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Note: Stories about Uncle Harold always include feats of strength. He was a barrel-chested guy, heavy-set when I knew him, and didn't look particularly strong - Dad said he had arms like a woman's - but was strong as a bull form years of working on the loading dock. One time he wona bet by carrying a barrel of metal across the warehouse. ANother time he got into a fight with a guy at "Clare's" the tavern across from the beach at Pell Lake, WI. The guy who started the fight foundhimself squeezed in a one-armed bear hug, being pounded by Harold who kept on asking, "Why are you picking on me?" or words to that effect. Speaking of Pell Lake, it was Harold's favorite place. He'd take the train up there weekends, hang around at the bar and walk back tothe cottage at night. He must have loved to read the paperback Western novels that we found in an old bookcase up there when we were remodeling the place. I still have one or two I kept as remembrances, just because they were his. A number of stories were told about Uncle Harold and the barflies at Pell Lake; Mom mentioned some names, including "Sparkle Plenty". and the owner/bartender, a guy named Ray (whom Dad fought once defending my cousin Donald.)
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