Hobby and I were at the Marina Deli having a sandwich for lunch when an old fellow approached our table. The man was wearing a cap with the embroidery, "Korean War Veteran."
"I heard one of you fellows writes stories about poker."
"That would be Joe." Hobby said, pointing to me. "Have a seat."
"You were in Korea?"
"Sure was, 24th Infantry Division until the freakin' commies captured me in North Korea. That was just before Christmas, 1950. They put us in Camp Hukdong. Damn near froze to death that winter."
"I understand the temperature up there dropped to 20-40 below zero," I remarked.
"I can prove that; my feet still haven't warmed up. But what I wanted to talk about was our poker cards."
From his pocket he took a small red book tied with a string. It was slightly larger than a playing card. It was old and tattered. On the cover were the barely legible words, "Sayings of Chairman Mao."
"They gave everyone this book; then they tried to make commies out of us. If we didn't pay attention they take our food rations, so we faked it. He opened the cover and on the fly-leaf were a name, rank, and serial number.
"That's me, Luke Spinney. You see, that page is heavy paper like the cover. In the back of the book there was another like it. We cut out the back pages and made us a deck. Here it is," he said as he removed a group of loose pages.
He fanned out the cards whose backs were yellowed and dingy from age. The faces were hand drawn. What struck me was the use of the letters: C, H, S, and D instead of symbols.
"We used letters 'cause they were easier to make. There's no face cards, and it wasn't just because we weren't artistic. We had about 40 guys in our hut, so we had only forty pages to work with. Had ten cards for each suit-deuces through tens and aces. The ace could be used in a straight as a "one" and on the high end like a jack."
"What'd you use for chips?" I asked.
"Buttons, mostly. We cut off what we didn't need and collected more from old clothing rags. Big buttons were a quarter and small ones were nickels. There were more than a few guys whose skivvies were held up with string," he said with a laugh.
Hobby was inspecting the cards and said, "There's a name on each card."
"Yep, it's the name of the guy who gave the page. Those with an X died in camp."
"Wow," Hobby responded as he handled the cards. "Just holding them I can begin to imagine what you guys went through. These are historic."
"I guess they are, but most people I've shown them to over the years haven't been much impressed. I thought if someone would write about 'em I might be able to get something."
"Sell them?" I asked, rather surprised.
"Yeah. I don't have but a year or so left according to the doctors at the VA and I could use the money. I had a guy offer me $100 bucks, but I think they're worth more."
"I think they're worth a hell of a lot more," Hobby ventured. "What are you thinking, Joe."
"I agree; this deck with the book and especially with the provenance that Luke provides has considerable value. How much, I don't know."
"That's good news, guys, but I've got pressing needs for money. I can't wait very long."
"Would $500 help out right now?" Hobby asked.
"Would it ever! Yeah, big time. I'm happy to sell it for $500."
"No. That's just a down payment, Luke. You let us have it while we figure out how we can get you a better price. What do you think of that?"
"Wonderful. Anything more I can get is just gravy."
After we exchanged contact information and Luke left, Hobby said, "How're we going to do it, Joe?"
"When's your next poker party on Lazybuns?"
"About two weeks."
"That's enough time to get ready. Let me have the book. I'll work up the story and make an exhibit. How about auctioning it off to your rich friends? What do you think?"
"Great idea. We'll invite Luke, too."
A framing shop built a perfect showcase for the book and deck. The cards were displayed showing each POW's name. In the middle was Mao's red book with a summary of Luke's story.
After the card players assembled on Hobby's yacht, he took the floor.
"We have a very special event tonight. I want you to examine the display that Joe is about to unveil. The material was given to us by a Korean War ex-POW who's broke and doesn't have long to live. I called him this afternoon and asked what he'd do if he had some money. He said he'd love to visit his family in West Virginia before he 'kicks the bucket.' After you've had a chance to examine this treasure, we'll auction it off. Luke will be coming later. Let's make his day!"
The auction was spirited. The winner wrote a check for $14,500 and announced that he would be donating the display to the Veterans Memorial Museum.
Pablo brought Luke to Lazybuns in the Rolls. The dazzled old soldier was speechless when he saw the display. He shook out a handkerchief, daubed his eyes, and then proudly discussed the items he had safeguarded for 55 years.
Hobby told him, "We had an auction and the winner has a check for you."
Luke put on his glasses, stared at the check, and said. "Is this for real?"
"I guarantee, you can take it to the bank tomorrow," the donor answered.
"Wow! It's only July, but by God I'm going to West Virginni and play Santa Claus."
Write to author David Valley at: dvalley1@san.rr.com
