The "#1 Dad" Story

It was an ordinary day. I was going through my scrap books and old photos and thought it was now time to write a story about Paul H. Woods. He was many things to many people. Son, brother, husband, military man, watchmaker, singer, but most importantly, he was my Dad. Dad was born in Lancaster in 1920 and grew up in the north-east section of the city. His father worked for the post office and was injured and died because of a work related injury when Dad was seven. Dad was the youngest of four siblings. He had a sister Doris who was the oldest, Clair who was his only brother and Lillian who was born a few years before Dad. He often told stories about growing up in the 20s and the 30s. Many stories had to do with a dog named Tiny who did everything with him. At the age of 12, Dad lost an eye when someone shot him with a BB gun. Yes, it really can happen!! I only found out when I was a teenager. He never shared the story with anyone. Never used his handicap as an excuse for anything. As you can guess, I was never allowed to have a BB gun. When Dad was in Junior High his brother was killed in an automobile accident as he was traveling to a basketball game in York. Clair was the manager of the team and was traveling with other students, sitting in the rumble seat of a car that struck a telephone pole. I often thought of how my Grandmother, Grace W., survived all the tragedy in her life. While in high school he met my Mother, Dorothea (Dot). She lived in the 600 block of South Prince Street and Dad would take her home from school most days. When Dad graduated from High School he started working for Meiskey's Jewelry which was located in the first block of West Chestnut Street. In 1942 he was drafted into the US Army. Because of his vision problem he was given an assignment in the USA. Shortly thereafter, Mom and Dad were married at St. Paul's Methodist Church on South Duke Street. I was born in 1944 and Dad made it home in time for my birth. Mom and I lived on S. Prince while Dad served during WWII. After the war, Dad went back to work for Meiskey's and we moved into a rental on E. Orange St. When I was five we moved to North Queen Street. Dad eventually became manager of the Jewelry store. We took many vacations to the Jersey Shore and the Chesapeake Bay. Mom and Dad always made sure we had a summer vacation together. My brother Steve was born in 1949 and now all the bedrooms in the house were filled. Dad always made sure we had everything we needed and was more than willing to allow us to have pets. He knew the value of a young boy growing up with a dog as his best friend. I also had guinea pigs, pigeons, rats, mice, fish and worms while Steve had rabbits. Dad and I spent many hours fishing together. The family vacations at the bay gave us plenty of time for this. Dad enjoyed his Grandkids and loved to vacation and babysit them whenever he could. He also enjoyed and loved his Great Grandkids as well. One of Dad's favorite past-times was singing. He had a fantastic mellow baritone voice. I truly believe that if his family could have sent him to school for voice, he would have been a great vocal artist. His rendition of "Where you there?" on Good Friday at St. James brought tears to EVERYONE'S eyes. His singing of the Lord's Prayer at weddings brought many great comments. He was the featured soloist with the Lancaster Chapter of Barbershoppers who were one of the best choruses in the USA. He naturally was the baritone soloist with the St. James Choir. I had the honor to do a few duets with him when we were both members of the choir. Just sitting next to him in practice and services made me a better singer. He was also the featured soloist with the AARP Chorus. DAD REALLY ENJOYED SINGING! He died a few years ago and is missed tremendously by everyone who knew him. Most believe they needed another great baritone voice in the heavenly choir. Love You Dad!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Photos are from top: Dad and his favorite...Tiny, His sisters Doris and Lillian and my Mom, Graduation Pix, Mom and Dad's Wedding Day, Dad holding me in front of 617 S. Prince St., Working for Meiskey's Jewelry Store, Dad and me fishing at Elk River, Dad and his Grandson Tad (namesake Paul T. Woods), Red Rose Chorus Barbershoppers (Dad is 2nd from right standing)