"INTERESTING/UNUSUAL QUESTIONS/COMMENTS CONCERNING  CATALINA"  (additional ones, www.catalinaislandman.com):

I was doing security at the Casino when an older woman drove up to me in a golf cart, with two men in the back.  She  was headed out to Casino Point.  "Am I going the right way?"  "Where are you going?"  "I don't know!"  "Then I guess you have a 50/50 chance of going the right way."  About 15 minutes later she stopped on her way back to town, "Thanks for your help!"

Just getting off the cruise ship, "Will I now be getting 'International Roaming Charges' on my cell phone?"

A woman rushed off the cruise ship directly to me.  "Quick, where is the restaurant that has the pictures of nude men in the restroom?  I have waited almost 40 years to see them again!"  (Anyone guess where I sent her?  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.m)

"Is the Island surrounded by fresh or salt water?"

"Why don't you call yourselves 'Californians'?"

 

GENTLEMEN BEWARE!  About 5 years ago I was doing security in the Casino Ballroom for a Conservancy Ball.  The ladies' restroom attendant came over to me and shared some "unusual behavior".  "Two women have just exchanged all their clothing?"  "WHY?"  "I don't know!"  "Nothing illegal about it, but try to find out from one of them why!"  About 15 minutes later she came back to me.  "Seems these women think that their husbands are more involved in each other than them, so they wanted to find out if they would notice if they exchanged clothing when they went back to the table."  "Find out what happened!"  30 minutes later the ladies were asked how their husbands faired.  Both noticed, one noticed, neither noticed.  You guess!  Wonder if men could do the same!

 

FLEETING FAME:  Almost exactly one year ago, March 22, 2016, I wrote a column, "ESCAPING PARADISE" (www.catalinaislandman.com) and I mentioned two very nice "new" Islanders, Bryan and Nia Baze.  I am happy to report that we are now good friends.  I mentioned them in the column and they proudly posted it on their refrigerator.  I guess it is now pretty faded as Bryan told me that he and his wife were going camping at Ben Weston during Easter and he was hoping that this would be significant enough to make the column again!  HARDLY!  But out of "friendship", here we go again.  Might as well also mention Bessy, Sean, and Luca.  One of them is their son who will soon be starring in Sean Brannock's production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". You guess which one is the son.

 

THIS ONE I DON'T BELIEVE!  A few days ago, April 22, I was heading to the mainland when I was standing next to a young couple with two adorable kids.  They were looking for fish and I pointed out some of the larger ones jumping out of the water and so I explained the number of reasons why this could happen.  As I often do, I gave them one of my business cards in case they wanted to keep in touch for when they might come back again.  They looked at my card and then at me and said, "CHUCK LIDDELL!  You were the one who my step-father, Bill Paige, asked to give a lecture on the history of Catalina for our 'rehearsal dinner', at the 'El Encanto' (now "Island Spa")!  We are here to celebrate our 10th Anniversary!"  It had been 10 years and 2 days since I last saw them!  Alan Sheppard married Florencia Porto on April 22, 2007, in the Casino Ballroom.  He is the son of Sherrell Paige. They had with them their sons, Christian, 3 1/2 years and Nicholas, 1 1/2 years.  They live in Anaheim where he teaches History and she teaches Spanish.  I have a feeling it won't take 10 years for another reunion!  WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF US MEETING UP AGAIN STANDING IN LINE AT THE MOLE!?!

 

A MUSEUM DISPLAY YOU MUSTN'T MISS!  First, I have a confession.  Originally, I wasn't AT ALL happy about the new direction our Museum seemed to be taking.  Displays that had NOTHING to do with Catalina were being highlighted in the new Museum with the understanding that getting visitors to see these exhibits will help get them in to learn about Catalina's history.  This concept didn't impress me!  We had SO MUCH more to show about Catalina.  THEN I became a volunteer "docent" ("docent touch ANYTHING!") for the new Dale Chihuly glass display that began on March 16 and will continue until December 11, 2017!  IT IS BREATHTAKING AND WORDS CAN'T DESCRIBE IT!  People are coming from EVERYWHERE to see this once in a lifetime display and it was a real coupe that Catalina got it after it has been literally around the world!  I suddenly woke up and realized that having these "non Catalina" oriented displays allow Islanders, as well as visitors, from having to travel around the country to see them.  THEY ARE NOW IN OUR OWN BACKYARD!  How great is that!  The new Museum is on Metropole Ave., up from the "Hermosa Hotel" on the right (YOU CAN'T MISS IT and DON'T!) and it is open daily from 10-5 and ONLY closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  Believe it or not, I had two visitors last week who actually put there ears near the glass in the "Seaform Room", wanting to hear the ocean!  I KID YOU NOT!  IT IS THAT AMAZING!

 

CASINO "SING ALONG"!  I was talking to official Casino organist extrodinare and great friend, Jon Tusak, and we thought it would be an interesting and fun experience to turn his one hour "comp" organ concert, Friday-Tuesday, 6:30-7:30, included in the price of movie admission, to a "sing along"!  WHAT FUN THAT WOULD BE!  "Catalina Island Co.", do you have any bouncing ball around!?!  Let's try it at least once to see it might catch on!  Shades of Duke Fishman in the evenings on Crescent Avenue!

 

AVALON IS WALKABLE!  Although we mostly are capable of walking literally everywhere in Avalon, I know how hooked we can get on golf carts.  Unfortunately, once we are dependent on them, they can "completely" dominate and control our ability to get around!  When I had my medical issue, I put on 10 pounds so quickly by not walking!   It is unfortunate that so many of our older children are "driven" to the school, when it would be so good for them to get some exercise, fresh air, socializing, when walking to school.  Our very large percentage of Diabetes I (childhood diabetes) can be controlled if our kids can learn to only use golf carts when necessary, and not as a substitute for walking.  Adults can learn from this too.  Significant weight loss/gain all depends on our learning to use the carts sparingly!  Are we adults good role models for our kids?

 

YOU ARE ALL INVITED TO A VERY SPECIAL CELEBRATION!  For those of you turning 70, how are you planning  to celebrate your birthday?  Well, as should come to no surprise, I plan to do it a little differently!  Although my 70th will be on May 24, on May 21, at the "Peoples' Park", across from City Hall, Avalon, 2-4, I will be having a very special "Coming Out Celebration".  Yes, I am gay and have known it since I was 6 (64 YEARS!).  I have FINALLY decided to make this stand as I know that there are a lot of scared and confused young as well as older males and females who know that  they are gay, but are overly concerned about making the move publicly.  I want to be the "poster child" for the young ones NOT to wait until they are 70, yet for the older ones, it is NEVER too late!  Please join my wonderful home of Avalon for this double celebration.  Please, no presents, but encouraging cards are always appreciated and if possible, please bring a dozen cupcakes, so that everyone there will be able to partake in a piece of the cake.  I am sure that this comes as quite a surprise to many of you and, if I have offended you, I am sorry.  Never intended to.  For those who are hurt that I hadn't told you before, please realize that this has been EXTREMELY DIFFICULT for me and I give many of you the credit that this disclosure would not affect the love we have for each other.  If you have any questions/comments, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE AND SHARE WHO WE REALLY ARE WITH THOSE WHO LOVE US UNCONDITIONALLY!

 

"THREE FISH IN THE FOUNTAIN"

 

That beautiful fountain in the Wrigley Plaza, Crescent Ave., next to "Blue Water Avalon", was built in 1936 and a few years ago it had a major face lift as it was showing it's age. Many visitors and Islanders alike are surprised when I tell them that the tile on the outside is now reproductions, but INSIDE are chards of the original tile.  Many backgammon pieces are noted as that was VERY PROPULAR back in the 30's when the tile was made into tables. It was part of Philip Knight Wrigley's (son of William and Ada Foote Wrigley, Jr.) plan, along with famous designer, Otis Sheppard, to help preserve the Spanish history and architecture of Santa Catalina Island.  Soon after it was built, "Tarzan", Johnny Weismuiller, (read where I procured women for him when I was only 4!  "NATURE BOY", January 1, 2016, www.catalinaislandman.com) unintentionally, "christened" it a year later.  He was walking through town with his shirt off, which wasn't too unusual as he WAS making the movies then and had to keep his tan going for his shirtless jungle scenes.  He could be spotted in Avalon on a pretty regular basis, as he and his wife at the time, actress Lupe Valdez, often rented homes on the flats.  Some of the local kids recognized him (WHO COULDN'T!?!) and begged him to share his famous "yell" for them.  He gave in, but wanting to get in the mood, he climbed on the East side of the fountain to regale with his scream.  Unfortunately, our "Ape Man" was more man than ape and wasn't able to keep his balance and so, much to the delight of his fan club, he fell off the fountain.  The story would have been A LOT better if I had lied and said that he fell INTO the fountain, but, alas, he didn't, but fell harmlessly on the bricks; not hurting anything, I assume, except his pride!

My part of the story takes places on the green pier and "Joe's Rent-A-Boat", where is still stands, in the 50's.  Before it was remodeled a few years ago, there was a salt water trough at the top of the ramp leading to the main float.  Anytime anglers caught anything they didn't want to take home, i. e., octopus, shark, scalpin, and any other objectionable creatures, they could conveniently leave the catch in this basin so that passerbys could examine our local sea animals up close and, if anyone wantd them, all they would have to do was to take them out. Streams of salt water kept the fish alive. One older character would often take these undesirables and wrap them in butcher paper and with the use of his hand cart, would go through the alleys giving households the opportunity to do their fish shopping through him and not have to buy them in a store.  My mother often purchased them, just to help the gentleman out, but we NEVER ATE THEM.

It was my "job" (that's when I had a job) to put these "unwanted characters", who were still alive and healthy, in a large bucket, filled with salt water and then I would tote them to the fountain.  The fountain was salt water, as with today, and was continuously being filtered and airiated.  I would slowly dump these catches into the fountain, thus allowing our visitors to marvel at our sea life.  Unfortunately, there were some older boys who, maybe because they were jealous of my "neat job", would follow me with dish washing detergent. They would wait a minute or two after the fish hit the water, so did the soap!  Although it caused quite a beautiful display of foam and dancing water, it didn't go so well with the fish, which had to be netted and taken out, once the pond was drained.  Needless to say, it took a lot of the "glamour" out of this work for me and so I quickly gave it up.  Suffice it to say, the fish didn't fare very well through this ordeal.  Don't worry, "Sea World", you have no more competition!"

INTERESTING/UNUSUAL QUESTIONS/COMMENTS ABOUT CATALINA:

Just getting off the cruise ship, "What time is it on Catalina?"

"Does water go completely around the Island?"

When told that the fish at "Lovers' Cove" have been fed by Glass Bottom Boats" since 1904, "Boy, how long do these fish live?"

When told that the North American Bison have been on the Island since 1924, "Wow, how long do these bison live?"

Getting off the cruise ship, "Where do I get my Passport stamped?"

"Do you have to drink salt water?"

 

IT FINALLY HAPPENED!  Those of you who were at the Mole for 7:45am Long  Beach Landing boat on Thursday, April 6, saw something that I was hoping would NEVER happened!  I was "escorted" off the Island by the Sheriff's Department new Capt. John E. Hocking!  Many were wondering WHY I was all dressed up for this an embarrassing occasion.  Truth be told, I was going with the good Captain to the "Industry Hills Expo Center" to join over 40 other volunteers from Los Angeles for the "9th Annual Helen Reardon Volunteer Of The Year Award And Pinning Ceremony".  I had the humbling honor of representing Avalon and "Central Patrol Division".  I was acknowledged for not only my work with CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), but volunteer work for "Meals On Wheels", "Rotary", "Conservancy", "Museum", elections board, etc..  I agree from one of my fellow CERT members, that there must have been "someone else" on Catalina more qualified than myself for this recognition, but I felt that I was representing Catalina, not just myself.  I am sure that I came the longest distance for this ceremony, but strangely, didn't go very far at all as I left Avalon and when I got to the Pavilion, I found the room to be named "Avalon"!  Got to be taken by official Sheriff's patrol car to the Long Beach Landing.  They wouldn't let me flash the lights or sound the sirens!  SO MUCH FOR FAME!

CATCH UP:  All of these columns can be found on www.catalinaislandman.com:  Heard from two more people who wanted to have the delivery of the "Los Angeles Times" continued, Mark Gray and Nicole Franc.  I was told by Alison Osinski that our local library has to "buy" the "Times", as they don't provide it to us gratis!  They carry it daily, except Sunday, but it is sometimes a day late!  Hard to read this newspaper in the library in your pajamas and sipping coffee!  FRAWNED UPON!

Melanie Salvesen Jackson, Market Outreach Associate for the "Reagan Library",  corrected me regarding my column, "Hail To The Chiefs", February 24, 2017.  The "Reagan Library" is located in Simi Valley NOT Santa Barbara!  She send me a picture of the plaque that can be found there explaining how President Reagan came to Catalina Island in 1936.

No one responded to "Catalina Greeter For A Day", April 7, 2017, so I guess my job WAS more difficult than I was given credit for!

Judy L. Tejeda, sister of our own "Rev. Bob", recognized me and chatted with me during one of my MANY dinners at "Mr. Ning's".  We had a VERY NICE conversation.  Speaking of Revs, Rev. Robb, Hiawatha Ave., accepted my ride offer.  Called me "Catalina Royalty", YA, SURE!

Good friend and previous owner of the "Marlin Club", Dan O'Connor, corrected me, "How Dry We Aren't", March 24, 2017.  Although the murals in his club were designed by the same person who designed some of the murals in the Casino Mezzanine, Dorothy Shepard, they were really painted by local artist, Bud Upton, probably late 40's-early 50's, and seemed to be covered up by wallpaper in the 70's. He uncovered them in 1991 when he purchased the club.  He had them restored by local artists, Jesse Bailey and Sylvania Ciccone.  Whenever you want to visit one of the icons of Avalon, 108 Catalina, do so and see these beautiful murals!

So glad that so many people who read my column are also comfortable enough with me to set me straight when I sometimes stray from the truth.  See Sandy! You aren't the ONLY ONE who keeps me honest! 

 

FIRST/LAST ANNUAL

 

On January 18, 1964,  my father, Orval, brother, Bill, and I went up to the "Cub Baseball Field", now called "Field Of Dreams", behind the City Fire Department and Baywatch buildings to witness the first annual "Catalina Channel Balloon Race", which was sponsored by the "California Balloon Club", covered for television by CBS.  Nine balloonists participated.  The idea was to lift off and hopefully land somewhere between Newport Beach and San Clemente on the mainland.  Each balloon was supplied with a backup chase boat that was intended to keep in constant communication with these fearless pilots so that the their distance and speed could be recorded.  This was pretty exciting for a 13 year old to see these giant balloons being blown up and watching the excitement of spotting celebrities, like Cliff Robertson (1923-2011, was starred in a film the year before, "P. T. 109, later receiving an Academy Award for his lead role in "Charley", 1968,  and most recently remembered as "Spiderman's" elderly uncle, 2002).  This ruggedly handsome Hollywood leading man was decked out in the 1890's style clothing, reflecting the Victorian-era heyday of hot-air ballooning. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked why he was dressed that way.  I was told that it was supplied by "Allied Artists" as a way to promote their epic film, "Around the World In 80 Days", released in 1956, with possible to be re-release soon. (you can identify parts of Catalina in this remarkable film!).   He and the others certainly received the coverage they wanted with a small army of reporters and camera men.

As the seven balloons took off (two never left the field), we watched as one of them crashed into one of our Eastern cliffs (the event had been postponed from the weekend before, due to gusty weather conditions and this should have  been a forbidden forewarning as this day turned out to be much windier than expected!). The pilot was world renown balloonist, Don Piccard. 

Once the remaining balloons had left the field, we headed home to watch their fates on T. V..  We were disappointed, but not surprised, when we heard that four of the balloons went down in the ocean, far from their projected target!  Robertson and his co-pilot, Frank Tallman,  dipped in the ocean, their gondola capsized, and they suffered from the cold until rescued. But one DID MAKE IT! Ed Yost. Once he reached the mainland, purposely ditched his balloon in the ocean, not wanting to be greeted by the crowd on the beach.

Unfortunately, the story of the "grandmother" was tragic!  Barbara Keith was the sole occupant of her device and the only woman to compete. It took a long time before her whereabouts were located.  Her follow-up boat, "Melody Joe", had lost communication with her due to the low cloud cover and the choppy sea conditions.  The captain, Jack Watts, was forced to come back to Avalon Bay.  The search was begun, but was soon abated at nightfall.  The search by the Coast Guard the next morning found  her, dead by hypothermia, 20 miles off  San Onofre.  A terrific gust of wind had forced her straight up, where she eventually lost consciousness due to no oxygen gear and then was plummeted down in to water where she was later located drowned!  At the time of takeoff, she was heard to declare that she was going to make it a go, even if no one else was willing to take the chance.

Needless to say this disaster became the "First/Last Annual Catalina Balloon Race" and what could have been an exciting yearly event in Avalon, especially in January!

"INTERESTING/UNUSUAL QUESTIONS/COMMENTS CONCERNING CATALINA ISLAND" (additional ones, www.catalinaislandman.com):

"Your boat schedule says 'daily'.  Does that include today?"

"Where do I get my U. S. dollars exchanged into your money?"

"Are you limiting the number of cars. because it is causing too much weight and sinking the Island?"

"Is that massive chain between the 'Tuna Club' and the 'Yacht Club' holding the Island in place?"

"Did you plant the eucalyptus trees so that the roots would hold the Island to the sea floor?"

 

NEEDS HIS CELEBRITY FIX!  One year ago, April 22, 2016, I wrote a column, "ESCAPING PARADISE", (www.catalinaislandman.com), when I talked about meeting two wonderful people, who are now good friends, Bryan and Nia Baze.  I mentioned their names and they immediately put the print on their refrigerator.  I guess it is getting a bit warn so Bryan asked me last week if I would mention his and Nia's name again, because they were camping at "Ben Weston" over Easter.  HARDLY A MONUMENTAL EVENT, but I will be happy to mention them, if they still have space on the frig, "BRYAN AND NIA BAZE".  While I am at it, I might as well mention their two dogs and son:  Bessy, Sean, and Luca.  You decide who the son is!  He will soon be staring in Avalon's production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!"

 

"CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY!"

 

On April 16 the world celebrated the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Pilgrims from around the world found their sacred spots to congregate.  For the last couple of years, Islanders have met at the Casino Point for their traditional "Easter Sunrise Service".  Starting in 2001, it had been at "Descanso Beach", but this tradition goes back a lot further than that and to a much more appropriate location!

Up until 1903, when motorized glass bottom were invented, guests had to be rowed from the beach in the center of the harbor and the closest "undersea gardens" were at the "Big Sugarloaf" location, now Casino Point. With this new technology, the boats could now go to the best, and still the best, viewing point, "Lovers' Cove".  The excellerated need to get as many people down to this cove as possible forced them Banning Brothers (they owned the Island at the time) to build a counter-balanced venicular tram in 1905 which was called the "Mountain Railroad", also called "Angel's Flight", after the one that had just been built in Los Angeles going to "Bunker Hill".  It started just across from the "Greek Amphitheatre" (built in 1904, and is now the turn around area above the City Park, below the homes on Lower Terrace begin.  The rows of rock seats are still there).  The tram went behind the "Holy Hill House" (built in 1890, third oldest permanent home built in Avalon) and up to "Buena Park" ("Good View"), which is now "Mt. Ada" (named in 1964 for the wife of William Wrigley, Jr.) and then proceeded down the other side to "Lovers' Cove". 

At "Buena Vista" there was a tea house, a chocolate shop, and a 40,000 gallon salt water reservoir (which is still there).  The reservoir was strategically placed there as a water source to put out any possible fires on the East Side Terrace (below the Wrigley Home/"Inn On Mt. Ada"), where homes were now being built.  There wasn't adequate water pressure to reach these homes from the main part of town.

Now that the stage was set for activities at this point, the thought of having the "Easter Sunrise Service" here germinated.  The fact that it is the first place where the sunlight hits Avalon this time of year made it a perfect location.  In fact, we are one of the few cities on the Pacific Coast that get to see the beautiful sunrises as we are facing East, when most other coast cities are facing West.

The first reference to a pilgrimage to this location was in 1899, before the facilities were built and no roads here until 1906.  The primitive ceremony continued and was finally acknowledged by Tad Gray in 1917 when he placed the present big white cross there.  The actual "pageant" with Jesus, Roman soldiers, angles, etc. was conceived by George Dickson and Mrs. Malcom Renton (Virginia) in 1934.  The permanent rock and stone sepulcher, which still stands,  was put in place in 1937.

The services were originally sponsored by the "Mary Williams Club"/"Women's Club" and transportation to the event was supplied by the "Santa Catalina Island Co. (now called the "Catalina Island Co.).

In the last 70's, Margaret Felkley, from the "Community Church", 236 Metropole, was directing the pageant.  She asked for volunteers to help keep this tradition going.  I hadn't attended one of these programs since I so greatly disrupted the sacred event in 1949 when I was two years old.  I was sitting on my father's lap and when the "Angel Of The Lord" raised her hand and said "HARK", I raised my hand and yelled "HI"!  The ensuring laughter caused the event to be held up for a few moments and my family, ESPECIALLY ME, were not invited back!  In order to undo this untimely performance, I decided it was time to volunteer.

I was informed that  we were to be in full costume by 5a.m. on Easter morning and, in my usual sarcastic way, I blurted out, "If I am going to have to get up that early, I want to be the lead!"  GUESS WHO BECAME JESUS FOR THREE YEARS!?!  I was also the only one with a real beard, and being in my late 20's, I was just about the right age for Jesus (I was also much thinner then). The only "makeup" that I needed was a wig. 

The morning arrived and in the basement of the church, VERY EARLY, we were being prepared for this holy event.  We had to be at the location before the guests and, of course, flash lights were a MUST!

The "padre", who read the script which prompted our movements, was Harvey Cowell, who had taken on this role from the beginning in the 30's. Unfortunately, I can only remember four of the performers, besides Harvey.  I played Jesus, Curt Cameron and Blackie Schatan played the Roman soldiers, and Frank Cotter played Pontius Pilate (please help fill in Mary, the angels, etc.).

Illumination was at a minimum and rows and rows of wooden seats were placed in front of the reservoir facing the Wrigley Mansion.  I quickly realized that I, in particular, needed a LOT MORE REHEARSING, and should have practiced my paces in the dark.

For example, when the Biblical story recounted that Jesus fell three times carrying the cross, Curt took it upon himself to put his weight on the balsa wood cross to MAKE SURE I FELL!  I remember mumbling to him that he didn't need to do that as I was able to "fake it", but he insisted on giving me that extra weight for authenticity.  I wasn't crazy about being pushed to the dirty rocky ground each time and as I had no padding, I felt every unseen object.

Every time a reference was made of the "floggings", Blackie, following the lead of Curt, REALLY WHIPPED ME!  Not really hard, but I felt it!  "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, BLACKIE!?!" I would utter under my voice, so no one could hear it.  "I want to make it look authentic!" was his reply.  I wish I had memorized Harvey's lines so that I could be prepared for being  knocked down and beaten!  I was beginning to believe that Curt and Blackie were not simply "in the moment", but ENJOYING IT!

Prior to all this, I was taken to Pontius Pilate, played by Frank Cotter.  Now, you have to realize that Frank was completely bald, quite tanned, and ALWAYS wore dark glasses, due to eye issues.  As it was so early and dark, HE WASN'T WEARING HIS GLASSES!  He looked very different!  As he was conducting my "trial" and eventually "washing his hands" of the issue of Jesus' innocence or guilt, he was really mumbling dirty jokes and they were DIRTY!  I hate to admit that they were also VERY FUNNY!   I kept mumbling to him that he had better stop before Curt, Blackie, and I started laughing, which would have been COMPLETELY out of character for the story!

When Jesus "died", I was dragged to the stone and rock sepulcher.  The only thing that was added each Easter was a fake boulder to close up the tomb and to hide the action going on behind it.  Up until the moment when the rock was pulled back and Jesus was placed inside, I was wearing a white cotton robe.  Once placed inside, I was changed into a white silken one. 

NOW CAME THE TERRIFYING PART that I have never shared before.  I am scared to death of heights!  I had to walk in sandals BACKWARDS, looking straight ahead, with my thumbs inside of two holes in the cuffs of the robe, on an approximately 30"X3" plank that went up an almost 40 degree grade to the platform, which was the foundation of the vehicular platform.  I had to reach the top in time for the sun to rise!

The Bible stated Jesus went to hell, but left and rose into Heaven.  I always said a pleading prayer to God at this point. " IF I fall off the plank and plunge below, even with broken bones and bleeding (I tend to get very dramatic when scared), PLEASE, God, get me back on the plank so that the story works out as you wrote it!"  I NEVER FELL!

As if by Master Plan, which I am sure it was, when I reached the designated point, I could feel the sun shining on my right thumb and, by the time the chorus was finished singing, "Christ The Lord Has Risen Today!", the silk robe was ABLAZE in reflected sunlight.  As guests were instructed not to bring cameras, and we didn't have cell phones then, I don't think any pictures exist of this event.  I could never see the final see the final affect, but could hear a loud "AAAAHHH" coming from the pilgrims!  Feeling the sun/Son was all I needed.  "CHRIST THE LORD HAS RISEN, INDEED"!  

POWER OF THE PRESS:  I recently reached out to my readers two concerns.  One, the attempt to save the first permanent home in Avalon which was also the  original residence of the woman who named our town "Avalon", Etta Marilla Whitney, 133 Vieudelou.  Heard from John and Pat Kreyssler, who live on the mainland, but own the Ralph Glidden home, 114 Hill Street.  It has been in their family since 1920.  I suggested she contact Sandy Putnam, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. regarding the "Catalina Historical Society" and learn of the many projects it is attempting, but needs OUR SUPPORT.  Two, saving the "Los Angeles Times" delivery to Avalon.  Dick and Nancy Kellogg, GREAT FRIENDS OF MINE AND AVALON, who live on the mainland and own a home at 316 Catalina have contacted me a couple of times WANTING TO SAVE THIS SERVICE.  If any of you have any ideas of preserving this much enjoyed tradition, please let me know, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.m

BAR SCENE:  On March 24, 2017, I wrote a column regarding the bars in town when I was young, "HOW DRY WE AREN'T" (see read this story or any of my past columns, www.catalinaislandman.com).  I got stopped on the street by Brian Dawes who reminded me of the "John B", 110/12 Metropole and a BEAUTIFUL lady, who lived on the Island from 1936-46, who doesn't want to me named, but her initials are A.T.E. and she went to school with Rudy Piltch, reminded me of other establishments, that were before my time.  LOVE HEARING FROM ALL OF YOU!

CATALINA HUG CLUB:  Rudy Piltch and I feel that this is DEFINITELY the time to start showing more love on the Island and to give each other that much needed physical support. If you would like to see the group that Trucky Ross started many years ago reinstated, let me know, chuckliddell.catalina@gmail.com

NEED FOR APPLIANCE HANDYMAN:  Marty Saldana has informed me that he is selling his business.  If anyone wants to pick it up, especially those of your who have ALWAYS WANTED TO LIVE ON CATALINA, let me know and I will pass your information on to him. BOY, WE NEED IT!!!

OH, REALLY!?!  I must be the only one that likes to read what is on vehicles in town.  Our present "Garibaldi" city shuttle busses have a prominent sign on the back that reads, "THIS VEHICLE STOPS AT RAILROAD CROSSINGS".  GOOD LUCK ON FINDING ONE ON CATALINA!  No wonder I have been asked by visitors where our railroad is located!  If this information isn't misleading enough, I have been informed by officers of the cruise ships that passengers, on hearing the ships whistle blow, think it is coming from a locomotive in town!  Speaking of which, I shared a question that I was asked with my WONDERFUL FRIEND, Jon Tusak, who plays that phenomenal "Page Pipe Organ" every Friday-Monday, 6:30-7:30pm, for a FREE concert, before the movie starts at 7:30pm, at the Casino Theatre.  Included in the price of admission!  DON'T MISS IT!  Anyway, in the past, seeing the sign on our city shuttle busses, "Metro Link", visitors have asked me if this bus linked with downtown Los Angeles.  OF COURSE NOT, but then Jon corrected me.  Our bus system is subsidized and takes passengers from around the town to the Mole.  From the Mole we are transported on a subsidized boat to Long Beach, where you can catch a subsidized shuttle to the train station to be subsidized to downtown Los Angeles.  WOW, I NEVER THUNK IT THAT WAY, Jon!  THANKS!

APRIL FOOLS!  One story that was not covered in my column dealt with that iconic television show, "CANDID CAMERA", around the late 70's, early 80's.  A 'turn style", similar to the ones at "Disneyland", was placed, I seem to recall, either at the Mole or the "Casino  Way", and everyone was told to go through it. Every now and then the bewildered visitor was stopped and told that they would have to go back to the mainland as the "Island was full!"  I can hear my good friend Jim, at the Chamber, and ALL of the local businesses having heart attacks now!  You can borrow my "heart monitor" as I am done with it after my recent attack.

 

"CATALINA GREETER FOR A DAY"

 

On Saturday, April 1, I read he following note:  "APRIL  FOOLS!  Of course we didn't 'terminate' you or the 'Greeter' position in Avalon!  WHY would we stop this most important first contact with thousands of visitors coming to Avalon from the mainland and cruise ships the day before one of our busiest 'Spring Breaks' ever started and not have any backup in mind?  WHY would we take this job away from you,  Chuck, who have greeted approximately 640,000 visitors and answered over 64,000 questions and concerns, over a three year period, when this vital tradition, going back to the 1880's. had been dormant for so many years!  (see, "HAPPY THIRD ANNIVERSARY", March 10, 2017, www.catalinaislandman.com),  WHY would we take this job away from a 69 year old native "Historian", who was perfect for the job as the job was for him, not forgetting the fact that he has just recently suffered a possible heart attack, and has sometimes had to face heavy rains and wind conditions!?!  WHY, when knowing that visitors so appreciate the personal touch of someone there to answer questions and not entertain them or refer them to an impersonal 'information kiosk'!?!?"  Then I woke up from this BEAUTIFUL DREAM and realized that this "nightmare" actually happened!  WHY?  To take my position in "another yet to be determined direction".  Maybe they thought the job was too easy and CUSHY!  O. K., here is an example of some of my MANY challenging questions and I would like to see how you readers would answer them without possibly "losing IT"!  Remember, as in my case, you have had to get up before dawn, often getting to work in the dark, sometimes fighting rain and heavy winds, and dealing with a line of people anxiously waiting their turn for answers, considering  you have already answered hundreds of them that day.  Please let me know what your responses would be and I will place them in future columns.  Put the number, your response, and include your name, initials, where you live, however you wish me to identify you.  Send your responses to:  chuckliddell.catalina@gmail.com.  Keep in mind you have NO WAY of knowing or preparing yourself or anticipating these questions that are now being tossed at you from all directions on a busy day and yet your immediate "correct" response is expected/sometimes demanded, as they are generally always in a hurry!

 

1)  "Which of the piers is the 'Green Pier'?"

2)  "What do they raise in the 'Undersea Gardens'?"

3)  "Where will I find the 'Glassbottomless Boats'?"

4)  When asked for a map, I happily complied, yet when I handed it to them they responded, "Is this a map of 'here'?"

5)  "Can you please give me the 'correct' information?"

6)  When told that women couldn't sit on the beach with their shirts off, a cruise ship passengers pulled her sweater off in front of me, showing that she had a "double massetomy" and blurted "WHAT ABOUT THESE!?!"

7)  "Where would be the best location to dive under the Island?"

8)  "What time does the 4 o'clock boat leave."

9)  "We made reservations coming over from the mainland.  Do we have to make them going back?"

10) "Can you help me find my hotel?  I don't remember the name?"

11) "Do they put the kayaks in the water?"

 

GOOD LUCK!  In future columns, I will supply you with more similar challenges IF YOU THINK YOU CAN HANDLE THEM AND THIS EASY JOB!