Our family was on our way to Vermont for the first time from Illinois. On the way we wanted to stop in Watertown for at least a day so we could do some genealogical research. On July 7, we ended our day of driving around looking up old addresses, cemeteries and spending time in the town's excellent research facility in the library at the ice cream shop (Cool Craze).

After having a delightful snack, we went back to the van to leave for dinner and the hotel when it would not start. What a rotten feeling. It was completely dead. That was the bad news. But we felt it important to share the good news.

We must have had at least six people ask if we needed a hand. The out-of-state plates gave us away. The hotel even came to pick all of us up (and the dog) with all of our stuff and took us "home" for the night.

The tow truck driver (and his wife) did a great job responding to us. It was getting late, but he was able to get to us in a very prompt and courteous fashion. Once we knew we were headed to the garage that the hotel recommended, we were able to chat with them just before they closed. They assured us that at 7:30 Tuesday morning they would be able to take care of us.

True to their word, they were ready and able for us to be the first job of the day. With superb diagnostic skills, the problem was found and fixed in short order.

To sum it all up: Many people were kind to offer help. The tow truck driver was fair and responsive. The hotel treated us like family. The auto repair shop was beyond fair and did not take advantage of the situation.

The Gibbs family would like to thank Ramada Inn, Monro Muffler & Brake, Miller's Towing, Watertown library research department and all the great people who stopped to offer help.

Doug & Carla Gibbs

Sheridan, Ill.