October 24, 2026 NV #221

“I’ve never been very good at much of anything . For many years I was a practicing alcoholic, but even failed at that.” -rnt

CONCESSION ALLEY

“I believe that you cannot go any further than you can think. I certainly believe if you don't desire a thing, you will never get it.”- Mother Charleszetta Waddles

CONCESSIONS @ CRYSTAL: This – among a plethora of others is a photograph I really didn’t know I have.

This is “Concession Alley” @  Vermilion’s old Crystal Beach Amusement  Park. It is (I’m thinking) an early 1950s pic.

I am currently thinking that these concessions were located on the west (back) side of the park. I say the because of the trees, etc. behind the buildings. They would be the barrier between Crystal and Nokomis Park to the west.

I, personally, was never a concession person. I just liked the rides – the exciting park of the amusement experience. More importantly – I could never win anything from the games.

I just came across these pix. So stay tuned and I will use more in coming weeks.

WHAT'S IN A WORD

“ “Fame is only good for one thing - they will cash your check in a small town.”-Truman Capote

VOCABULARY: Learning new words is almost always a good thing.

The Boys of Coon Hollow

“Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative.” H.G. Wells

A MOMENT IN LOCAL HISTORY:  I actually just put this together this  a.m. Some folks might still recall these fellas and those days. (The sound of the dogs echoing through the river valley.)

This is A VERY SPECIAL NOTE

NEW: I’ve added a “special section” to the “Past 20 Years” part of the page. You will find there nearly (but not all) every video and audio production I’ve published over the last few years. They’re not arranged as nicely as I want them to be. But SOME are there – and I’ll add to them as time passes.

The War Before the War to End All Wars

“God writes a lot of comedy... the trouble is, he's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny.” - Garrison Keiler

JUST A TASTE: My g-grandfather was a musician in the Union Army during the Great Rebellion. Before reading his diaries I was under the impression that being a musician was an easy job during that conflict.

I was mistaken.

I am very, very fortunate to have had access to his diaries, letters and sketches.

They provided me with a learning experience that although admittedly 2nd hand has proven invaluable in my life and writing.

CAPT. "BIG ED" LAMPE (under the Buckeye Tree)

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VERMILION HISTORY THEATRE:  Due to all the distractions surrounding me lately I neglected to keep the link to the History Audio/ Video Theatre. So – click on the name above and visit.