Going to the Smithdeal-Massey Business College in 1940, Richmond, Virginia

In this imaginary journey, you're going to the Smithdeal-Massey Business College in Richmond, Virginia. We're on 8th Street looking northeast towards Broad Street. It's 1940, and you're my son. I'm staying at Murphy's Hotel, which is right across the street. I'm so proud of you, son, your future is bright!

This image, by the way, is from the Duke University Libraries Digital Collections. Their interest is in the study of historic advertising, and mine is time-traveling. I also want to say a special thank you to my top history adventuring detective (who prefers to remain anonymous) who precisely identified this location. Not a trace of these buildings remain.

Like I was saying, son, I'm so proud of you. With your brains, and the book-learnin' that you're going to get from the College, you'll go far. I've heard good things about this school, and it looks like a convenient location - you can take the trolley anywhere you need to go.


Can you sit for a while? We can go to the Sonny Boy Inn and have a Coke. Sure, it's on me, don't worry! A sandwich? Of course! Maybe we could go next door and play some billiards. Your old man used to be good at that back when he was your age.

What's that? You've been reading about the problems that they're having over in Europe? Don't worry about it, if a war comes we'll handle it. But I'm not worrying about it for you - remember that I fought the War to End all Wars, and that should be the end of it. Here's your sandwich, and here's a couple of bucks for books.

Did I mention that I'm proud of you?

Climb up on my knee Sonny Boy.
Though you're only three Sonny Boy.
You've no way of knowing,
There's no way of showing,
What you mean to me Sonny Boy.

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