True story. Back in the winter of 73 I had just got the lot man's job with Nick Santamaria. He had just made a deal to be the New England unit of Godding's Million Dollar Midways. One day in January, I was living in Randolph Mass and was getting ready to come to Florida for 3 months, Nick called and said I had to meet the Rabbi (Uncle Milty) downtown Boston in the doorway of the State Street bank. I asked him what did he want from me. Nick said he didn't know but be there. So I went and got there at the appointed time. I remember it being cold as I waited. Sure enough, Uncle Milty came and said follow me. We went across the street and into city hall. We went right into the Mayors office and the girl called on the intercom and the Mayor said to send us in. Now, remember, I still had no idea why I was there. Milt and the Mayor talked for a few minutes and then they had me go to a big blueprint of 4 city blocks that they said was where the Boston City fair would be set up. Milt said, show the mayor how the show will be laid out. I knew what to do. I asked one question, where will the people be coming from. I said, here will be the front gate and the merry-go-round will be here. Games down the right and games down the left, Rides in a circle and shows across the back end. After they talked a while longer we left. When we got to the street, Uncle Milty said, good job kid, you passed. I never got an explanation from Nick or the Rabbi whether or not that was some kind of test. And BTW, the big unit of the MDM played the city fair. We did not but I got to visit it. 73 was the best year I ever had until I went with Reithoffer. When ever I saw Milton at a convention or a fair meeting, he always went out of his way to say hi. That made me feel good. And yes, his pants were always 2 inches above his shoes and his socks always matched his suit. What a guy!
I agree with Lotman. When you look at an empty lot you must see the layout in your head or you'll never be able to do it right. I laid out lots for 20 odd years. I don't miss it, especially since my job was to be up all night and spot the rides.