The Mercury Marquis

Stanley Horton is the name and it seems like renting his car is his game.

I am on my way to church and right on the corner of Clinton Avenue is a Ford 1977 Mercury Marquis. It is in the company of three older black men having a hearty convosation. My first instinct was to keep walking but my eyes would not let go of the car.

Finally, I walked over with my camera and before I could finish asking to photograph Marquis, Horton says yes and begins to indulge  in talk about the car he owned for only two years.

You know, I’ve been paid before just for letting them use it in a photo shoot? You know those people around 23rd street? That’s all they do is take pictures. That’s where you are from? Well, it was a large sum of money for only two – three hours!

One time a florist named Alex Window, you know him? Well, he borrowed it too. It was so beautiful the way they did it. They brought the car into the building by way of elevator. He was a florist so they put flowers all around the car. When the picture was taken, not a scratch could be found on the car. You know, camera tricks.

Here, this is my card. Any time you want to use my car tell me. I don’t charge heavily. Any thing you offer will be fine.

Now, I have an idea…all I need is a volunteering couple…