BEEBE ON BEEBE
Lucius Beebe, Life Magazine, January 16, 1939
I have been a fan of Lucius Beebe ever since the day in Reno, many years ago when my grandmother gave me a copy of 1949’s “Virginia and Truckee: A Story of Virginia City and Comstock Times”. With family history in railroading in Nevada and Washoe County in particular, how could I not become an admirer?
As available from Biblio. Co. UK.
Anyone who owned and traveled aboard, not only one, but two private railroad cars was a man to be admired. Having adopted the Silver State as his home and reopened operations of The Territorial Enterprise newspaper while in residence in Virginia City, he was indeed one of Nevada’s own sons.
Loyal readers of this space may recall that I share a fondness of the “terminal nostalgia” of the late Herb Caen, San Francisco’s legendary newspaper columnist. He had a way in describing San Francisco (and San Franciscan’s) that no one has yet to match. One Sunday, February 13, 1966 to be exact, the focus of his column on the Sunday Punch page of the San Francisco Chronicle was, as he titled it, “Beebe on Beebe”
While recently going through a few boxes, here at home during the quarantine, I discovered that I had saved a Sunday Punch section from the Chronicle, dated February 17, 1991. It features a reprint of the column mentioned above. As I cannot find a copy of it online to share with you, I will do so here.
“Beebe On Beebe”
SOME SIX YEARS AGO, Lucius Beebe sent to me from New York a most unusual document. – a sort of autobiographical assessment of his dreams and aspirations, neatly typed on pink paper. “Publish it as you see fit,” he shrugged when I asked him later about the manuscript. Since it contrasts so sharply with his self-written obituary, printed after his unexpected death a week ago, perhaps this is the fit time he had in mind. Here, then, is the Compleat Lucius Beebe, as seen through his own eyes.
* * *
“I ADMIRE MOST of all the Renaissance Man, and, if it can be said without pretentiousness, like to think of myself as one, at least in small measure. Not a Michelangelo, mark you, but perhaps a poor man’s Cellini or a road company Cosmo d’Medici. The Medieval Man and the Renaissance Man did a number of things, many of them, well, beautifully. He was no damned specialist.
“I like to think that Chuck (Charles Clegg, his collaborator – Ed.) and I do a number of things that have no special relationship to one another. In ‘The Territorial Enterprise,’ we ran a paper of outrage that only incidentally is the largest weekly west of the Missouri. Anyway, it’s the best of its kind. Our books on the West and railroading are the best we can devise, always beautifully produced and sometimes intelligent. That they appear from time to time as best sellers isn’t particularly pertinent. It may even be a liability to the perfectionism we aim at.
“We admire to give good parties, and the measure of their success is the number of empties, the size of the restaurant bill and the number of screams for bail during the night.
“If anything is worth doing, it’s worth doing in style. And on your own terms and nobody goddamned else’s. I like nice clothes because they are an item in an overall facade. In themselves they are something silly and foppish. I like big houses and hotel suites and a big dog because they become me. Not for ostentation, but because they give me personal pleasure and satisfaction.
“I PREFER Rolls-Royces and Bentleys simply and without equivocation because they are the best. Not just runners-up or compromises, but the best, like Bollinger’s. Colt firearms, suits by Henry Poole and traveling Cunard.
“Chuck and I keep a private railroad car because it has style and comfort and maybe railroad touched in the haid, and anyway, the dog likes it. Also there is no bartender to say, ‘That will be all for you, sir.’
“We like people who never give a passing thought to public opinion or the suffrage of society, not who desperately antagonize it, but simply are unaware that it exists. We like Gene Fowler’s aphorism, ‘Money is something to be thrown off the back of trains.’ If we cease to have the money or the trains, either, we’ve got memories and may get good obits if the competition isn’t too keen that day. I’d like the obits to say: ‘Everything he did was made to measure. He never got an idea off the rack.’
* * *
“IT IS MY conviction that there are more Renaissance Men and Women who have been abroad in the land in my happy time than my folk suspect. I cite Harold Ross, Monty Woolley, Gene Fowler, Amy Lowell, Bernard de Voto, Spencer Penrose, Senator J, Ham Lewis, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Tallulah Bankhead, Timothy Pflueger, Ogden Reid, Dave Chasen, Frank Lloyd Wright, Noel Coward, W.C. Fields, Bill MCGeehan, Amon Carter, Henri Soule, William A. Brady and John Drew. Not a radio commentator of TV comedian in the lot.
“All these people who were Renaissance Men and Women in that they did something well, in many cases more than one thing, and never in their lives thought to consult anybody else as to how to conduct their persons. Some of them were rich, most of them gentlemen, and all of them possessed that one radiant qualification: the knowledge of excellence. Not the damned reference mind, which IBM will do better for you anyway, but a knowledge and appreciation of excellence. They wrote, edited, acted, whored, drank, sang songs, served the nation, wrote history and made enemies in their own pattern.
“I take leave of you with an aphorism of the late Michael Arlen, in his own way too a Renaissance Man, although he only did one thing well and that only once: ‘I require very little of life. I want only the best of everything, and there’s so little of that.’ “
* * *
THAT LAST solves a minor mystery in the obituaries on Lucius’ death – the attribution of that quote to him when it was well known as Arlen’s (the author of “The Green Hat”). Anyway, I like his own line better, for truly everything he did was made to measure – he never got an idea off the rack.
The Virginia City, Beebe and Clegg’s second private railcar, in Napa in 2013 during the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners annual convention.
Beebe and Caen were both products of different eras and different coasts. Beebe the east and Boston; Caen the west and San Francisco. Yet, they both came to be a part of life here by the Bay that continues to draw people to live and visit. As anyone who has spent any length of time here will tell you, that ain’t bad…
Meet Me Down on Main Street
Main Street USA at Disneyland, looking from Town Square towards the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Continuing on our look at the Park, we head today to the first place any Disneyland guest visits.
If there is anywhere in Disneyland where time stands still, this may be the place. Main Street USA is close to as it was on the day the Park opened to the public (Monday, July 18, 1955). Over the years since, yes, a fair amount has changed to be sure. But the flavor of small town America after the turn of the 20th century is still very much in evidence.
Once upon a time, guests needed to surrender the top coupon of this booklet to gain admission to Disneyland. A rare item now, a complete ticket book was filled with the promise of adventures ahead.
The Mellomen Barber Shop Quartet left their musical legacy on Main Street, with all of the versions of the Dapper Dan’s performing guest favorites over the years. Their album, “Meet Me Down On Main Street” remains a favorite of many. You can find it on iTunes today for only $8.99.
A vintage view looking back down Main Street, likely from the 1950’s, captures a typical day at the Park.
Yes indeed, these horses do work for a living, pulling the street cars along the rails of Main Street.
The Main Street Station of the Disneyland & Santa Fe Railroad welcomes guests to board the Grand Circle Tour for the trip around the Park, just as it has since 1955.
No mistaking where the train stops here.
Walt may have loved having an apartment above the Fire House, but it’s more than a safe bit that these guys didn’t take up their stations for a performance here while the boss was in residence.
Meanwhile, down at the Coca Cola Refreshment Corner, Alice and the Mad Hatter are about to start another game of Musical Chairs with the assistance of Ragtime Robert. Always great fun and riddles, too!
Main Street hosts one of the Park’s most beloved traditions with the yearly Candlelight Processional.
The Christmas holidays bring out the best Main Street has to offer for guests of all ages.
Main Street was at one time home to many shops that were right at home in any small town in America. Some of those remain, at least in signs on the buildings. A few classics still entice the right customers.
Newfangled, moving pictures! This fad will never catch on…
Just as it is the first thing seen by guests at the start of their Disneyland day, a view of Main Street all aglow in electric lights harkens back to the experience of Elias Disney at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Nostalgic it may be, but it creates the final moments of memories that will last a lifetime.
In and Around New Orleans
The Original Royal Street Bachelors, doing what they do best, out in front of the One of a Kind Shoppe, on Royal Street.
From a Disneyland Panavue Slide
To many people, New Orleans Square is their favorite area of Disneyland. Hands down, no question.
And why wouldn’t it be? You have arguably, the best of the best of Disneyland attractions located here. Both Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion are attractions that anchor the area. Food and beverage. Some of the best for guests and more here. From Cafe Orleans, to the French Market to the Blue Bayou. Not to mention Club 33 and 21 Royal Street. And music. New Orleans jazz of all eras just fits so well into a day at the Park.
Give me that Disneyland style Mint Julep, some beignets, and some of that jazz. Not to mention the passing parade of the west side with the Disneyland Railroad and on the east, all the river traffic passing by on the Rivers of America. I can just sit and take it all in for hours and hours.
So, being away from the Park for a while, it seems a good idea to share a few images from over the years. As the name of a great compact disc from the past by the Side Street Strutters (a band that called the area home for many years), says “In and Around New Orleans“. Enjoy this look back!
When it first opened, “The One Of A Kind Shoppe” is said to have been a favorite of Lillian Disney.
Over the years, the merchandise sold here has become decidedly more generic in nature.
From A Disneyland Panavue Slide
The foyer of The Haunted Mansion has this classic Bradbury and Bradbury wallpaper to set the proper mood.
The entrance to 21 Royal Street is through the Thieves Market.
A busy day with plenty of foot traffic along Royal Street.
Decorations for the seasons here are some of the best in Disneyland.
Yes, indeed… one busy river.
The original Frontierland station of the Disneyland & Santa Fe Railroad, now sits across the tracks from New Orleans Square. Based on an original station design from the film, “So Dear To My Heart”.
If there was one person who was New Orleans Square is was Ernie McClean. Claimed to have been hired directly by Walt Disney, his brand of quiet jazz was a treat for guests of all ages.
The Court of the Angels was a guest favorite for many treasured photographs. It still exists today, but is now part of the lobby for Club 33 and closed to the public.
A quiet corner of a hectic place. Just made to sit back and relax, in and around New Orleans Square.
A Galaxy Far, Far Away
It is undeniable that the universe of all things Star Wars has found its place on this planet. The creation of George Lucas marks the latest last chapter in the nine episode saga as “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” opens in theaters on Friday, December 20th, 2019.
My own connection to this universe began in May of 1977 as I was gifted with a copy of the two-disc record album of the soundtrack several weeks before the first film opened in theaters. With the epic poster included of the desperate battle above the Deathstar, I was hooked and but good before I ever saw a frame of the film. And I wore out that copy of the album listening to it over and over and over. And made a pest out of my high school self letting everyone know they couldn’t miss this film.
My first viewing of “Star Wars” (no extra title added at that point) came on the night of Friday, May 27, 1977. A date night, with the girl who would become my wife some nine years later. Theater One at the Festival Cinemas in Walnut Creek, CA. And front row seats, because even though the film had been in theaters only three days at that point, it was a sold out crowd.
From that first moment the Star Destroyer chased the Rebel Cruiser across the orbit of Tatooine, oh yeah… it was on. I don’t know exactly how many times we watched the film that summer, but it was a lot. Even to the point of watching it play at a local drive in from across a flood control channel. We saw it so much, we knew the music and dialogue by heart and didn’t need the sound.
It is safe to say that this little movie (which some including the director did not expect to add up to much) was, no pun intended, a force to be reckoned with. It certainly helped theater owners by doing a healthy business for a much longer than anticipated run. And marketing, although missing at the start, kicked off big as anything with a Star Wars connection was a top seller. With phrases from the film making their way into every day conversation, the cultural impact was firmly established.
Along the way through this universe, there were plenty of great moments with family and friends. Special was the screening of the first trilogy at the Coronet in San Francisco, all in one day and night. Yes, it was a lot of Star Wars at one viewing, but it was well worth it.
And I managed to make my way through the first three episodes, painful though they were at times. Even as we knew Anakin had the fate to become Darth Vader and be defeated on Mustafar by his friend and mentor, Obi Wan Kenobi, we all went to see the tale unfold before us on the big screen.
So when this last trio of films began, we went to theaters to see what lay ahead. It was nice to see the heroes back at it, still keeping the dark forces at bay. With new faces adding their own chapters to the story.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019, I was lucky enough to view the last chapter in Episode IX, “Star Wars; The Rise Of Skywalker”. At a preview screening in a Dolby Atmos theater, I watched as the story begun over 42 years before reached its conclusion. I am sure there will be more viewings as well as a Blu-ray disc purchase ahead.
Not to worry, as I offer no spoilers today. If you have followed the story through all eight episodes previous, then by all means do so again. I will say that I was emotional to the point of tears several times, but part of that is just the fanboy in me, getting sentimental. And worries to the contrary, J.J. Abrams did well covering his bases. The additional footage of Carrie Fisher, from “The Last Jedi” is well used to good effect in keeping the story moving.
Beyond that, if you enjoyed the prior 8 episodes (even with Jar Jar), you will find this one satisfying as well. While folks at Disney plan for other ventures into the Star Wars universe, I think it is safe to say this one is a nice conclusion to the previous films.
When Fandom Becomes Obsession
This column first appeared here on the Blue Parrot on 4/25/2014.
Let me start by saying that Disney is only one thing amongst many that draw my attention. Sometimes, and I am not ashamed to admit this, the line between fandom and obsession is one all too easily crossed.
If such a moment is a rare thing, it can be accepted. We all have had those experiences, moments when we were star struck. Carried away to be there. Fanboy or fangirl gushing over someone, something or someplace. And that is okay. Really.
The problem? It is when momentary becomes primary. For example, why do people spend good money to go to the Disney theme parks in search of peeling paint or burned out light bulbs? Is that to be the highlight of their day, experiencing joy in not only finding such, but sharing it with others similarly concerned?
I think if one had the chance to ask Walt, that kind of experience would be rather low on the scale of what he hoped that people would enjoy during a day at Disneyland. And to be fair, I am sure Walt would not tolerate some of the lapses in quality either. Yet if one looks back on how the Park operated during his lifetime, those moments when guests were not in the Park on stage were opportunities to address issues such as peeling paint and burned out light bulbs. Especially on days when the Park was closed. Work could be done without fear of prying eyes. And yes, I agree that the company can do better at paying attention to the details at theme parks, all around. Not just for special occasions.
Another point raised by someone recently was what Walt would have thought about the Internet and social media. Being interested in technology and communication, it wouldn’t surprise me if Walt would have been a lurker. Just as he liked to go out in the Park and be anonymous (when he could), I think he would have been out there listening and even responding to discussions to see what folks had to say. (And if one thinks Disney does not have people being paid by the company to do this, think again.)
It isn’t just the Disney fandom with this kind of mania. For example, the Union Pacific Railroad is in the middle of moving one of it’s Big Boy steam locomotives from Southern California to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The railroad had decades earlier donated the locomotive to a historical society for display. Corporate policy today had decided that the railroad would take on the project of restoring one of these locomotives – of which there were only 25 built; the biggest steam locomotives world wide.
Now for same railroad fans, this is the closest thing to the Second Coming that they could ever imagine. Something they never expected to see now or ever. So much so that for months, these railfans have been chomping at the bit for even the tiniest bit of information on this project. You name it and those tiny bits have become the focus of the obsession. Fans of this have watched by webcam from around the world as the locomotive was moved from it’s display site across a parking lot to the connection with the mainline railroad. And that will continue as the locomotive makes a very slow trip back to Wyoming.
Other examples? How about fans of the Star Wars films? Since production began on this series of sequels, rumors of this and that have been the stuff of big news. Even the smallest details were shared across the planet. And now, with filming under way in Abu Dhabi… well, let’s say that for some people it is just too much. They have to be there to see it as it happens. Even though they won’t actually see anything, they have to buck up and be there. On that off chance, they might.
If you try to understand why that line between fandom and obsession is so easily and so often crossed, you can get about as many opinions as stars in the night sky. I won’t take up space here adding to those. But I will say that on some level, I understand. Yet on another, I also can see the reality. The unvarnished side of the coin, if you will. Folks who create the products that give fans interest are just doing what they can to pay the bills. Disney, steam locomotives or Star Wars, all the same.
So if you enjoy something, good! All the better to have anything that gets you involved. Go Sports Team!!! But when you have that moment where the line is crossed between fandom and obsession? I hope you can step back and enjoy what it is really all about.
Sharing any experience makes it all the more enjoyable because of those you share it with. Be it Disney theme parks, steam locomotives or science fantasy motion pictures.