The "Anniversary Celebration" Story

It was an ordinary day. Getting ready to celebrate AAA Central Penn's 105 birthday. I know, big deal. And, I kind of feel that way also. I have been a member of AAA since 1980. 31 years of carrying that card in my wallet. I can remember when my dad died and I had to go through all his files and decide what was important to keep and what needed to be pitched. One of the unusual items, maybe I should reword that since most of the items he kept were unusual, I found were every AAA card he ever was issued since he had joined. A whole big stack of them. Well anyway, I have made use of my AAA membership many times for items such as maps, tour books, and a few towing trips when a car would break down. But, I'm sure they have collected more money in dues from me than I have received in services. Something like an insurance policy my dad would always say. At this point I'm afraid to stop my membership for fear that the day after my card runs out, I'll be stranded somewhere with a flat tire and no gas. The Central Penn, or our local club, was founded 105 years ago because of poor road conditions and needed improvements. Today they offer a variety of services to serve the travel and safety needs of it's members. Since most people living today weren't around when the club was founded, they gave a time line in their latest AAA issue of important events from the club's first 30 years. Such items as: 1912 - A $50 reward is offered for arrest and conviction of thieves who steal member's cars (that had to be a huge sum of money at that time), 1918 - The club proposed drastic action against all township supervisors who fail to erect direction signs to keep roads in repair (wonder how that worked out), 1919 - AAA took steps to secure uniform gas prices in Pennsylvania (wouldn't that put a damper on free enterprise?), 1921 - Members vote to give 10-mile free towing service, 1923- Club voted to give free emergency road service to affiliated members when the club's territory, 1924 - A complete mapping service is available, 1926 - The club engaged motorcycle patrolman to ride highways in its district assisting members, 1927 - Club begins a weekly radio broadcast and give 2 cents per gallon on gas and reduced prices on grease jobs to members, 1928 - Club institutes schoolboy patrols in it's territory (Hey, I was a patrolman in elementary school and my certificate says AAA on the top of it), 1934 - Club membership dues are $5, 1937 - Membership stands at 5,360. In the first 30 years the Central Penn club grew from the 80 charter members to 5,360. Quite a history. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.