My father was born in Olive Hill, Ky., and raised in Ironton. When he came back from the war, he worked as a bartender in the old Marting Hotel. From there he became a hotel manager for a man who owned a string of hotels in Ohio and Michigan.

I was a young boy, maybe five or six, when we moved to a little town in Michigan called Sturgis and Dad took over as manager of the Elliott Hotel.

It was an old brick structure and I took to it instantly. I remember the big dining room with its thick carpet. Dad would always make sure that fresh flowers were delivered daily and placed on every table.

The lobby was huge and a great place to ride my tricycle. My parents allowed me this privilege as long as I didn’t bother the guests.

One day has always stood out in my mind. I was riding my bike as usual when a well dressed older man came down the staircase. I had seen him many times before as he was a permanent resident of the hotel, but today was to be special.

My Dad came out from behind the desk and approached him and soon they walked over towards where I was playing.

Dad said, “Claude, I want you to meet someone.”

Remembering my manners, I got off my little bike and walked up to the two men.

“Son, I want you to meet Mr. Ray Harroun, he won the very first Indianapolis 500.”

Even though I was a young boy, I knew about the Indy 500. I was speechless and just stood there in awe. I remember he smiled at me as he shook my hand and said “How do you do young man?”

I would see him from time to time as he would come down the grand staircase and go into the dining room and each time he would say hello and always smiled at me.

After meeting this man, I developed a life-long interest in motor racing.

We never knew why he stayed in our particular hotel, but having him there was a big thrill for me.

The following year we were transferred to another hotel and I never saw him again, but I never forgot the man with the pleasant smile.

So this year as I do every year, I’ll tune in to the festivities prior to the big event and I’ll watch the funny old black and white film of Ray Harroun crossing the finish line in his Marmon Wasp.

And when he’s in the winners’ circle and turns and smiles, I’ll remember back to the days that I saw that same smile and think about when I met the man who won the very first Indianapolis 500, a hundred years ago.

An interesting note, I submitted this story to the Indy Motor Speedway. The public relations office said that Ray Harroun’s son, now 96, was going to be at the track Sunday and that he will be given my story.

Claude DeBord Jr. is a former Ironton resident who now resides in Florida.