Small incursions into life can put one on a grand path…if done with passion, or at least enthusiasm. I studied journalism in college but switched from pen to camera when I realized I could also ‘live’ the stories…
I don't remember you from Broad Ripple, but from grade school. I never thought of you as a smartass, but do recall the teachers being unhappy that you had trouble sitting still and paying attention in class. When I heard that you had become a journalist I thought that sounded like a great career for you, where you didn't have to sit still too long and could explore and ask questions. I also recall you giving a report, in about 5th grade perhaps, about your family and your grandparents' experiences of people being mean to them during the war because of their German name despite the fact that they had lived in the US for many years before that. It impressed me enough that I still recall it. You were good with words even then.
I remember you very well, Janet. Thank you for commenting. And yes, "visits with his neighbors" is a phrase that appeared on every single report card I got at School 91...
The very worst part of joining Reuters was that when you start out at a newspaper or radio station or even a big network, the refrain is: "Check the wires!" When I started at Reuters, I remember the panic I felt when I first realized we WERE the wire.
I've so enjoyed your Stories since Jane Remley made me aware of them - reminiscing about Indianapolis long ago (from the remote outpost of Duluth MN), and traipsing all over the world with you as you (amazing!) made your way back to "the crossroads of America" (or "India-No-Place", depending on your perspective). I sent a few to my brother Tom, who was business manager on The Riparian newspaper (my hangout was the yearbook attic) and we wondered whether Mrs. Griggs would ever make it into 5 a.m. Can't say I remember you as a smartass, but do wish I'd gotten to better know you and some of our 468? classmates. Thanks for your memories!
Yikes, what a blast from the past. Hearing from former classmates and colleagues has turned out to be an unexpected bonus for my stories, and who doesn't like a bonus? Wasn't Tom also a photographer for The Riparian, or am I conflating? Take care, and thank you so much for reading and for reaching out.
Great story! As a non journalist, I still have an appreciation for the heady experience that you had in that newsroom as a young man. However, I can relate personally to being a smartass. It is a lifelong coping trait that I have somewhat learned to control in my 70’s! I continue to look forward to your posts, and smile when I see them!
I was one of Bob’s colleagues who worked on the high school newspaper. Yes - we enjoyed what we did and had a good time doing it. The Riparian experience is one of my best high school memories. And yes, Mrs. Griggs our sponsor and Miss Lindsey her assistant could never have dreamed that Bob would go on to be a significant journalist.
Thank you, Lee Ann.. Actually, in 1985, 20 years after we graduated, when I was living in New York City and working for Reuters, I wrote to Mrs. Griggs, to fill her in and to thank her for the part The Riparian played. I got a very lovely letter in response...
Just when I think surely these stories cannot get any better. This one really took me back. My similar moment was in 1986 when the Challenger burst into flames, only by then we saw it happen in real time on the tiny TV on the newsdesk. But everything you said about the symphony of reporting and writing rings true. Of course, you made me smile more than once. Then again, you've also got me concerned about why that coffee tasted so bad in Reuters' Washington newsroom...
This is so similar to my first encounter with journalists ... I felt I was looking up at giants as I took dictation (poorly, as Evelyn Leopold told me — but at least I understood the machine) and watched these giants do amazing things in record time while mostly acting like high school kids in detention. You might have been there with a suit and tie hashing everyone’s vibe, come to think of it. But, yes, it was intoxicating to be “the first” to know something and then know in a few seconds everyone would know it, and then taking the next 40 years still trying to get that golden gut and writing style just right.
Small incursions into life can put one on a grand path…if done with passion, or at least enthusiasm. I studied journalism in college but switched from pen to camera when I realized I could also ‘live’ the stories…
I don't remember you from Broad Ripple, but from grade school. I never thought of you as a smartass, but do recall the teachers being unhappy that you had trouble sitting still and paying attention in class. When I heard that you had become a journalist I thought that sounded like a great career for you, where you didn't have to sit still too long and could explore and ask questions. I also recall you giving a report, in about 5th grade perhaps, about your family and your grandparents' experiences of people being mean to them during the war because of their German name despite the fact that they had lived in the US for many years before that. It impressed me enough that I still recall it. You were good with words even then.
I remember you very well, Janet. Thank you for commenting. And yes, "visits with his neighbors" is a phrase that appeared on every single report card I got at School 91...
What a great story, brought back many memories of our world at that time!
Lynda Gildea
When you look at what is left of the newspapers we remember, this story makes me sad. However, your writing makes me smile!
The very worst part of joining Reuters was that when you start out at a newspaper or radio station or even a big network, the refrain is: "Check the wires!" When I started at Reuters, I remember the panic I felt when I first realized we WERE the wire.
I've so enjoyed your Stories since Jane Remley made me aware of them - reminiscing about Indianapolis long ago (from the remote outpost of Duluth MN), and traipsing all over the world with you as you (amazing!) made your way back to "the crossroads of America" (or "India-No-Place", depending on your perspective). I sent a few to my brother Tom, who was business manager on The Riparian newspaper (my hangout was the yearbook attic) and we wondered whether Mrs. Griggs would ever make it into 5 a.m. Can't say I remember you as a smartass, but do wish I'd gotten to better know you and some of our 468? classmates. Thanks for your memories!
Yikes, what a blast from the past. Hearing from former classmates and colleagues has turned out to be an unexpected bonus for my stories, and who doesn't like a bonus? Wasn't Tom also a photographer for The Riparian, or am I conflating? Take care, and thank you so much for reading and for reaching out.
Was your sister, Carol, in the class of '69?
Yes! She's now in Tacoma, WA, about to celebrate her 50th Anniversary with a walking trip in Wales.
Yes, Bob, Susie is very sweet😉
Great story! As a non journalist, I still have an appreciation for the heady experience that you had in that newsroom as a young man. However, I can relate personally to being a smartass. It is a lifelong coping trait that I have somewhat learned to control in my 70’s! I continue to look forward to your posts, and smile when I see them!
Wait, Johanna. You're a lifelong smartass? How did your sweet little sister escape that fate?
I was one of Bob’s colleagues who worked on the high school newspaper. Yes - we enjoyed what we did and had a good time doing it. The Riparian experience is one of my best high school memories. And yes, Mrs. Griggs our sponsor and Miss Lindsey her assistant could never have dreamed that Bob would go on to be a significant journalist.
Thank you, Lee Ann.. Actually, in 1985, 20 years after we graduated, when I was living in New York City and working for Reuters, I wrote to Mrs. Griggs, to fill her in and to thank her for the part The Riparian played. I got a very lovely letter in response...
Just when I think surely these stories cannot get any better. This one really took me back. My similar moment was in 1986 when the Challenger burst into flames, only by then we saw it happen in real time on the tiny TV on the newsdesk. But everything you said about the symphony of reporting and writing rings true. Of course, you made me smile more than once. Then again, you've also got me concerned about why that coffee tasted so bad in Reuters' Washington newsroom...
I worked newspapers, too. On the delivery side. 🗞️
This is so similar to my first encounter with journalists ... I felt I was looking up at giants as I took dictation (poorly, as Evelyn Leopold told me — but at least I understood the machine) and watched these giants do amazing things in record time while mostly acting like high school kids in detention. You might have been there with a suit and tie hashing everyone’s vibe, come to think of it. But, yes, it was intoxicating to be “the first” to know something and then know in a few seconds everyone would know it, and then taking the next 40 years still trying to get that golden gut and writing style just right.
You just said it all, John. Could not agree more.
Good one, Robert.