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Susan Crowley's avatar

I’m late getting to Primrose Avenue but I’m loving it. Your accounts of your storied international career belie your Norman Rockwell childhood. Or maybe it’s the other way around—can never figure how that belie thing goes. Anyway, a wonderful piece.

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Robert  Basler's avatar

thank you, Susan!

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Sue Noel's avatar

My husband and I listened to the podcast featuring you while driving from our home in Houston to our hometown of Indianapolis. Mike was a 49th and Primrose resident, so we love Marty’s reflections and now, yours. Thank you!

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Robert  Basler's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, and for subscribing, Sue...

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William Weakley's avatar

Nicely done. I was a Northwest sider in the same era. Still we spent most of our Time in your neck of the woods as with Broad Ripple, Glendale, Merrill’s Hi-decker and the Teepee the NE part of town was a big draw. Moved back and on the NE -joined the Rivi so that I can step back into the ‘50’s anytime I want.

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Robert  Basler's avatar

Merril's Hi-Decker! Wow!

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Susan Applegate's avatar

Wow, Bob. Fantastic! You might like to know that I have the receipt for the house. You are right about the price plus $500 down and $50 per month. I also have the meat grinder that was screwed to the end of the countertop.

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Marty Young's avatar

Humbled & honored you’d use my podcast episode “The House At 4425” as the backdrop for recalling our shared neighborhood.

As always, a greatly entertaining read.

Looking forward to our conversation next week on the newest Installment of THE PRIMROSE CHRONICLES

theprimrosechronicles.buzzsprout.com

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Robert  Basler's avatar

You will be proud to know that yesterday's story is the most-visited since I launched 5 a.m Stories on March 19. Obviously some of that is a natural trajectory, since my readership continues to grow. On the other hand, number two is one I posted back on March 27, so there's that. https://robertbasler.substack.com/p/pie-in-the-sky-was-the-icing-on-the

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Marty Young's avatar

They can’t believe such a world renown personality could come from such humble beginnings

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Paul Mindus's avatar

Naturally, entertaining and full of insights and nostalgia, Bob. It’s a pleasure to discover your current writing spa!

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Robert  Basler's avatar

Thank you, Paul. Welcome to my humble abode...

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Steve Goldstein's avatar

They are indoors but one is the kitchen sink

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Robert  Basler's avatar

I thought those were the Episcopalians, but we didn't have any of those, either...

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Betsy Johnson's avatar

AKA The Chosen Frozen

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Sandy Read Reiberg's avatar

P.S. Is it serendipity that my son's house is on Primrose Avenue - at 54th street, though.....

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Sandy Read Reiberg's avatar

Bob, you give nostalgia a whole new meaning, and in fact you make it meaningful! So many images that make it feel as if we're actually back there in the so-called golden 50's, which were a relief from being in World War II, but which were not really the best of times. Glad Marty sees it through rose colored glasses.

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Robert  Basler's avatar

That's sweet, but everybody knows you were a child of the 60s...

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Steve Goldstein's avatar

Hillside was the same. A Maple tree up front gave some shade to help the little blue window fan. Two bedrooms and a tiny bathroom for 7 people. Today I have to race to one of the 5 bathrooms in my house and even though there's only 2 of us I barely make it without peeling down my leg. The joys of the Golden years

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Robert  Basler's avatar

Nice try, Steve. Don't nobody have five bathrooms. I suppose they're all indoors, right?

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Betsy Johnson's avatar

When I see “5 a.m. Stories” in my inbox I know that it will be a good day. I think Jerry would have found this one particularly enjoyable. What…no Presbyterians in Maple Downs?

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Robert  Basler's avatar

What's a Presbyterian?

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Lynn Devine McDonald's avatar

Loved it!

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Kristen Aliotti's avatar

Excellent piece. Loved it. My fave line: “ In the steamy, sweltering summer, what cooled our place was absolutely nothing.” Good one! And I didn’t know you grew up Unitarian. Your parents must have been very cool. :-)

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Susan Applegate's avatar

They were something alright!

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