“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful” — Norman Vincent Peale.*
The beauty of the Christmas season has been captured on Christmas cards here and abroad for generations. Often regarded as works of art in miniature, many cards have been preserved so that future generations can cherish their images and messages of peace and goodwill.
MidPointe Library is proud to possess a collection of Christmas cards within its “Digital Archives.” The images, in color and black-and-white, date as far back as 1880.
Enjoy a look back at Christmas Past by browsing through these exquisite Christmas card images:
Items are also available to cardholders via our “eLibrary” (ebooks, emagazines, research databases, music, movies and TV shows, as well as our Digital Archives)
*Quote by Norman Vincent Peale from “The Inspirational Christmas Almanac’” published by Honor Books in 2006. Available for checkout at MidPointe Library.
Today we mourn the death of a woman who could act, direct and produce movies and make us laugh and love her all at the same time.
That woman would be the one-of-a-kind Penny Marshall, who died Monday, December 17, at the age of 75.
As Laverne she was the perfect foil to her roommate Shirley on the TV show named after both characters. As a director she equaled the masters with movies like “Big,” “Awakenings,” “A League of Their Own,” and “The Preacher’s Wife.”
In her autobiography, “My Mother Was Nuts -- A Memoir,”
Marshall recalled her happiness as a child playing with the other apartment kids on the sidewalks and in nearby vacant lots.
“I am not much different now,” she wrote. “I have never wanted to grow up and stop playing. In many ways, I haven’t. In my work and in my personal life, I still try to maintain a connection to the sense of play that I remember from my childhood. Those experiences taught me the lessons that came in handy later in my life:
“Try hard, play by the rules, help your friends, don’t get too crazy, and have fun.”
Keep playing, Penny. Keep playing.
“My Mother Was Nuts -- A Memoir” by Penny Marshall is available for checkout at MidPointe Library.
To see MidPointe’s collection of works by and about Penny Marshall, go to:
Library cardholders can also access movies and TV shows on Hoopla, via the MidPointe Library website:
Thanks to a man named Gus, the rock ‘n’ roll world has savored the guitar mastery of singer/guitarist Keith Richards ever since he first performed with rock kings, The Rolling Stones, in the early 1960s.
Today Richards celebrates his 75th birthday.
As if being guitarist for one of the world’s most famous and respected rock bands isn’t enough, Richards is also adept with the written word.
In 2014 he published a children’s picture book titled “Gus & me : the Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar” in which he paid tribute to the man who taught him to play guitar -- his grandfather, musician Theodore Augustus "Gus" Dupree.
The work was a true family affair. Not only did Richards recount his grandfather’s strong musical influence, he also procured the talents of his daughter, Theodora, named after her great-grandfather, to illustrate the touching true story.
It was a perfect way to celebrate the gift of a grandfather to his grandson and ultimately to Richards’s millions of fans around the world.
Thank you, Gus.
* Information on “Gus & Me” from:
Wikipedia: “Gus & Me.”
“Gus & Me” is available for checkout at MidPointe Library.
“Let’s go fly a kite” today!
This day -- December 13, 2018 -- we celebrate the 93rd birthday of beloved Dick Van Dyke, the venerable TV/movie star/comedian who sang and danced his way into our hearts as “Bert” in the 1964 Walt Disney movie classic, “Mary Poppins.”
But wait! There’s more!
When the sequel to “Mary Poppins,” entitled “Mary Poppins Returns,” premieres this Wednesday, December 19, you’ll see Van Dyke again, this time as the character, “Mr. Dawes Jr.”
It doesn’t get any better than that.
When it debuted in 1965 at the Studio Theater in Middletown, Ohio, the original “Mary Poppins” was an instant hit. In an April 28, 1965, article headlined “Poppins Breaks All Records,” the Middletown Journal reported that the movie had been seen “by more than 17,600 persons” during its three-week run.
“That’s one record, at least, for the year-old Studio,” the article continued. “The other -- a run of three weeks -- may be an all-time record for any Middletown theater, according to records checked by William H. Cornn Jr., Studio manager.”
By now just about every Baby Boomer and his-her offspring have watched the original Mary Poppins (portrayed by Julie Andrews) and Bert (Van Dyke) interact with the children of the staid Banks family of London.
We all know the story, the characters, the clever animation, the unforgettable music, yet we keep going back for more and more and more.
With the sequel featuring Emily Blunt as Mary, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Mary’s friend, Jack, and the endearing Van Dyke as Mr. Dawes Jr., it looks like our wish to spend more time with Mary Poppins et. al. has been granted.
Maybe Mary performed a little magic again-- this time just for us...and the grandkids.
Sources:
Dick Van Dyke’s birthday information from the “2018 Chase’s Calendar of Events” available at MidPointe Library.
“Middletown Journal” article, “Poppins Breaks All Records,” dated April 28,1965. Copies of the Journal can be viewed on microfilm at MidPointe Library-Middletown. Library cardholders can also access copies through the Newspaper Archive on the MidPointe website: https://www.midpointelibrary.org/page/database-magazine
Library cardholders can also check out Mary Poppins-themed materials onsite or online at MidPointe Library:
“Mary Poppins Returns” information from the IMDb entertainment site:
Some images from Google.
Can you answer this week’s #TriviaTuesday Question?
What Ohio Native's Fabricated German Accent Led to a Role in a Comedy Classic?
Answer: Teri Garr
Lakewood, Ohio, native Teri Garr turns 69 years old today, according to Chase’s 2018 Calendar of Events. Despite other roles, Garr most likely will be remembered as the ethereal beauty who assists Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in the beloved comedy classic “Young Frankenstein.”
Directed by comedy legend Mel Brooks, the movie was released on December 15, 1974 -- nearly 44 years ago, as recorded by the IMDb entertainment website. It remains a favorite, both online and onsite, at MidPointe Library.
In her 2005 autobiography, “Speedbumps -- Flooring It Through Hollywood” (available at MidPointe), Garr recalls auditioning for a part in the horror spoof. Brooks, she writes, told her “that if I came back the next day with a German accent I could read for the part of Inga, Gene Wilder’s buxom love interest. I said, ‘Yah, I zertainly can.’”
To perfect an accent, Garr, who was part of The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour at the time, “made small talk” with Cher’s wig stylist, a German woman “with a thick guttural accent. “
“...I emerged with confidence, determination, and a perfect German accent...” she continues.
Equipped with a realistic accent and a bosom-enhanced “fuzzy pink sweater,” Garr got the part … and an esteemed place in comedy film history.
In 2002 Garr announced that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Since then she has helped raise awareness of the disease.
Unfortunately for her fans, Garr “has not acted in films or television since 2007,” according to Wikipedia.
She’ll always be “Inga” to us.
Middletown, Ohio, is known for many things: famous sons and daughters, military heroes, steel and aerospace industries, cultural festivities and…
The horsecar?
When it made its final run in May 1918, the city’s equine passenger service was “the last horse-car line in the U.S.,” reported Middletown Historian, the late George Crout. (*)
Then motor buses took the reins.
According to a detailed history of the horsecar written by an unknown author (**), the line was known as the Middletown & Madison Passenger Street Railway Co. when it was established by C.F. Gunkel in 1879.
Its route “ran east and west” on Third Street (now Central Avenue) with connections to “the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton steam railroad depot on the west, with the Big Four line to the east of town.” The western “turnaround point” was Madison” (West Middletown)...Fare was five cents.” (**)
Bad weather didn’t prevent the horsecar from transporting its customers. Today images exist of patrons flocking to a horsecar on snowy days.
Change was inevitable in the horsecar industry. Upon learning that mules “were capable of doing a superior job...ate less…” and “did not need excess strength to handle Middletown’s small cars,” the company became the Rapid Mule Transit Traction Company. A “few faithful horses” did remain, however, the article noted. (**)
As time and transportation progressed, the equine-led business attracted the ire and ridicule of the public.
By 1918 “the line was still rolling among hordes of automobiles -- a strange contrast,” the writer continued. “New residents and visitors hee-hawed at the antiquated transportation. The mules clomped along on a half-hour schedule.” (**)
The end of the line -- literally -- came in May 1918. Middletown Historian George Crout is reported to have determined the “abandonment date as May 4…,” the article continued, adding “This very well could have been the last horse car in the United States, a line in New York having folded on July 26, 1917….”
The horsecar’s final trip was poignantly described by an anonymous patron in a Middletown Journal article (date unknown) :
“...We caught the last trip, which we call the ‘Owl Trip,’ at 10 p.m. As we jolted down Third Street many memories came to mind of the many Middletonians who had ridden the horse car.
“That little, quaint, dingy car was filled with the ghosts of the past,” the passenger wrote. “This was Saturday night and the last trip. As the car stopped, our driver, Tom, turned to unhitch the faithful team. As we said goodbye, there were tears in Tom’s eyes, and we knew this marked the parting of the ways for dear friends and the end of an epoch in Middletown history.” (**)
(*) From George Crout’s “Middletown Diary” column titled “2 mules and a special rail car,” published in the Middletown Journal July 27, 1986.
(**) “Middletown’s Mule Transit.” Author/source of article unknown. Publisher unknown.
Both articles are available for reading in the Ohio Room at MidPointe Library-Middletown. They can be found under the category “Middletown Transportation” in the “Vertical File” located along the Ohio Room’s north wall.
The color self-portrait of local artist Herbert Fall hangs in the Ohio Room at MidPointe Library-Middletown.
Can you answer today’s #TriviaTuesday question?
With today’s news that Urban Meyer is retiring as Ohio State University head football coach, we’re reminded of the many Buckeye FB traditions, including the formation of the on-field “Script Ohio” by the OSU marching band and the dotting of the “i” in “Ohio” traditionally by a sousaphone player.
What famous comedian served as “honorary i-dotter” in 1978?
The answer to today’s trivia question is Bob Hope, who was born in London, England, but grew up in Cleveland, Ohio.*
Information on the OSU marching band and honorary “i-dotter” was derived from: “The Ohio State University Marching and Athletic Bands -- Traditions -- Script Ohio” available at: https://tbdbitl.osu.edu/marching-band/traditions
The Journal-News is available for reading at MidPointe Library.
One movie reviewer described it as a “perhaps oversold and over-publicized, but nonetheless a solid, realistic drama with a boxing background…” *
That’s how Associated Press writer Norm Goldstein characterized the movie, “Rocky,” in his year-end review of the movies of 1976. *
“Rocky” premiered in New York City in November 1976 and was released to the general public the following December 3. Hard to believe, that was 42 years ago today. **
Aside from the Liberty Bell and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Rocky the movie and its protagonist -- all ‘round good guy and downtrodden fighter Rocky Balboa -- have become Philadelphia icons.
According to “2018 Chase’s Calendar of Events,”
“the low-budget and quickly shot film became a sleeper success and won three Oscars, including Best Picture.” **
Another winner was the Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose steps Rocky the fighter climbed as the representative of underdogs everywhere. Today they’re known as the “Rocky Steps.” ***
So much for the critics….
* From the article, “No Blockbusters in ‘76 from Hollywood,” by Associated Press writer Norm Goldstein. Appeared in the Middletown Journal, January 2, 1977. Available to library cardholders via the MidPointe Library website at Research Databases / Magazines and Newspapers: https://www.midpointelibrary.org/page/research
** From the “2018 Chase’s Calendar of Events -- The Ultimate Go-To Guide for Special Days, Weeks and Months.” Published by Rowman & Littlefield. Available at MidPointe Library.
*** “Rocky Steps.” Wikipedia.
MidPointe also provides downloadable movies, TV shows and so much more. Library cardholders can access Hoopla and Ohio Digital Library from the library website: https://www.midpointelibrary.org/page/movies-and-tv
When mega-star Michael Jackson sang “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” he wasn’t kidding.
That “Somethin’” turned out to be a record-shattering album named “Thriller” produced by the legendary Quincy Jones. It later spawned a music video the likes of which the planet had never seen.
When Thriller the album was released 36 years ago on November 30, 1982 (*), the early MTV (“Music Television”) generation went wild. And no, they haven’t gotten over it. Nor do they want to.
“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” was just one of many hits featured on “Thriller.” Another introduced fans to a girl named “Billie Jean.” “The Girl is Mine” was a duet sung by Jackson and fellow luminary Paul McCartney.
Then there was the video.
Who could forget its mesmerizing dance moves and the spooky voice-over and wicked laugh supplied by horror film legend Vincent Price?
Its bewitching choreography was replicated by many, including brides, grooms and their attendants who tried to copy the moves -- for better or for worse -- at their wedding receptions. Their efforts are a favorite on YouTube.
Even the venerable Library of Congress was impressed by Jackson’s album. In 2008 LOC announced that “Thriller” had been added to its 2007 National Recording Registry (NRR). It described “Thriller” as “the best-selling album of all time...” and reported that it had met the following qualifications: “Culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” (**)
Whoever said librarians aren’t hip?
(*) “Thriller Released: Anniversary” article from the 2018 Chase’s Calendar of Events available at MidPointe Library.
(**) “Thriller’ in the Library of Congress : 2007 National Recording Registry Announced.” May 14, 2008 (Revised May 22, 2008).
“Thriller” photos for this blog were found on Google images.
MidPointe offers onsite music and biographies of Michael Jackson:
Additionally, MidPointe has a voluminous digital platform from which library cardholders can choose music, movies and TV programs:
This month marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.
Although the voices of its millions of casualties have been silenced, the call to honor them has not.
As a result, Americans to this day pay homage to the warriors who fought and died in what was known as “the war to end all wars.” Sadly, the moniker has not lived up to its hopeful description.
Reminders of WWI, which officially ended on November 11, 1918, are all around us. Stately monuments and serene cemeteries don’t let us forget the blood that was shed for the good of our nation and the world.
Middletown’s Woodside Cemetery on South Woodside Boulevard contains an expansive war memorial. Known as the “Middletown Ohio Veterans Memorial,” the site consists of a black granite wall measuring 54 feet long and 8 feet high located near the cemetery entrance. It bears the names “of those with a connection to this area who died while serving their country, from the Mexican War to Operation Enduring Freedom,” according to a brochure. Lifelike wartime scenes populate the stunning structure, representing all aspects of war, from fighting on horseback, in trenches, in air and at sea.
Not far away, at 116 South Main Street, two WWI monuments stand proudly on the front lawn of American Legion Post 218.
The structures were originally located farther down Main at the corner of 14th Avenue, but were moved many years later to the Legion site. According to Middletown Historian, the late George Crout, the monuments were moved so they could be “more easily viewed by the public, and better maintained.” *
The monuments have an interesting history.
“...The monuments themselves were erected to honor the men from the Middletown area who fought in World War I with the names inscribed in bronze…,” Crout wrote in his history column in the Middletown Journal. The names of soldiers who lost their lives appeared on a special tablet. The monuments were rededicated in a special ceremony at the American Legion post in November 1977. *
A “living” monument also honored the fallen of World War I, Crout wrote.
“A tree was planted for each of the men who answered the call to arms,” he continued. “The row of trees reached from 14th Avenue to the crest of the hill on what was then Dixie Highway and now [is] Ohio 4 for a distance of two miles.” *
Conceived by the local Girls’ Welfare Association, the Road of Remembrance “was the first of its kind in America,” Crout wrote. “...the American Forestry Association stated that ‘Middletown is the first community to actually dedicate a Road of Remembrance.” *
Although World War I was fought many decades ago, it and subsequent wars will not be forgotten thanks to the monuments and memorials in the city of Middletown.
*From “Middletown Diary : Monuments” written by George Crout, appearing in the November 5, 1977, Middletown Journal.
Photos: Two monuments in the front lawn of the American Legion, 116 South Main Street, Middletown.
The front of one of the monuments located at the American Legion.
An enlarged image of a section of the Woodside Cemetery war memorial.
A photo of the Woodside Cemetery war memorial as seen from the entrance to the cemetery.
