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Fulton's Roost Pole Although few people around today remember the Roost Pole, back in the '50s it was an important part of daily life in Fulton. When there was an original idea formed by the men in town, it was surely hatched at the Roost Pole. The latest information on work, church, or community affairs was readily available there and anytime during the day two or more men could be seen sitting on the pole just shooting the breeze. Now the Roost Pole, which sat between the post office and the train tracks, overlooked Bassetts Creek. It consisted of two, 6-inch by 6-inch boards placed end to end. These were secured to three, 4-inch posts in the ground that sat about 30 inches high. These boards were weathered and gray, worn smooth over many years of use. The young men in town soon realized that this was the perfect place to watch the young women come and go, thus giving one more reason to call it the Roost Pole. Now, the exact reason for the construction of the town's Roost Pole has never been disclosed. I believe it was built for the reason it was used, to provide a place for the men of the community to congregate. There was no newspaper in town so this was the next best thing. In late April of 1956 two young men, Tom and Sam were sitting on the Roost Pole. It was nine o'clock in the morning and they were meeting the mail train. The mail was unloaded from the train at the depot which sat next to the tracks, and the large canvas mail bag would be hand delivered to the post office. Then the mail clerk would close the wooden shutters while sorting and putting up the mail. Arrival of the mail in Fulton was an important part of the day and activity increased considerably after the mail window opened once more for business, whereupon a member of each household would go to town and get any mail left for the family. After getting comfortable on the Roost Pole Tom gave a quick glance at his surroundings and noticed a male figure briskly walking in his direction. "Sam, I believe that's Mr. Harrigan coming across the railroad tracks," said Tom. Sam looked towards the tracks to see Mr. Harrigan's red suspenders shining in the sunlight. "Yep, he seems to be in a hurry," Sam replied of Scotch Lumber Company's CEO. Approaching the pole sitters, Mr. Harrigan gave a polite nod to the two young men. Tom returned the nod while Sam gave his usual "Howdy." Slowing to make polite conversation with Tom and Sam, Mr. Harrigan asked, "You boys see that fire last night in the lower end of town?" He knew the answer before he asked the question, for the entire town turned out for a fire. It had been 11:30 when the fire whistle sounded and men, women and children rolled out of bed to hurry to the fire. Thereupon the women would give comfort if possible, while the men helped put the fire out and the children enjoyed all the excitement. A fire in Fulton would be talked about for years and you certainly didn't want to miss it and not have your own version of the night's events. "Yeah Mr. Harrigan, it was good they got it put out as fast as they did," said Tom. "Yes, there was very little damage to the house," he said glancing at the two. Then suddenly Mr. Harrigan came to a complete halt in front of the two pole sitters and added in his most serious voice. "Boys, if you want to see what the women of Fulton really look like just go to a fire at night." The two young men collapsed in laughter as Mr. Harrigan tipped his hat and continued on his way.
Linda Brown writes about her husband Randall's growing-up years in Fulton. The couple lives in Northport.
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