This also recalls for me your Walter Scott excerpt - and the legends and pull of place. Barber Sam might have been a closet writer making a living where he could. :-)
You know, after I'd written it, I had the same thought--that there was indeed a link between this and the Scott I'd recited for you. I think it was serendipity... though perhaps at subconscious level it's not surprising that one's mind runs in certain tracks.
Sam the Barber would no doubt be participating in your community writing endeavors on Substack.
I grew up with Pacific NW writers on the shelves from this era, similar style of books. Are you familiar with the Rivers of America series, edited by Constance Lindsay Skinner? There’s a volume on the Genesee (and the Erie, Hudson, Delaware, Susquehanna…. And plenty more). Each one gathers folklore from the watershed. Impressive series.
I think it was still possible to be self-consciously patriotic in that era in a way that was no longer possible, at least for intellectuals, a few generations later, after the civil rights movement and Vietnam War (and had not been possible for European intellectuals since the First World War).
I was not familiar with that series--have just now been looking it up, and also Skinner. It looks like a wonderful idea. I notice that the editor of the volume on the Genesee was Henry Clune, an almost exact contemporary of Merrill who also worked at the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. I think I may have one of Clune's other books over at the office. Thanks for the tip!
True about patriotism and intellectuals. I can’t help but think the 20th century loss/abrogation of innocence among intellectuals has something to do with where we are. Criticism alone doesn’t provide moral leadership.
The Rivers series drew on local authors for each volume - like the WPA guides. They’re a remarkable feat, with cover art too commissioned by different artists.
This also recalls for me your Walter Scott excerpt - and the legends and pull of place. Barber Sam might have been a closet writer making a living where he could. :-)
You know, after I'd written it, I had the same thought--that there was indeed a link between this and the Scott I'd recited for you. I think it was serendipity... though perhaps at subconscious level it's not surprising that one's mind runs in certain tracks.
Sam the Barber would no doubt be participating in your community writing endeavors on Substack.
Haha! Sam the barber would be welcome. 😂
I grew up with Pacific NW writers on the shelves from this era, similar style of books. Are you familiar with the Rivers of America series, edited by Constance Lindsay Skinner? There’s a volume on the Genesee (and the Erie, Hudson, Delaware, Susquehanna…. And plenty more). Each one gathers folklore from the watershed. Impressive series.
I think it was still possible to be self-consciously patriotic in that era in a way that was no longer possible, at least for intellectuals, a few generations later, after the civil rights movement and Vietnam War (and had not been possible for European intellectuals since the First World War).
I was not familiar with that series--have just now been looking it up, and also Skinner. It looks like a wonderful idea. I notice that the editor of the volume on the Genesee was Henry Clune, an almost exact contemporary of Merrill who also worked at the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. I think I may have one of Clune's other books over at the office. Thanks for the tip!
True about patriotism and intellectuals. I can’t help but think the 20th century loss/abrogation of innocence among intellectuals has something to do with where we are. Criticism alone doesn’t provide moral leadership.
The Rivers series drew on local authors for each volume - like the WPA guides. They’re a remarkable feat, with cover art too commissioned by different artists.
Couldn't agree more.
I actually went ahead and ordered that volume on the Genesee. Looking forward to seeing it.
I’m eager to see if Sam the barber shows up for a cameo. 😄
Thanks. I won't encounter that ruined bridge in the same way again.
Chris, I thought this was a post for you! Have you read any of Merrill's books?