Hammers, James Parker

42 year old Miamian, has had his share of mishaps with automobiles. In November, 1948, the front wheels of his car suddenly locked when he applied his brakes and the car flipped end over end five times. The result a broken right leg and left ankle. Most of his left ear was cut off. Enough of the ear was intact to enable the doctors to sew it back in place. He recuperated and returned to his job as a miner until September, 1951. This time the tie-rod dropped, causing him to lose control of his car. He escaped with a broken right hip and fractured knee, leaving him permanently disabled and unable to return to his job as a hard rock lead and zinc miner. With 10 years' experience as a miner and only an eighth grade education, he was forced to work at odd jobs. He was referred to Vocational Rehabilitation by the Department of Public Welfare. Tests were administered and it was determined that Hammers had an aptitude for barbering. Plans were made for him to enter the Tulsa Barber college, but fate intervened. One night in September, 1953, as he was crossing a Street, a car ran over him, breaking his right leg. He was laid up for several months. On Jul 21, 1954, he was enrolled in the barber school. He completed his course in January, 1955. Since that time he has worked at a barber shop in Chelsea Oklahoma and is presently manager of the Main hotel barber shop.