Double feature at the movies

Cobby Barfield

July 11, 2008 10:59 pm

— My memories of yesteryear in Moultrie are endless, but a few will always stand out in my mind and my heart: The Colquitt Theatre, Southerland’s Barber Shop, and Watson’s Drug Store.
A Saturday in Moultrie had to include a double feature at the theater. I could not imagine a weekend without an afternoon watching a “show” at the Colquitt. We watched double features where Audie saved our ships, Elvis snarled his lips, and Chubby swiveled his hips. We also watched Trigger, Roy and Dale rid the West of cattle rustlers and bad guys. The world was safe once again. It was okay to watch the entire double feature again and walk home after dark.
The trip home was where we acted out Audie’s battles or Roy’s fist fights (all pretend of course, but very real in our minds). It was possible for me to leave the Colquitt Theater by the back door, go down the alley next to Moultrie Federal all the way to the Baptist Church, cross Central Elementary school playground and arrive just in time for Momma to reheat supper just for me.
The trip usually took less than 5 minutes from theater to front door. I say usually because the time was greatly decreased by the fright factor of the occasional “scary picture.” I am sure that I must have set the land speed record for an 11-year-old from the Colquitt to my house on Fifth Avenue. I can recall watching Michael Landon as a teenage werewolf, leaving the Colquitt and running as fast as my legs could carry me all the way home through the screen door to the kitchen in Olympic record time. By the way, the door was only locked at night. We were protected by a simple latch from the evils of the world. I locked it that night because I was sure that Michael Landon’s character was right on my heels. I made it safely to the dinner table, happy to be alive.
The next of my recollections of yesteryear in Moultrie was getting a haircut at the barbershop behind Watson’s Drugstore, Southerland’s Barbershop. My Dad required that I get a haircut every two weeks whether I needed it or not. I had to go every other Friday, right after school. The haircut was already paid for by Dad earlier that morning. I can still recall arriving after school and finding my favorite comic book from a choice of dozens and losing myself with Superman, Batman, or Archie. I must have read and reread those comics 100 times. Life was good!!!
When it was finally my time, there was no question about the length of my hair or the style I wanted. There was only one style — short. My favorite part was when Mr. Parham or Mr. Southerland would ask “What kind of hair tonic (remember that?) do you want, Cowboy or Indian? Since Roy was my hero, you could guess my answer. I left with a new haircut smelling just like Roy. Seriously, life was so good!!
The third and final part of my trip to yesteryear was right next door to the barbershop. This was Watson’s Drugstore. I can still recall going to the lunch counter, finding my favorite swivel stool and ordering a hamburger with extra pickles, fries, and the best part, a blended chocolate shake served in the metal cup. Could it get any better?! I still have fond memories of the way that burger tasted. All the burgers and shakes I have ever eaten — and there have been many — are still compared and held to the same rigid standards set by Watson’s. The best part was simply signing Dad’s name on the tab and walking home, a full, contented little short haired boy who smelled like Roy Rogers.
I must end this little trip back to yesteryear. There are many good things to recall about Moultrie, but I am sure you have your very own to remember. I am so thankful that I had the chance to grow up in such an innocent time in a wonderful town. Opie had Mayberry, Cobby had Moultrie.