Memories for 3 generations

Al Draper, of East Providence, writes:

It’s curious how emotions can attach themselves to material objects. Many happy memories are inextricably intertwined with “E 936" and the 1987 Cadillac that now wears it.

Family lore has it that my grandfather, Albert Aspen, got the plate in 1921 after my mother Edith was born: “E” honoring her.

My first memory of the plate was on my grandfather's 1953 DeSoto. Gramp gave the plate and the DeSoto to Mom in 1960 when he could no longer drive. Mom gave the plate to me when she and Dad, Harold Draper, moved out of state in 1971. I have had it since.

The Cadillac was a gift to Dad from his customers when he retired in December 1986. He immediately gave it to Mom as the final installment of his betrothal promise to provide a home of her own (happening in 1948), a mink coat (in 1979) and a Cadillac (1986).

Mom promptly dubbed the Caddy “Gertrude,” and enjoyed driving her to the market and hairdresser for more than 20 years.

She gave the Caddy to me prior to her passing, so the plate and the car are now together.

E 936 has been in the family for 98 years; the Caddy for 33. Every time I look at the plate — or drive Gertrude — I enjoy fond recollections of Mom, Dad and Gramp.