Walking to the bar in 1939 to try Trenton Old Stock


I enjoy looking at the old photos at the Duke University site ROAD (Resource of Outdoor Advertising Descriptions), which have a lot of images of Trenton, New Jersey, and when I found this one I realized that I had no idea that the New Jersey State Prison was in Trenton, and now I'm thinking about what it would be like to be there in 1939. Or rather, to be out of there. Time-travel with me.

This, of course, is an imaginary journey, and I'm going to try to take a perspective that few people even think about, how wonderful it would be to be released from prison, and do something as simple as walking down a sidewalk, and enjoying the taste of a cold beer. That's me there, and I'm striding.


I'm not as young as I was when I first went in, but I'm still young. I'm strong, and healthy, and older and wiser now. I'm going to put the past behind me, and move on. None of my friends were there when I was let out, but I don't care, those people are part of the reason that I went in. I'll find new friends, and maybe the people who had given up on me will see that I'm ready to start a new life. We'll see.

Barkeep! A glass of Trenton Old Stock, if you would be so kind! Where am I from? Oh, around. Ahhh... the first sip is the best. Yes, I have money, here you go. What's that? What? You know, it's really none of your business, I just want to stand here and drink a glass of beer in peace, is that too much to ask? No, I'm not sore, just kind of sensitive, I guess. Thanks for the beer, it's time for me to hit the road. No, I won't be back, I'm going home. Guess I'll follow the railroad tracks.


I'm coming home, I've done my time.
Now I've got to know what is, and isn't mine.
If you received my letter telling you I'd soon be free,
Then you'll know just what to do if you still want me.

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