Before I launch into something totally thrilling, I wanted to say what a nice job the people who were interviewed for the Our Town special did. I was especially fond of Tom Lewis, who appeared at the very end, as he did a segment about the Dixie Doodlers. For those who are not aware, my father was the trumpet player for that group for many a year.
Tom stopped by the house after his interview several weeks back and was surprised that I knew who he was. We have been keeping in touch now and he has said some very kind things about my father and Mother, for that matter. (I didn't even pay him.)
I loved the history of the ice houses and the early Conneaut Lake Park jazz too. Julia Luty Catalano has a wonderful rich, deep voice and a beautiful presence in general on the telly. Not only but she's super good with the historical stuff too, which was the whole point actually.
The other chick, as my father would say, who did the part about Conneaut Lake Park as a resort town did a fine job as well. (Sorry I just don't want to gallop to the kitchen to find these names by way of going over the show again. I recorded it—do we still say “recorded” in this day and age? Is this an official digression? I hope so.)
I adore Robin, “The Organic Neighbor,” Coxson and even more so now because she did a segment about Kiddie Land over at the park. It was precious. She is a wonderful community promoter in general and I salute her for this. (Before I forget, I wanted to say that Betty Murray should get some sort of an award for her community activism. She is super good with that kind of thing and I simply wanted to mention it. She wasn't on the show but it floated to the forefront of my mind. I know this is OFF topic, but this is me, Lisa Houserman—remember?)
I was especially fond of the Jane Smith segment pertaining to the “evolution” of the Community Hall. I remember attending the Snow Ball Festival Talent Show there and also the beauty contest, which was held the same weekend.
I will never forget the time or times that Mother had style-shows (Jacqueline Shoppe owner) on the stage there and “Nutsy” Swartzlander came out dressed as the Carol Burnett cleaning-lady-character.
Her daughters, who were both on stage modeling, about melted with embarrassment over that whole thing as this was a surprise which not even my mother knew about.
I believe her sister, Boots Milosh, was also on stage modeling at that time but she's not quick to become embarrassed, she was used to her crazy sister by then. (For some of my younger readers, you may have to “Google” what on earth I'm saying about that character.)
Doing “the bump” dance madly in the winter months at that facility also comes to mind as the Dreamland Ballroom wasn't available for school dances in the colder months of the year. Do you remember the bump? Good gravy, I'm ancient.
Anyhow, the whole structure brings back fond memories and I'm glad that a part of the Our Town presentation was set aside for it. I would be remiss if I didn't tip a hat madly to the Historical Society as they have totally renovated that and to the max, to boot. I can remember when it was in not such good shape, to put it gently, yet effectively.
I think the show was good overall even though it was lacking in a few areas and heavy in others. Hey, I am my mother's daughter and will be critical if need be. Don't blame me, just see Jackie Houserman for the reason I am the way I am, so to speak.
Actually, my father played a role as well when it comes to this. I cannot fully blame Mother, although most therapists would want me to do so. (I'm in bigger trouble than usual now.) You can't always get what you want—is there a song in there somewhere?
Since I have a video series that I may have mentioned here a time or two, I just might surprise you with a “My Town” segment one day!! Can you imagine that one? I could seize “Aunt” Linda Kean, Karen Morrison Dygert and/or Michael Morrison and get some pretty juicy scoops about the Virgil Kean Gas Station days.
I could approach Richard and PJ at Ralston's Hardware Store as it is the longest running business in this region. Good lord, the store has been in operation since 1888! I don't usually do these: !!! but holy guacamole, that is a pretty fantastic milestone.
Other town businesses would be forced to partake as well like Chilson's and Zatsick's, just to name TWO. Good gravy, this is just off the top of my cluttered head so simmer down.
Dave/Jackie/Rhys and any other Holland I could tackle, would be interviewed as well (maybe Rhys could be my camera guy?) due to the rich history of not only the Barbara J. but also the ferry service that they ran for a thousand years, give or take.
I would throw in Judy DeVoge Kennedy and/or Colleen Nye for fun as well, as they might just bloviate a bit about the marinas in the region. (I'm almost positive Colleen would be too shy and would hand it off to a sibling or her parents but it's the thought that counts, I think.)
I am super excited just typing this stuff, so much so that I'm going to utilize these !!!! as much as possible!
As usual, this was supposed to be something “quick” prior to my regular column session but heck, I might as well keep plodding along with this one.
I should also explain to those who have no clue of what I speak that recently WQLN (public station) did an “expose” on our town called “Our Town Conneaut Lake.” (Perhaps this should have been placed toward the top but honestly, I didn't plan to go this far.)
The shindig lasted well over two hours and it even had a premier—Mother and I attended. This whole thing is causing me to giggle madly, which is a good thing really. (Laughter is the key to preventing me from easing into a rant.)
Another person who I would force, at microphone point, to be interviewed would be Mike Kribbs of C. L. Borough Council fame. He has such interesting insights into the past and would probably look pretty good on camera (phone camera unless Rhys agrees to this) as well. He is always good for stories of boating and hanging out with my father, to name two. (I should digress again in order to impart that Rhys Holland is a camera guy for one of the Erie stations. I am not super sure which one so I won't say nor will I ask his siblings. I'm just not that motivated currently.)
There is a “yuge” opportunity just awaiting anyone who might want to be interviewed by yours truly. I'm not so sure “yuge” is the right word—well it really isn't, but you know what I mean—I think. Let's totally do this!! I have never in my days used so many of these things !!!! it's kind of fun !!!!
I best get moving on this before it becomes illegal for me to park Edna, (my hippie van), on the streets of Conneaut Lake. Uh Oh, I'm feeling myself slipping into a rant. Therefore, I shall now release you from bondage. (You townies best attend meetings to keep track of this parking saga and that's all I'm saying. Oh, second Wednesday of the month at 7 pm)
THE END (Interstate Crosscheck, AIPAC Lobby, “War is a Racket” by General Smedley Butler).