Have you ever slept in a Wigwam before?
Um. . . No, I thought to myself as the manager asked me in a thick Indian accent. My eyes darted around the dimly lit, wood paneled cone. Boxes of old Native American souvenirs, artifacts and memorabilia surrounded me, as the Totem Poles looked on. He then slid me a key-Wigwam 12.
Our Buick slid into parking place 12, adjacent to our temporary home. Ours was just one of 15 concrete Wigwam built in a semi-circle pattern by a bold architect in 1935.
Inserting the key, I ducked into the 5'10'' doorway, remembering that I was much taller than the past travelers. Inside was a time capsule, straight out of the 1940's. Nothing had changed, and I realized that that was just how things should be. After getting myself settled, I stepped out into the moonlight night.
Passing the humming neon sign boldly proclaiming "SLEEP IN A WIGWAM" to those passing by, I made my way to a shoddily-constructed swing set. I began swinging, and I suddenly realized that this place was just like going back in time. Gone were the 2002 Toyota Corrolas, cell phones, pagers, Ipods, and whatever else. The people around me were just enjoying themselves, spending time with their families and taking in one of the strangest roadside destinations in the United States.
So now next time someone asks me if I've ever slept in a Wigwam before, my answer will be a resounding yes.
