—
Now that we have undertaken the beginnings of this column, we fear we find ourselves unable to stop our review of the early writings. In fact, we seem to be completely addicted to the project. And thus, we will continue to explore the very foundations on which this column has been built.
Early on we realized that the weather was one of those fairly safe topics. It was then and it still is now. But the weather in 1984 presented a very challenging time for the Winter Carnival. If we remember correctly there was tons of snow and cold weather in the weeks leading up to the carnival. But by the time the carnival rolled around, the snow had melted and it was warm enough that we were wondering why Cooperstown has so many snow birds.
Consequently, we wrote in the column of February 22, 1984: ``In closing, we have decided, after a great deal of thought, to mention the Winter Carnival. Margaret and the rest of the gang expect it, are prepared for it and would undoubtedly be crushed if it didn’t happen.
Needless to say, this is not the first time the weather has played havoc with well made plans. In fact, longtime Cooperstown resident, Mac Preston says that even back in the days when the Knox School was at the Otesaga, the weather seldom cooperated with the school’s winter carnival plans. She can remember more than once standing, feet freezing, on the tennis courts, which had been flooded and frozen into an ice rink, watching the carnival king perched on his throne of ice, which was melting merrily away. Obviously history repeats itself.
But what we really can’ understand is that if the date of the Winter Carnival is indeed such a good deterrent to winter weather, why isn’t the Carnival scheduled to run from January first right through April?’’
We also made a decision from the very beginning that we would from time to time present the ``You Never Can Tell Award’’ to deserving individuals. Our first one appeared in the our first column of 1984 and read: ``Before closing, we would like to introduce the ``You Never Can Tell Award’’ to be bestowed upon deserving individuals from time to time as the appropriate situation arises. Our first recipient is Barb LaCava who, on the morning of Dec. 14, called to ask Jerry if he could substitute at the high school.
She explained that the other subs she had called were going to the Women’s Club Christmas Tea that day. Guess what, Barb, you never can tell.
Jerry was a delightful Santa at the tea, although we really don’t think it is true that Santa has been coming to Mabel Atwell’s house for almost a hundred years.’’
Our second You Never Can Tell Award was bestowed on January 25, 1984 as follows: ``And finally, this week we would like to present to The Badger, who has proclaimed to the world that he has, heaven forbid, thrown away, as in discarded, his NationalGeographics, the ``you never can tell’’ award.
We too emptied our attic of Geographics.
We struggled them down two flights of stairs, dragged them through the kitchen, and deposited them outside near the back door, hoping against hope that no one would notice. We tried to pretend they were just ordinary, everyday garbage. But alas, we couldn’t fool the garbage men.
The truck backed into the driveway, and magically, two pairs of eyes were riveted to, you guessed it, the boxes and boxes of shiny, yellow, heavier than lead magazines. Instantly the boxes were swooped up and saved. ``These are too good to throw away’’ we were told. So, dear Badger, you may think you have done away with Gilbert Howy Grosvenor’s handiwork, but you never can tell. Somewhere, somehow, someone will manage to save them.’’
And finally, we also learned early on that when someone tells a good Cooperstown story, it should make its way posthaste into the column.
Thus on November 7, 1984 we shared what we consider to this day to be the most classic of Halloween stories.
We quote: ``Halloween is not our favorite celebration.
When one always dresses oddly and always wears a funny face, Halloween loses its attraction. But, George Connell of Chestnut Street shared with us a delightful Halloween story. One year on October 31 calling hours were being held at the funeral home. Many trick or treaters realized that a solemn occasion was in progress and so avoided the place. One small boy, however, strode up to the door and demanded his due.
As George was fetching the goodies, the costumed urchin was peering around the curtain into the room where the open casket was resting with family and friends consoling each other in hushed tones.
After spying the coffin, the wide-eyed boy turned to George and said. `Wow, you really go all out for Halloween, don’t you?’’’ And while we greatly love the story, we are still not fans of Halloween.
And we still now, as we did then, suffer, from time to time, with a lack of news worthy items for the column. This too started early on when we wrote on February 1, 1984 that: ``It seems that this week we are faced with the interesting dilemma of the incredible shrinking column. We would hate to think that a mere five weeks is to be the extent of our journalistic career.
However, the phone has not rung off the wall, the doorbell hasn’t rung for so long we forget with which tune it is currently programmed, and George Robinson delivers less and less mail each day. In a moment of sheer panic, we almost called a certain news bureau to find out exactly what happened on this day in 1843. Instead we opted to check the stoplight. If that still works there is at least some activity in the village.’’
Of course, we hasten to note that in Cooperstown February is a far cry from Cooperstown in August.
PLEASE NOTE: Comments regarding this column may be made by mail at 105 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, by telephone at 607-547-8124 or by e-mail at cellsworth1@stny.rr.com.
Columns
In These Otsego Hills: Continuing our 1984 musings
- Columns
-
-
In These Otsego Hills: The losses are adding up ...
It is with sadness that we note the passing of long time friend, and distantrelative, Jane Patrick. Over the years we have worked with Jane in a number of organizations including Women’s Club and the Community Advisory Committee at Bassett. And, of course, in later years we joined her, along with the other Dinner Belles, for any number of delicious meals. But we do think that our favorite memory that we shared with Jane was when we discovered, having both married Cooperstown natives, that we shared Cooperstown Christmas plans.
Continued ... -
Up On Hawthorn Hill: Bird Feeder?
Bird feeder is a relative term. At least that is the case around here. A few mornings ago we spotted the first rabbit to visit the feeders. Normally, all we see during the winter are rabbit tracks crisscrossing the gardens.
Continued ... -
From Fly Creek: Cheers for the Blue Rabbit!
My handwriting’s always been an embarrassment. Way back in elementary school, while most of the others were developing a clear, sometimes graceful hand (especially the girls), my penmanship showed no improvement.
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: This and that ...
We have found the weather so far this year to be on the unusual side. And while we have no problem with the fact that we have received very little snow, we are of the opinion that what we have had instead is not particularly to our liking either. In fact, we are very hesitant to venture out much as we live in fear that the rain will turn to mixed precipitation which will freeze into a sheet of ice. And we are definitely opposed to encountering a sheet of ice underfoot. In fact, we are so hesitant that we now have taken to canceling our participation in events based on what just might be a dubious forecast.
Continued ... -
Book Notes: Feinstein’s latest is sheer enjoyment
Most people who follow sports have probably heard of John Feinstein. As a nationally known author, sportswriter, pundit and broadcaster, he has brought a unique angle to sports journalism. His groundbreaking book on Bobby Knight’s 1986-87 Indiana University basketball team, “A Season on the Brink,” still resonates today as an all-time classic.
Continued ... -
Book Notes: No Trekkie should miss Shatner’s books
It would be hard to find a television phenomenon as popular as “Star Trek.” Even though it was only on television for three seasons and 79 episodes (1966-69) it attracted viewers and devotees that still follow it passionately 45 years later. The fanatical supportspawned several movies and television spinoffs. Star Trek conventions continue to this day. There has never been anything like it.
Continued ... -
Up on Hawthorn Hill: Making sense of things
A book I have been reading investigates the various ways over time that we have made sense of the world. It carries the reader through to the present via several seminal classical texts and ultimately aims to suggest a strategy for “ finding meaning in a secular age.”
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: ‘Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist.’ − John Adams
Last week we were asked if we would be interested in previewing a documentary, “The Empire State Divide,”produced by the Foundation for Land & Liberty. And we were more than happy to do so as we understood the documentary dealt with the problems that continue to face family farms.
Continued ... -
From Fly Creek: Now wait a minute!
On the ninth day of Christmas, driving down Cooperstown’s Eagle Street, I saw something astounding! No, not “nineladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans” etc. I saw one jogger jogging. And puffing on a cigarette.
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: Goals of the past and goals of the future
We have long subscribed to the concept that we are always more successful if we, number one, set a goal and then, number two, meet it. And this was our thinking when we decided before Christmas to watch at least part of every college football bowl game. It was perhaps an odd, if not completely nonsensical, goal.
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: Not to our liking ...
It is with sadness that we note the recent death of Steve Nagel. The son-inlaw of our late husband’s cousins, Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek, Steve was married to the Ecklers’ oldest daughter, Gail. We had the pleasure of spending Christmas Eve with the Nagels and the Ecklers in Fly Creek, greatly enjoying the delicious food and delightful conversation.
Continued ... -
Up on Hawthorn Hill: Of birds and faith
I watch birds quite a bit. Every five days or so I send in a report to Cornell as partof its annual Project Feeder Watch program. The data, collected from volunteers from all over the country, enables scientists to track population trends. I would spend quite a bit of time checking out the visitors to our feeders anyway. Participating in the feeder program makes a personal pleasure that much more meaningful. It is rare that aesthetical and scientific endeavors work in tandem.
Continued ... -
Book Notes: Biography captures the real Stephen Colbert
It would be hard to find a comedian as unique as Stephen Colbert. As the host of “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central he hasmanaged to leave his mark on the nation’s consciousness in both a serious and humorous sort of way. His unusual wit has allowed him to become American icon. It would be difficult to find another entertainer quite like him.
Continued ... -
From Fly Creek: Christmas and varied blessings
I’m still astounded! The last farmers’ market before Christmas, I was sitting up front, directly under the ceiling heater, shmoozing with the hoi-polloi. (That’s an awkward linguistic mix,but let’s let it go.) As I sipped my hot coffee, a gloved hand came to rest on my shoulder and a warm voice said, “Merry Christmas, Jim.” I looked to my left—it was Santa Claus!
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: Always a learning experience ...
We must admit that we thoroughly enjoyed our 2011 Christmas celebration. We partook of Christmas Eve dinner at the home of Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek and Christmas Day dinner at the home of Sandy and Al Bullard of Milford. We had our usual Christmas Day brunch at home on Pioneer Street, although we must admit it was a tad bit later than usual as, what we enjoyed most about Christmas, namely our granddaughter Abby, took a great deal of time opening her Christmas presents.
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: Coming up ... 2012
Difficult as it seems, 2011 is fast coming to an end. And it is always our hope that as a year draws to a close, the issues which have been in the forefront during the year will be resolved. Unfortunately, we suspect that will not be the case this year. Instead, we are fairly certain that many of the issues that plagued this year, will continue to plague next year. Thus we will find ourselves still musing about the same issues we have spent time with already. And while we have not come toany conclusions about many of the issues, we do think they would all likely benefit from both sides thinking critically about perspective, risk assessment and possible solutions.
Continued ... -
Up on Hawthorn Hill: Circularity
When she was a puppy my dog Gabby would run in what I described then as “circles of joy.” She celebrated her15th birthday a few weeks ago and despite the inevitable frailties that old age imposes upon all of us, she is doing pretty well.
Continued ... -
Book Notes: Grisham doesn’t disappoint
John Grisham is one of this country’s most popular authors. Every time he publishes a book it’s an instant best-seller. He appeared on the scene about 20 years ago with his tense legal thrillers, “A Time to Kill” and “The Firm,”and hasn’t stopped producing top-notch novels since.
Continued ... -
From Fly Creek: Still singing, beyond our hearing
This column from Christmas 2001 still speaks deeply to me, and perhaps will to you, too. Take it, please, as my Christmas gift.
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: The 2011 Cooperstown Carol
Since 1984, with the exception of one year, 1999, we have looked forward at the end of the year to going through all the issues of the paper in order to glean those news items which have been worthy of note throughout the year and which should make their way into our annual Cooperstown Carol.
Continued ...
-
In These Otsego Hills: The losses are adding up ...
