Funds pour in to replace vehicle
By CHRISTIAN BOONE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A fixture of Marietta’s historic square was missing this past weekend, but a group of merchants, customers and well-wishers from across the Southeast is plotting his return.
Carriage driver Clint Small is recovering from injuries suffered 10 days ago when a van rear-ended his buggy. The driver of the vehicle — Noel Basquez, who turns 24 today — remains at large, said Nancy Bodiford, a spokeswoman for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department. Basquez faces felony hit-and-run charges.
Carriage driver Clint Small (left), who was injured in a hit-and-run accident, and friend Neville Brewer ride around Marietta in this 10-year-old photo.
Meanwhile, Small is confined to his home, temporarily stripped of his livelihood. Yet he still smiles.
“Something like this makes you realize there are a lot of good people out there,” said Small, who sustained a lacerated liver and lacerated biceps muscle.
A newlywed Oklahoma couple and Small’ assistant suffered minor injuries. The horses were spooked, but otherwise fine, Marietta police said after the accident.
Small has escorted couples, children and tourists for 16 years in a custom-made carriage that cost $12,000. Since the wreck destroyed his carriage, he finds himself dependent on the kindness of friends and strangers. So far they have delivered.
“I really missed them on Saturday,” said friend and merchant Gerald Alvarez, who owns Jeweler on the Square. He has collected $1,500 toward the purchase of a carriage and hopes to raise $6,000.
Callers from Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida have offered to help. And a longtime friend and fellow horse enthusiast is filling in while Small recuperates.
“As long as he needs me, I’ll be there,” said Lynn Freeman, an electrical contractor, who owns a carriage similar to Small’. He said Small interested him in what has become a consuming hobby. Now Freeman is returning the favor, salvaging what might have been a devastating financial blow to Small.
“He’s a unique part of the charm of the historic square,” said Johnny Fulmer, president of the Marietta Business Association. “It’s no surprise to see people really reaching out.”
Meanwhile, Small is planning his comeback. He and his wife, Barbara, have put a down payment on a carriage built by Amish artisans in Berne, Ind. Small said he hopes to be back on the square in August. “We want to order another carriage just like the one we had,” he said. “That’s been the hardest thing about this, not being able to be with my animals.”
