Occasionally, I realize that there is a good reason for not getting rid of stuff. I often start looking for something, and sometimes I get lucky. Today was one of those lucky days.
I have saved Wheel Tracks for years and still have the first issues. When I get them out to look for something, sometimes I find it and sometimes I don’t. Today was one of those days when I found what I was looking for. And what that might be, you ask?
Well, in the September 2009 issue, there was a complete treasurer’s report for the Stowe Car Show. One of the items listed was a reimbursement to Duane Leach for food, propane, and supplies. That means that Marnita was doing the cooking. Fast forward to 2025 and Marnita was still doing the cooking. That is a lot of years. I’m afraid it was taken for granted that there would be meals ready for the workers. I think in the early days it wasn’t the spread that she prepared for everyone in later years, but it was amazing. Not only was she there for the show – breakfast, lunch and dinner, but she was there for the days preceding the show when everyone was busy setting up. I remember her delivering lunch to the Registration tent along with vases of flowers for our tables.
“Marnita, you have no idea how much we appreciated that.”
For the last few years, there were tables set up in the cooking tent, and folks would gather there to share stories, problems, and suggestions. There were probably a few folks that shouldn’t have been there, but that was to be expected. It was also a good time to get away from your tasks to take a breather.
“Marnita, you were as important as Bob and Duane were in the whole scheme of things. I still see you racing around in a golf cart making your deliveries. Thank you so much. Sending you big hugs.”
– Judy and the rest of this crazy group.
And not to be forgotten, Keith Bean, Marnita’s brother, was behind the grill these past few years helping Marnita.
“Thank you, Keith, for your early-morning conversations. It made my time at the Registration trailer in those early hours each day much more productive with hot coffee (along with my coffee creamer you kept in the fridge for me) and a hearty breakfast fixed just the way I liked it by you. I will miss your upbeat personality and laugh going forward!
– Anne Pierce
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