Fiat Crash 1963
Kathy Gagner Greenwood
• Don't remember the 53 Chevy at all but sure you are right! I do wonder who they gave the "Little David" VW to. That was my Dad's all time favorite car. I can just hear my Mom telling you to tell everyone that she had sold the car to you. She was an amazing lady who loved life and found a way to enjoy it always! It took me far to many years to appreciate the great person she was but like you I had the privilege of caring for my Mom in her last days. Do you remember whose car we were in when we had that bad accident?
Have a good day! Hugs
That was Bill's first car, an old black Fiat, with suicide doors. He turned 16 first. I think it was 1963. The tail lights didn't work, that's why we got rear ended by some poor guy heading east. We were stopped on Atlantic and Penman or near Penman at a traffic light facing east. We were still stopped when it turned green. We got hit from behind by a guy going 45 or so and knocked into the path of a car heading west which we also collided with. We ended up in front of Stan's Standard in the middle of Atlantic Boulevard. Bill was driving, you were in the front passenger seat, I was sitting behind Bill, and Jon was sitting behind you. I was thrown clear to the south side of Atlantic Boulevard and ignored until I came to and wandered back on the scene. I only had bruises and scratches. Jon was laying in the street with his feet on the floorboard and his head in a puddle of blood with several of his teeth in the puddle. All the doors were off the car and it was still on its 4 wheels. The doors connected in the middle and opened towards each other, thus the name suicide doors. Bill had only had the car a short while and was still fixing it up. The reason we got hit was because the tail lights didn't work. We never mentioned that to the police or insurance people. I settled for $100, which I was advised to do by Bill's roomer, Dave, who I think was in the insurance business. That was considered a fair price then. The insurance agent that came to our house actually tried to talk me down. I'm surprised you don't remember more about it since you got hurt much worse than me. I was the lucky one.
Bill had only had the car a week or two. He would remember better than me. We were just going joy riding, since Bill had a license and a car, and we were still 15. Jon had a ton of stitches and dental work. I don't recall Bill's injuries or yours besides your face. There were some broken limbs in there too. I don't remember the time of year either. I came to feeling like I was waking up from a dream and smelling something strong, like asphalt burning, but not really. No one paid any attention to me, since I was walking and didn't appear injured. There was a crowd of 20 people or so by the time I woke up. As you can tell, I remember it pretty vividly. I think someone called my parents and they came and took me home. That was before Rescue, and I never went to the hospital or even the doctor later. I really never had any issues about that accident, maybe since I wasn't hurt and have sociopathic tendencies. I did feel bad for you and Bill and Jon being hurt so bad, and felt incredibly lucky or blessed for escaping so easily myself. I always just thought about it as something that just happened. I since have survived several more total car accidents with no injuries. I think God has or has had a reason for keeping me around. I am still active with the Jax Beach lifeguards and try to be a good role model and teacher for them. I have definitely done my share of stupid and mean things and have a better life than I deserve. In my old age, I am trying to do better.
September 21, 2012
Speeding On A1A
To Chris Summey - 1964/1965 - I remember Monkey Sanders and Larry Ryan (Frenchy) in the blue Dodge Dart with you and me. Guitar playing and singing and going 100 mph down A1A. I was caught up in the moment and not paying attention to the speed. FHP pulled us over and followed us to St. A jail. Rhody Roberts loaned my Dad $100 cash to go my bail. Luckily we weren't drinking, although I don't know why. We probably couldn't find someone to buy beer for us. In court the judge fined me the $100 bail. My Dad tried to talk him down, but the judge said it was a serious offense and warranted the fine. - David Stearns 2022
