A few days ago Kathryn and I were driving the back roads of Baxter County and listening to the Spectrum (Sirius/XM channel 45) on satellite radio. I’m not sure the strongest of AM radio station signals could have been picked up in this remote area back in the 1960s. But in this day I heard the DJ introduce a new Phil Collins song. I’m not much of a Phil Collins fan, but my wife likes his music…so I didn’t change the channel. The lyrics to the song caught my ear and instantly took me back in time. I realized that this ‘new’ Phil Collins song was a cover of an old Byrds tune entitled “Goin’ Back” released as a single in October, 1967. The song was included on the Byrds 1968 album “The Notorious Byrd Brothers.”
I think I’m goin’ back
To the things I learned so well in my youth
I think I’m returning to
Those days when I was young enough to know the truth
I really want to think that I am still “young enough to know the truth,” although I must admit that it is often difficult to discern the truth when attempting to follow the heightened political debate in any given election cycle. I spent a portion of last week in Washington, DC on a regular visit associated with banking lobby matters and as a result my present perspective is a bit suspicious.
Back to the music…”Goin’ Back’ was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin and it had actually been first recorded by Dusty Springfield in 1966 when it rose to the top ten on the United Kingdom song charts. I’ve never heard that version. What is interesting to me is that Phil Collins chose this song as the title track on his yet to be released album “Going Back.” Collins’ album “Going Back” is scheduled for release in the United States later this month and the entire song list is dedicated to covers of Motown and soul standards of the 1960s with the exception of “Going Back.” (I guess since Collins is English he was compelled to properly spell out “Going” in his release rather than maintaining the abbreviated “Goin’” in the song and album title.) Why this lone reflective ballad sits amongst the soul classics on this album is a mystery to me. Just as the Byrds released “Goin’ Back” in advance of their album “The Notorious Byrd Brothers,” Phil Collins has chosen to follow suit in releasing “Going Back” as a single in advance of his album of the same title. I’m eager to hear his renditions of the classic Motown sounds I loved as a youth. Who knows, I may become a Phil Collins fan with the release of this ‘new’ music. His version of “Goin’ Back” captured my ear and my heart. It took me to a time and place I enjoy visiting……Newport, Arkansas in ‘60s.
Shortly after the last time I sat down to talk to myself on the pages of Miles from Newport, I was made aware that two people I had fondly remembered in that mind game had departed this life. Jack Payne informed me that his brother, Mike (NHS ’67), succumbed to his battle with cancer just weeks after my last writing. I had just reconnected with Mike in the months prior to his death through correspondence with his brother, Jack. I am grateful for the brief visits and memories we shared on the streets of Facebookland where we could ‘talk’ under the vapor lights of Remmel Park and in the dugout of old Memorial Field as if we had never left those hallowed places of youthful days. And Becky Travis informed me that Mr. Billy Hobbs, my junior high science teacher and assistant scoutmaster, had passed from this life just days before I had scribbled out my thoughts in the “Just Us Kids” piece. While a science teacher, Mr. Hobbs was an exceptional artist. He was also well versed in outdoor life as evidenced by his skills in setting up campouts for our scout troop. In retrospect, Mr. Hobbs probably was the first true ‘Renaissance Man’ I ever knew. I regret that our paths did not cross after my school day experiences in Newport. Thoughts of Mike Payne and Mr. Billy Hobbs take me back…..
In saying “goodbye” to Mike and Mr. Hobbs, I say “hello” to Julian Thomas Carlin, grandchild number three and second son of our daughter Lynli and her husband Tony. Julian was born July 21, 2010. As many of you know, grandchildren are such a joy. Julian joins his four year old brother, Oliver, and soon to be two year old cousin Claire Wade (daughter of our daughter Evelyn and her husband Nick Wade) in brightening our personal world. I enjoy reading about the grandchildren of my friends and former classmates on their Facebook sites. Lifetime friend and littermate Freeman Travis is expecting his first grandchild to arrive any moment. I ran across Freeman’s path last week in Newport and the excitement was in his smile.
Letting thoughts roll from the mind onto the page offers ample opportunity for mental lapse. Writing the Miles’ Files is indeed a therapeutic mind game for me and I seek therapy at times when I stumble on life’s pathway. I was remembering the lively group that gathered at Edward “Ash” Kinney’s gravesite last March in the previous Miles’ Files posting and referred to Beverly Morehead as Beverly Washam. Yes, an error easily explained since Don Washam was Beverly’s stepfather, but I know better. I will also say that gathering for Edward’s funeral was a mind blowing experience, but the faces in the crowd that day took me back to “those days when I was young enough to know the truth.” When my memory is sharp and on target I take full credit for playing the mind game well. In those instances when the old memory falters, I blame the cheap scotch that is at my side. I’m thinking I need to upgrade my inventory of excellent single malts that are sure to improve the mind. Now what is the name of that therapist….Balvenie or Glenlivet???
Now there are no games
To only pass the time
No more electric trains
No more trees to climb
But thinking young and growing older is no sin
And I can play the game of life to win
Playing this mind game I so enjoy is similar to playing golf….some days are better than others. Golf games are opportunities for “goin’ back” to Newport and basking in the laughter shared with old friends. Twice this summer have I been back to Newport to visit with friends with a golf game being my excuse to return. The annual Newport Country Club Invitational Tournament in July had me “goin’ back” in the company of a new partner for the first time in fifteen years. Former partner Greg Hubbard had an opportunity to play with his son, Luke, this year, which was a real treat for the Hubbard boys. So I partnered with and played in the shadow of long time pal Rodney Landes from El Dorado. Rodney works with my life-long friend Jerry Bullard (NHS ’71). We are all bankers and laugh the same language. Jerry is not Rodney’s only Newport connection. Rodney and Edward Kinney were SAE pledge brothers at the University of Arkansas. We had a blast on the golf course in the best golf tournament in the state of Arkansas. As fate would have it, Rodney and I had the same two day score as Luke and Greg Hubbard, which placed us in the same flight and paired us together for the final day of the tournament. Let’s just say Luke gave the rest of us a lesson that day pushing Rodney and me out of the money. Oh to be young again. I’m “goin’ back”…….
This past Friday I returned to the scene of that fun filled July golf outing in Newport for the second annual Beverly Tapp Memorial Scholarship Tournament hosted by Beverly’s sons, Doug and Jeff Tapp, who are ably assisted by Beverly’s NHS Class of 1962 mates and shepherded by their father, Jody. The tournament raises scholarship monies for education students attending Arkansas State University, Beverly’s alma mater. It is a bittersweet event in memory of one of Newport’s finest teachers and a dear friend. Nothing but fun is allowed on the course and when you are playing with Coach Butch Duncan it is easy to have a good time. Laughter abounds! This event is a four person scramble format. Our other two team members are Butch’s brother Tommy and Butch’s son Blake. Thank goodness Blake is one fine golfer. In the inaugural tournament last year we had a lot of fun. This year we had a lot of fun accompanied by Blake’s great round of golf. Actually Butch chipped in from just off the green for eagle on 17 and Tommy contributed a couple of long birdie putts to compliment Blake’s booming drives and accurate approach shots. I drove Butch around the course and laughed a lot. At the end of the day the scorecard reflected 3 pars, 14 birdies, an eagle, and first place in the championship flight. More importantly I was able to visit old friends Jody Tapp, John Pennington, Mike Brand, Rodger Brand, Joey Treadway, Jimmy Appleton, and many of Beverly’s 1962 classmates, among others. That 1962 group of Hounds is a loving and caring pack. I must add that Beverly’s sons both have strong connections to my NHS of 1970 mates. Jeff’s wife, April, is the daughter of littermates Martha Miller Slayton and Gary Slayton. Doug’s wife, Catherine, is the niece of littermate Linda Grady. The Tapp brothers have established a wonderful tribute in memory of their mother. I’m “goin’ back”……
I view these golf tournaments not as “games to only pass the time,” but as opportunities to visit with friends and reminisce about those tree climbing days we shared. “Thinking young and growing older” are key ingredients in playing “the game of life to win.” Newport has produced its fair share of ‘winners’ in the “game of life.” The Newport School District Charitable Foundation established a NHS Alumni Hall of Fame last year to acknowledge those old Hounds that have succeeded in the “game of life.” The annual Hall of Fame banquet is a good reason for “goin’ back” home to Newport. The 2010 inductees are John W. Mullins (NHS ’40 and former superintendent in the Newport School District); John Minor, Sr. (NHS ’52); Bill Keedy, Jr. (NHS ’63); Martha Johnston (NHS ’64); and Major General James Eddie Simmons (NHS ’69). Kathryn and I were delighted to be seated at the banquet with Newport’s new superintendent Larry Bennett and school board president Doug Cash and their wives. All in attendance witnessed Newport at its finest with such a heartwarming get together in honor of those selected to the NHS Alumni Hall of Fame. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe (NHS ’64 and a 2009 NHS Hall of Fame inductee) presented Mr. Mullins and Bill Keedy. Dr. Patti Mullins accepted the honor on behalf of her late father. 1970 littermate Ruth Johnston introduced her sister Martha while John Pennington and Rodger Brand (both NHS ’69) presented John Minor and James Eddie Simmons, respectively. James Eddie’s recounting his life as a soldier was inspiring. Of course there was mention of the 1968 undefeated Greyhound football season with James Eddie, John Pennington, and Rodger Brand all being members of that team. But in remembering their high school exploits, James Eddie was quick to quote one of his fellow generals in saying, “nothing spoils a good war story like an eyewitness.” Having been an eyewitness to many of that group’s antics in high school, I believe those words are spot on. Therefore, no old school days stories will be spoiled here. We will let your imagination romp whenever your thoughts retreat back in time to those days when we were not only “thinking young,” but acting young. Congratulations to the 2010 NHS Hall of Fame class!
I can recall a time
When I wasn’t ashamed to reach out to a friend
Now I think I’ve got
A lot more than just my toys to lend
Now there’s more to do
Than watch my sailboat glide
But every day can be
A magic carpet ride
A little bit of courage is all we lack
So catch me if you can, I’m goin’ back
Life is busy. The pace is quick. I’ve never been “ashamed to reach out to a friend.” With all that is “more to do” in this work a day world we are in, devoting one’s time to nurturing friendships is a challenge, a challenge with great reward when the reaching out is met with open arms. Next weekend the NHS Class of 1970 will gather together in loving friendship to acknowledge the fortieth anniversary of our graduation onto life’s stage and to remember those friends who no longer walk alongside us. Just last week on the threshold of our fortieth reunion, littermate Bobby Ruddell knocked on Heaven’s door. The knock was answered, the door opened, and Bobby entered. We will miss his quiet and gentle presence at future gatherings, but his spirit will always be in our hearts. I truly appreciate the love that has been poured into preparing for this upcoming reunion by Billie Jean Nelson, Jamie Hopkins, Buddy Rutledge and other classmates. I’m looking forward to sharing memories. I’m looking forward to the laughter. As a reminder, kennel gates open at 6:00pm on Saturday, September 25, 2010 onto the ballroom of the Newport Country Club, the site of many high school dances and events when we were school mates. As I look through “my back pages” from the stories of our youth I’m reminded that “we were so much older then, we’re younger than that now.” So it’s time to catch up with one another………..”I’m goin’ back” to Newport to see old friends. See you there!
I’m Miles from Nowhere…………..and about 100 miles upstream from Newport. Guess I’ll take my time…………..
joe
