1950 ), offered to take Sharon and me into the backwoods around the vicinity of Blueberry Lake.  I guess he was a bit bored and was looking for something to do and he thought for sure he would be able to help us track down our old boyfriends from the previous summer.  Neither Sharon nor I could drive yet and we were more than delighted with Uncle Bill’s generous offer!  So into the backwoods around the vicinity of Blueberry Lake we went.  We thought we hit the mother load when we came upon H. B. Decker Rd!  Of course, it almost goes without saying that no one else in the family knew of our plan until after the fact. When they heard of my dear Uncle Bill’s generous offer and our search efforts, they were furious.  We never did find our dearly beloved Hillbillies “ in them there hills”.   When they heard of my dear Uncle Bill’s kind offer and our search efforts, they were furious!   We never did find our dearly beloved Hillbillies “in them there hills”.  In an attempt to console us after our failed mission, after we got back down to Lake Oquaga Road our Uncle Bill took us to the upscale and rather festive Chestnut Lodge (circa 1928).   The Maitre d’ sat us at a table on the front porch overlooking the Lake and my Uncle ordered us each a fancy “Cocktail”.  Sharon and I were both only 17 years and under the legal drinking age, but no one dared approached us for “proof”.  After all , Bill Foulkes was way too dapper and self-assured to be asked such a question.  I remember feeling very sophisticated and grown up.  I don’t believe we mentioned a word about this aspect of our excursion to anyone.     It did somehow ease the pain of not locating our Decker Brothers. 
Later that day, Sharon and I walked to Scott’s Casino and as we lingered around this space  I reminisced longingly about all those special moments Lyle and I had shared there the summer before.  Appropriately, from the jukebox in the corner of the room, Roy Orbison was singing these poignant lyrics: 

“Yes, now you're gone

And from this moment on

I'll be crying, crying

Crying, crying

Yeah, crying, crying
Over you” 

Honestly, as silly as it may sound to you, at that moment in time, my young heart was aching. I felt so sad.

( Photo # 1 The Tiny Cottage that my Aunt Marie Murphy O'Donnell Rented in 1962

Photo # 2 : Margaret O'Donnell and Bill Foulkes on their wedding day January 1950 - Sharon and I were their flower girls.
Photo # 3 Sharon and Mary Beth when we were Flower Girls in Ant Margie and Uncle Bill's Wedding in January 1950
Photo # 4 The Chestnut Inn photo above was taken in July 2018. The Chestnut Lodge was completely and beautifully renovated in the early 2,000s, following the style of its 1928 grandeur.  It is absolutely gorgeous inside.  There are approximately 17 suites (8 on the second floor, 8 on the third floor, all with private baths, spacious showers and whirlpool tubs.  There is a handicapped accessible unit on the first floor as well as a cocktail lounge over looking the Lake, an upscale dining room, spacious living room with a stone fireplace, reception desk, restrooms, gift shop, children's play room.  Sadly the Chestnut Inn is currently closed and waiting for a buyer.  When I win the Lottery, I promise you I will get that magical place up and running again!  )