The following appears in Raymond's 125 Years of Memories book published in 1996:
No history of Raymond would be complete without the mention of Robert M. (Merle) Burley. Merle moved to Raymond from Morrisonville in 1935, along with his parents Alda and Robert Orville Burley, and sister, Elsie (who married Guy Pitchford). He soon became a regular fixture in the community by being always ready and able to help with many small and large jobs
Among Merle’s jobs were Sorrells Trucking, Raymond Tile Yard, Kroger Store, Smith Distributors, Raymond Lumber, and many more. Merle mowed yards, delivered papers, and did many odd jobs around Raymond for almost everyone in town at one time or another.
Merle is best known for the fine job he did as a crossing
guard at the intersection of Rote 48 and Broad Street in Raymond. Merle helped the schoolchildren across the highway, rain or shine, very faithfully for over 30
years. He always said he saw a lot of babies grow up in his years as the “Raymond
Guard.”
You did not dare cross 48 anywhere else other than the crossing on Broad street or Merle would go tell your parents that you did and then you were had! LOL, I miss those simple things here in town.
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