Friday, September 1, 1978 The Daily Tar Heel 5
9.
m emit -. s immge of am old- frnghioned More
Grady Nutt
o sioeak
By EDDIE MARKS
Staff Writer
The prime minister of humor is coming
to Memorial Hall Wednesday night. .
Grady Nutt, a 6-foot-4, 2 1 0-pound self
proclaimed humorist will appear at 8
p.m. in Memorial to sing, juggle,
"handbone" and play the tiple a small,
10-string Spanish folk instrument.
"A tiple is a ukelele with thyroid
trouble." Nutt says.
Nutt's show business career began in
Texas in 1937 at the age of 3 when his
mother put him on a chair so he could
reach the microphone for a Sunday
gospel music radio program. By age 13,
Nutt was a licensed Southern Baptist
minister.
"My nickname was 'Rev' in high
school," Nutt says. "1 never performed ;
marriages, but the fact that 1 could made
me awfully popular."
Nutt's last name has put him on the
receiving end of a lot of jokes, he says.
"The second t in Nutt is Very
important. Without it I'm just like the rest
of you."
Nutt says he is a humorist, not a
comedian. "A humorist just isn't trying to
crack jokes. He's an interpreter of life. He
takes a common experience and filters it
through his way of looking at things until
it comes alive for another person."
Overwhelming demand for his
performances made him decide to hit the
professional touring circuit in 1969.
Operating from his home base in
Public service announcements must be turned in at the box outside the DTH off ices in the Carolina Union
by 1 p.m. if they are to run the next day. Each item will be run at least twice.
ACTIVITIES TODAY
The first organizational meeting of the ECKANKAR
Discussion Group will be at 7:30 p.m. in Room 2I3 Carolina
Union. Paul TwitchelPs book. "ECKANKAR: Key to Secret
Worlds", will be discussed.
The Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department is
sponsoring watering-skiing instruction for teenagers and
adults from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Participants should meet at the
Municipal Building parking lot and instruction will be on
Lake Gaston. Cost is $5. to be paid when registering. Bring
your own lunch.
UPCOMING EVENTS
International Association of Students in Business and
Economics will have its annual membership drive meeting at
4:30 p.m. Tuesday in T-6 New Carroll Hall. All students
interested in jobs overseas should attend.
Auditions for the B.S.M. Gospel Choir will be held 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday in Upendo. There is a special need for bass and tenor
singers and pianists.
All former Toronto Exchange members will meet at 7:30
p.m. Tuesday in the second floor lounge of the Carolina
U nion. It is important that all members attend. If you cannot,
please contact either Cindy (929-5829). Chip (929-0009),
Radar (929-9302) or Molly (967-5138).
The Outing Club will meet at 7 p.m.Tuesday in Rooms 207
209 Carolina Union. Everyone is welcome.
Members of the I.E. Speech Team will demonstrate their ;
talents from ' 1 1 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday in front of Wilson
Library. All are welcome.
The Campus Governing Council will meet at 6:30 p:m.
Tuesday in Room 103 Caldwell Hall.
The Association for Women Students will have its
organizational meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Room 215
Carolina Union.
Interviews for the North Carolina Student Legislature will
be held 7-9 p.m. Sept. 5-8 in the Carolina Union lounge.
Applications are available at the Union information desk.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
Anyone who failed to make it for the YACKETY YACK
organizational meeting last Tuesday should stop by the office
as soon as possible to. fill out an application form.
The Social Committee of the Carolina Union will hold a
pizza eating contest at 2 p.m. Sept. 7. There is a $2 entry fee. Be
among the first 35 penpie to sign up at the Union information
desk.
The Walk for Humanity Committee of the Campus Y is
making preparations now for the walk next spring. Please
come by the Y and sign up.
Get your free WXYC bumper sticker now. The new logo is
printed on durable, weather-resistant vinyl. Go by the station
(in the basement of the Carolina Union) anytime it is on the
air.
Drivers and riders wishing to carpool to an anti-nuclear,
pro-conservation rally at the N.C. Utilities Commission
hearing on conservation Wednesday morning Sept. 6 in
Raleigh, please call ECOS at 933-3757 or Carol at 967-1 382.
The annual Tuesday Evening Concert Series of the UNC
music department will open with the North Carolina Chamber
Players, under the direction of clarinetist Donald Martin, at 8
p.m. Sept. 5 in Hill Hall. The free, public performance is the
first of 21 being sponsored this fall by the UNC music
department as part of its Tuesday and Thursday Txcning
Concert Series and Sundays-at-Four performances. .
The Carolina Club Football Team now is practicing for its
fall season opener against league champion. ASU. If you're
interested in playing contact football on a non-varsity
Red Cress
fl b counting
Jordan's Le
IV e cordially invite you to bring
evening with us. In addition to
pleased to offer on SUNDA Y -
BOSTON-CUT SIRLOIN STRIP
or , (for two)-
CHICKEN PARMESAN
(for two)
Both are generously portioned for two and include our 30 item
salad bar, cheese barrel, fresh baked bread, and all condiments!
Either "dinner for two" is only
$10.95
or
Including our own full 12 liter oj
white, red, or rose wine
.Grady Nutt
Louisville, Ky., Nutt has averaged more
than 200. appearances a year across the
nation.
."I haven't had to advertise," Nutt says.
"People just hear about me. through
word-of-mouth. If they want me, they
just call information. After all, how many
Grady Nutts are there in Louisville?".
Nutt's performance is sponsored by the
Campus Christian Fellowship. Phil
Laughlin, campus minister, said Nutt
packed the house in Memorial Hall two
years ago. : . A .:'
"We were listening to one of Nutt's
albums this summer and we thought- it
would be nice . 'to bring him back,"
Laughiih said. "He's not a Christian
comedian, he's just plain funny. He's not
going to be on the stage trying to convert
anybody."
Tickets for Nutt's performance are on
sale at the Carolina Union information
desk for $1. Tickets will be sold for $1.25
at the door. . ,
"We're charging just enough to break
even," Laughlin said. "Nutt is well worth
hearing."
intercollegiate level, call Muck at Vo7-94n3orcomcuithciH'i
practice at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 5 on Eagles Field.
The undergraduate library Ls offering tours of Wilson
Library and the undergraduate library. Meet at 10 a.m.. noon
and 4 p.m. for the one-hour tours Sept. 5-X at I he I .1 .
Reference Desk.
The Chapel HUI Shape-Note Singers will hold the first ot
their monthly singings from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday in Person
HalL Books will be available. The group welcomes ail persons
interested in joining informal singing of early American choral
settings of folk spirituals.
The position of Elections Board C hairperson is now open.
Applications are available in Suite C Carolina Union. Please
return all applications by Sept. 15.
The APO Book Co-op Cash Back continues today and ends
Scpt. 5 (closed Labor Day weekend) in Rooms 202-204
Carolina Union from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Remember to bring
your blue slips.
Any seniors interested in helping plan senior class actix ilics
are asked to sign up on the Senior Activities Committee at the -Union
information desk through Sept. 2.
Join the Campus Community Link in helping our senior
citizens. For more information, contact the Campus Y at 933
2333. Professional business assistance is available lor campus and
community organizations free of charge through the Graduate
School of Business Administration. Call 933-8301. extension
228. for information. .
The Sword of Peace Outdoor Repertory Companv ol Snow
Camp. N.C.. is offering discount admission of SI to I NC
students with I Ds for its performance of Shakespeare"s A. Ytm
Like It at 8:45 tonight. Call 376-6948' for reservations and
directions. "
Charlotte students: don't forget to vote in the Sept. 8 Ikjuor-bv-the-drink
referendum. For information about drivers and
riders, call Carol at 933-7734 or David at 933-7754.
Sign-up sheets lor Senior Class Advisor Committee arc at
the Carolina Union desk. All interested seniors are urged to
apply. Today is the last day.
Boxing and sparring instruction w ill be given at 3 p.m. every
Sunday afternoon in the Wrestling Room, downstairs.
Woollen Gym.
Looking for a chance to become involved in community
service? Volunteer as a tutor for elementary or junior high
students in Chapel Hill. Applications available in R6om 102
Campus Y. Required orientation meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday. Sept. 19 in 08 Peabody Hall.
Medical College Admission Test will be administered Sept.
30. Applications musl be postmarked by Sept. i (absolutely no
late applications). Last chance to take this test for admission to
medical schools in fall 1979. Pick up applications and 1978-79
Update to "Predent-Premed Preview Review" at Predent
Premed Advising Office in 311 South Building or IOI Nash
Hall (across from Carolina 'Inn parking lot).
The Cellar Door. UNCs literary magazine, is seeking new
staff members. 'Applications are available at the Cellar Door
office on the second floor of the Campus Y and at the Union
information desk. They arc due Sept. 12 at the Y.
Country Kitchen
eat in jpr take out
OPEN: 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Mon.-Thurs.
7:30 p.m.12 midnight
- Fri. & Sot.
PHONE: 942.5837
405 W. Rotwnary St. .
next f Cat's Crwflt .
Charlais
a friend to Jordan's and enjoy ah
our fine regular menu, .we are
THURSDA Y: .
$10.00 regular
157 . Rosemary St.
967-5727
By BILL MCGOWAN
Staff Writer
E.G. Merritt, 75. may be one of Chapel
Hill's wealthiest men, yet he has pumped
gas, chewed the fat and rung up sales.at
his service station-grocery store seven
days a week for the past 50 years come
April.
"I like to meet people and see people."
he says.I like to be on the job. I don't like
to be loafing. 1 wo.rk a 15-hour day. 1
close up every night at 9." .
But. to say that gasoline sales and
generaf merchandising have been his only
business ventures simply would be
untrue. In his days. Merritt has run
grading equipment, owned and operated
a fleet of trucks and farmed about 17
acres of tobacco. It's in his emporium
service station-grocery store, however,
that Merritt truly has found his calling.
It's there that Merritt, clad in a green
uniform, thrives. He can be recognized by
the baseball cap on his head and the
cigarette hanging from his mouth. His
sharp eyes never miss a thing and as soon
as he sees a car pull into the lot he is on his
feet w hether the people want gas or just
directions.
.. Starting out in 1929 with Gulf Oil Co..
M err itt's first station was on the corner of
Purefoy and Pittsboro Street. It was not
until 1940 that he moved across the street
and opened the Esso ( now Exxon) station
at its current location.
Merritt. his mind fresh and full of
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NCNB PLAZA Wt bUY & SfcLL UbtU bUlbNUb
oMAop. w . m o FICTION & FANTASY BOOKS!
CHAPEL MILL, IM.L.. REGULAR FALL HOURS Tues - Fri 12-8 Sat 10-6
967-4439 , 136 E. Rosemary (across from Blimpie)
THE Daily Crossword
ACROSS
1 Actor
Vallone
4 Claim
10 Wine con
tainer 14 A Gershwin
15 Housecoat
16 Feel com
25 Sort
28 Leavening. .
" agents
32 Hoibrook
or March
33 Russian
city
35 Bellbottoms
feature
36 Santa
-37 Gambols
39 Meadowtand
40 Anklebones
42 Fit to
gether 43 Inner:
comb, form
44 Rudimentary
46 Addresses ;.
49 Assists .
passion
Packaging
17
material
19 Menial
worker
20 Promise
21 Backless
stool
23 Czech river
24 Restaurant
patron
Yesterday's Puzzle Solved:
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A P 0 L 0 G HZ El 0 L L J E
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STIU El Jm pIcjcfA S I NT
P oJd P R 1 E I Pjlj H J P SJ
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9178
1978 by Chicago TribunaN.Y.
All Rights Raserved
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memories, recalls life as he has lived it He
leans against' the wood stove oi
occasionally takes a chair between
servicing cars. Friends come from all
around to get gas, a loaf of bread or a
quart of milk. In a corner the television
carries a weekend game.
H e stocks products' from carburators
to cornbeef. A service award, scenic
paintings and ACC sports calendars
cover the walls. A variety of notions
.clutter the extra window "and counter
space, all either hung from twine or stuck
in racks. Merritt's Service Station is the
image of an old-fashioned country store.
Merritt's is a long-time meeting place
where college professors, retired farmers,
working men and more . than an
occasional bearded student have been
able to talk politics, swap fishing tales or
just enjoy a cold drink. It has become a
tradition in Chapel Hill.
Merritt has seen lively days in the store.
Like when members of the infamous'
"China.berry Tree Gang", regulars at the
station, dubbed themselves after a tree
growing out back. They wired the sitting
bench in the store with electric current.
Merritt tells the story with particular
delight and speaks of the unsuspecting
victims of the prank, the perpetrators and
a local black man named Peter Burnette
who rolled in the floor with laughter at
the surprised face of one of his closest
friends. Of course.all of this was done in
the spirit of fun. Merritt had to remove
the attraction when several victims failed
n
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THE
FOUNDATION
BOOKSTORE
Deals exclusively in
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A - a. mm mm mm m. m mm & m. mm
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to see the fun in having their toes raised to
their ears with a backside full of voltage.
Another story Merritt tells is one he
heard from Livingston Taylor now a
singer himself and brother of James.
Taylor recalls that as a small boy he and
his brothers bought candy and sodas
regularly at Merritt's. One day while
buying his usual bag of jawbreakers.
Taylor says he spotted a nickel on the
floor next to the old wood stove. He made
no fuss as he crept by the group of okT
men to pick up the treasure. But as he
picked up the coin from the .floor, he
recalls, the laughter began. That nickel
wouldn't come off the floor; because the
men had it securely tacked in place.
Several years ago a string band played
regularly at the station. Banjo and guitar
picking could be heard every Friday
evening in the small store. Led by Ed
Norwood, who has worked in the
Woollen Gym basketroom for many
years, the band drew many listeners.
"At one time the room got so crowded
that the customers couldn't even get to
the counter." Merritt says. Enthusiasm
was later lost as throngs of students and
locals flocked to Merritt's. The event was
sw itched to Thursdays in an effort to cut
the crowd, but the sessions eventually ha'd
to be stopped because they began to affect
business with regular customers.
There has never been a truly dull
moment for Eben Merritt since he started
his business in 1929. Some things have
changed. like the old car wash stall that's
1
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the bull at Merritt's Exxon
r4
SOUNDHAUS is pleased o announce that this September 4,
Labor Day, we will be offering substancial savings on selected
pieces from these superb audio lines:
OP1DNICA
Bang&Olufsen
Many of these products have
sure to come by for this once - ln
OPEN 10-9pm LABOR DAY
ALL THREE LOCATIONS
1 13 N. COLUM B! A- CHAPEL HILl
1106 BROAD -DURHAM
CAMERON VILLAGE-RALEIGH
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I A A I .... I " I
VS&r ( master cnarsi .-..-r
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Offer good only st ths Hzrdsa's at 213 W. Franklin St. InChspd Hill, N.C.
Offer good: . September 1-7f 1078 only.
now full of empty drinkbottles and crates
of the fact that now Merritt is among the
largest landowners in Chapel Hill.'
The long hours?. He enjoys them. He
handles each situation differently and
with the ease only of a man who knows
people.
...y 5 ; ;
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Eben Merritt
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Day"
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