07/30/05 Curtis Cade
Awesome Site!  Really took me back to see the photos from what, 35 years ago? 1010 music, hanging out in your basement, all-nighters in the darkroom doing 1 negative 25 times to get the print just right. You also inspired my photographic eye.  I'm just getting back into it fighting digital vs. film like a madman in a losing battle. The other day I was doing work in PhotoShop and imagined the wash bath running with music like Traffic in the background.

Let Mari know that I was one of the lucky few who got roped into moving that piano up the stairs into the apartment. A few major gashes in the plaster & scraped knuckles. When we were finally near the top & exhausted Oz decided to deliver one of his funniest jokes ever - causing each us to lose all strength from laughing so hard. Fear of being squished like bugs levitated that thing the last few steps because WE certainly didn't do the work, as Oz enjoyed every second of it.  Thanks for reminding me Mari. It was vintage Oz, Apartment stuff.

I have 3 amazing adult children whom I couldn't possibly be prouder of. My daughter stumbled upon your site and posted the shots of me on her blog.  She also had raves about John W's OPM Band site.  Spoke with Lana Gits recently who sends her best to all.  Very sad about
Annette.  I very well could have ended up in her tracks without help.

Best,

Curtis

Janna Cosby Glomb Andrejevech
WOW!!!  What memories!  How complimentary, and I am quite humbled by your tribute.  You and I rocked the corporate world, and it still needs rocking!  Keep writing...you're very good at it!  Your writing has helped inspire me! 

Love to see you soon. Thanks for the memories! 

Love,

Janna

02/28/05 Caleb Church
The Meat Circus

Isn't that a rough translation of carnival? Remind me to look it up sometime. Anyway, I'm not sure what happened; maybe it doesn't matter. Though if it didn't, it would stand alone and completely unique. Lately things seem to be mattering (literally and metaphorically) quite a bit and even a little thing like popping an email off to an old friend seems like a large event with echoes that ripple through eternity.

The waking up process is not without some peril. Awareness, if some day I achieve it, looks like it might be pretty intense and require a spine and then some. So it would seem that some intensive spine-building is in order. I read a thing that said, "Find out that which is the hardest thing in the world for you to do, then do that." Well that is almost exactly what I have done, although not intentionally and, ironically enough, I did it in the pursuit of its opposite.

Lately my acceptance of challenges has been a little less haphazard. I mean, why wait and get caught with my pants down when I can meet it head on and somewhat prepared? If I may quote me: “There is no dignity in getting dragged kicking and screaming into the inevitable.” Probably dignity is over-rated, but you get the idea.

The thing is, for reasons unclear to me, writing this is harder than it probably should be. Most likely, at some point I ran off on some paranoid tangent and made some kind of unilateral decision that seemed emotionally safer than resolution. That's my left-handed apology for cowering in the face of honest feeling, which now that I've said it, seems like a pretty close synopsis to what actually happened.

So I came across your website, which is probably as close to time travel as I've ever experienced. Add a sound track (Rubber Soul, Byrds, Yardbirds, & amp) and a smell (diesel fumes at the train station, or Robin's perfume) and I would probably lose my tenuous anchor in the present altogether. I seem to have a tendency to discorporate at the littlest provocation.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for doing it. Finding it was another "event" in my life. The Scot pictures especially caught him in those quintessential "Scot" moments. I haven't explored all the corners yet, but among all the really great pictures of people, a few I have known forever, some I've never met, I came across a "me" picture.

Reality, as I've said before, is composed of two regions: the "me" part, and the "not me" part. Once dwarfed to insignificance by the "me" part, the "not me" part was relegated primarily to sets and extras in the grand extravaganza of "me". Now, many decades later, I am still the eyes through which I see, but I discover I am only a fraction of the whole. Imagine such a thing.

There is probably some cosmic justice in that picture I'm in, as I don't remember the occasion, and, other than Scot, the other guys look only vaguely familiar, (the "me" period was apparently reigning supreme) and I would swear in a court of law that it is not me. Except for the shirt.

I remember that shirt, and there were not two of those things in existence at the same time else the very fabric of reality might be in jeopardy. So if it's not me, some asshole with a rug or horrendously bad hair stole it from me, proving his grasp of acceptable social facade as questionable as my own. And honestly, that there could be two such clowns floating through this carnival really stretches the limits of credibility.

Okay, so although this letterish thing makes perfect sense to me, at times I've glanced up out of my self-absorption and noticed that people were looking at me and scratching their heads. If it makes no sense to you, waste no worry in my direction; for the most part, I have the people in my neck of the woods convinced I'm normal, and, in fact, a functional adult.

As I said to you years ago, this costume is getting pretty damn uncomfortable and it needs constant care and cleaning. Even so, the damn thing is showing some wear and has a tendency to smell bad and leak all manner of strange effluvia. And getting it off is no picnic either. It's not like there's a zipper or anything as straightforward as that. And I don't recall asking for this character either. He seems pretty unsympathetic and more than a little thick. Oh well, anything for a part in the play, I suppose. No doubt watching from the sidelines won't be anywhere near as cool.

No reply is required; social protocol is suspended. You should do exactly what you want in this instance (though that can be a dangerous life philosophy; take my word on that).

Love always (in a manly, back-slapping kind of way, of course),

Caleb

My Reply: Take my pen... my typewriter... my keyboard... I'll stick to photography. You do the writing.

Perhaps it's because we were friends in the formative years and I've had a nugget of your virtual DNA in me all these years that make your words come so alive when I read them... regardless, I suspect anyone reading even the email you just sent me would be thrilled to know someone out there is having as much fun with the English language as you are.

I'm glad you found my web site... years in the making... still adding to it when I can. It's fun to go thru my old negatives and slides and see what's there. I'll have to dig deeper and see what other pictures I can find that you would like to see.

You made my day Caleb. Hope to hear from you again soon.

Love Always,

John
P.S. You really blow me away Caleb. Extremely wonderful writing!

Cynthia Perina Curry
Dear John, 

Thank you for saving these pictures of me from so very long ago and for including me in your photo library. The pictures you have created over the years are wonderful, I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed looking at them and the memories they brought forth.  I mentioned to my daughters on more than one occasion, that when growing up I always wanted to look like Annette DuCoeur.  Now they get a chance to see her!  The photos of your children are beautiful, I especially like the one of you with them on the lawn.  It was nice to see a picture of Charlie Neiman, I think of him often.  Thank you for the ride down memory lane.

Till then my love to you and yours, and a special hello to Lois from me. 

Cynthia Curry

01/06/05 Dan Duffy regarding photographs of Vernon Hansen
John,

We have never met but I grew up at 428 N. Lincoln. Vernon would stop by the house all the time and talk to me and my Mom. He was a gentle giant of a man, but I'm afraid that someone like Vernon wouldn't be tolerated in this day and age.  You are also right to say that you are a better person for knowing him.  I know that I am.  When I grew older, my Mom would send me to the Hansen house to do chores for Mrs. Hansen, Vernon's mom.  That poor woman was a
saint for what she did for Vernon.  I find it remarkable that you have created this site.  My sister Katie Duffy, found it on the web, how I can't imagine.

Best regards

Dan Duffy

07/15/04 Judy Gale
Hi,

Received your post..............good to hear from you.  We often have thought of you and wondered how/what you are doing.  And, BAM, here you be. Good to hear about the boys being with you!!!  Love your website.............makes me believe in evolution!!!  Well, transformation, for sure.

Be blessed,

Judy

Bill Garvy
John, 

I am grateful you called me, and that we had a chance to talk.  In reviewing your site I had many of the old tunes playing through my music program.  It was like stepping into a time machine, the flood of memory, the sights, the smells, and most of all the camaraderie.  It is one of the few times in my life I felt a genuine connectedness to and warmth with others. 

What you have here is so much of the fabric of all our lives.  It is what holds us together,  and as I said in our phone conversation, enables us to simply pick up where we left off in a timeless sort of way.  It always seems to come back to the music, doesn't it?

I first read your story of the apartment, and was magically transported back to that time.  I even managed to get into a couple of your wonderful photographs.  It reminded me of a time when Russell was living in that little two room house off the alley behind Hartley's cycle shop.  He was living there with Becky Schmidt.  It was a snowy Christmas time.  Russell and Becky had a huge Christmas tree in that small two room house, complete with icicle "numbers", Russell's word for joints.  Chris Rhodes spent some time over at their cozy home one evening, singing his songs, in much the same way you described in your story.  This truly was a magical and wondrous time, was it not? 

Reading the story of the 1010 B.A.G., I was surprised to hear your recounting of my joining the circle of friends.  You writing was most compelling, and brought a tear to my eye.  You were absolutely right about wanting to fit in, and as I said above, from that night on my life was indeed changed.  Perhaps it was the "Meshmekhan", but I think not.   

Growing up as an adopted child I, and other adoptees too I have learned, struggle with the challenge of fit.  We are the ones most comfortable peering in at the party through the window.  In fact, it is a characteristic I struggle with still. 

One day I must tell you of my reunion with my birth-mother.  Now I have two mothers, a birth-mother and an adoptive mother.  Most people only have one mother, so God must think I am pretty special to give me two.  

I love you, John, and thank you, more than my meager words can say. 

Sincerely,

Bill

06/05/04
John,

Mari Johnson
Hi John,

What a heartwarming reply! It brought tears to my eyes. I'm glad to hear you guys are all in contact with each other.  I'm terribly sorry to hear about Russ. He was such a gentle and loving person. Quiet, wise, warm, with such an interest in the world.  I can see his wonderful bemused smile as I write this.   

I remember you all talking about Ten Ten Balloon Activities. What happened to Chris Rhodes? I met him once or twice. I had no idea Russ hadn't been playing guitar for many years when I met him. Do you recall the piano we had in the apartment? I think it cost $100, if that. It was crazy getting it up those stairs. Were you one of the guys hauling it up? I do remember watching you play it.  I'm glad Oz is still playing. He must be awesome!  I recall the name Joe Kelly, but I'm not so sure I ever met him. 

I loved the photos!!  When I opened the first one, which I did before reading your letter, I knew you were a photographer.  Really nice shots. Cameron and Justin look adorable.  You all must love each other very much.  I can see it in their eyes.  I loved your comment about them being 90% Taco Bell. You look great, John. You must not be eating Taco Bell with your boys...

What happened to Becky? And how about Bill Orcutt?  He managed the ice cream shop where we had the ice cream fight (do you recall that? It was a hoot!).   Say "hi" to everybody and give them my love.

I too have sad news. It's why I've been slow to respond, because it's difficult to write the words. Vicki passed away about a year and a half ago.  It was from some sort of undetected heart condition. She was 51.  I'm kicking myself for this…   I lost touch with Vicki in the late 80s.  She lived in Virginia and was married with two kids, a boy and a girl.  

I learned of her death in a most unusual way.  I don't know if you recall, but Vicki had a baby, a daughter, with Drew Robinson.  She put the baby up for adoption.  As an adult, the daughter, Amy, went on a quest to find her birthparents. Sadly, by the time she tracked Vicki down it was several months after Vicki had passed away.  Then somehow through the internet Amy found me.  She had Drew's name and address, so I assume she contacted him.   

Although I'm in transition right now, my life is going well. I have a home in Marin, just north of San Francisco.  I'm divorced, no kids. I've had a rather long career in advertising but am now changing into real estate.  Though not a dot comer myself, advertising has taken a huge hit here in the Bay Area, and the company where I worked let go of 20% of it's workforce in late July, moi included.

I had lived in San Francisco for nearly 20 years prior to moving here last fall. I also lived in Tahoe for about 8 years when I was married (I married my ski instructor...someone has to maintain the myth).  Some of the things I've dabbled in over the past 30 years include skiing, designing and building a house in Tahoe, windsurfing, scuba diving, lots of travel, restoring a bathtub Porsche (tell Bill Garvey, yes, that was my ad), owning an antique business, and raising and showing rabbits (yes, rabbits).

Now I'm trying to restore this house, but after losing my job, I'm afraid my restoration budget is about to go for basic living while I learn a new career. Oh well, it just makes life interesting...it puts me on my toes.   

It's so good to be in contact with you!!! 

Love and a very long hug,

Mari

Peter Johnson 06/27/05
Hi John,

I've really enjoyed perusing your current version of the website. I'd checked it out occasionally in the past, but the current incarnation is truly moving.  I was pleased to see a note from Joe on your website and would love to know how to contact him.  I too, live in Marin County (like Mari), but I've kind of lost touch with Al, Cathy & John W. down on the Peninsula. I speak to Curtis in Florida occasionally, but probably not as often as I should. I don't know if you're
aware of all that's befallen him and if not, I'd be happy to fill you in.

Anyway John, keep up the good work!

Peter

Kim Knickerbocker Hora Powers
“Let me take your picture”
Hi John,

My family and I enjoyed the walk down memory-lane.  My son said I should ask you for higher resolution files so we can print a few pictures of our own.   Just showed your site to my mom. She thinks it would make a great movie.

Blessings! Kim

Mike Leary
Hi John, 

Hey, Man, "Roadkill" is quite a piece of work. It is rare that something so short can have a surprise ending...but I really was shocked. I can't say that I "enjoyed" it because it deals with such a sad event...but that was a great piece. I had the privilege of viewing your photos...wow...I can't believe your early work.  What were you shooting through?  Are those pre-Columbia shots or during? I really love your eye for portraiture...how did you get those people to sit for you? Do you teach classes anywhere? I would take one!

M. Leary
Bindery Supervisor
Rolfing Memorial Library 

Mike Meador 11/25/05
Hi John,

An old friend of my dad, Stan, found your site and passed it on to my step mom Emily.  I was 5 years behind you guys at H.T. but none the less helped Steve carry the chopped Lowery organ for some Imperials or/and Viscounts gigs back when we were at the 9th St. house.  The Lowery is in Downers Grove and at last word, still kicking.  I ran into Fezz and Mary Jane on the 4th of July at Billy Ware's.  By the way, is that a picture of Randy P. (Jotto) playing the keys in one of the black and whites?  Also, James Meador, (Steve and Sue Ruff) was married recently and I got a chance to see his uncle Jim Ruff.  Jim was playing mandolin for the
processional.  I believe James is the bassist for the band First Name Basis and has a CD out.
My uncle, Brad Wanzer, passed away recently but I still remember stories of his playing drums in Joe's garage in the way early stages of the Shadows of Night.  Great web site, lots of memories.  Stan passed 5 years ago and Mernie about 10.  I'm in Downers, Mary Ann in
Columbia, Mo., Susie is in Elgin, and Steve in Batavia.

Steve: smeador6750@sbcglobal.net  I gave Steve your web site today.

Randy Poinyatowski (spelling) played keys with Steve, Jeff Peterson, etc.  at the old dairy house by the Ice Man at 61st and Garfield in the "Jotto" band...your "Black and White Photography Portfolio", second to last pic.  John Trilla?, I used to hang out with him and Billy Evans' (Sax HT '78 or '79) little sister Carrie (SP?) Wally brought him up to the High Notes as an 8th grader.

Jimmy Pilster is playing Tuesdays with Peggy Ford (singer, HT) and the lead guitar/etc Jay at a local joint. The Hook sold me my first house.  I think he is still in west Downers Grove.  Billy Ware sang at my wedding.  I'll get it to you with Ann's address or something,

Mike Meador, HT '74
P.S. I picked up the door off of a Meissner blueprint.  Ann Deeley showed up at one of my jobs last year.  GO Wally.  And the first backwards name I ever heard was tocS nosniboR

Lois Hora McDonald
Thanks for the photos.  I'm shocked when I see pictures of myself back in the day looking too cute!  At the time I thought very differently of myself, what a shame.  I wish I knew then what I know now!  I think I'll embroider that on a sampler... 

I am now in day 8 of the flu, this is terrible, but I must say... after looking at your online photo gallery for 30 minutes my nose finally stopped running!  I never realized my big brother's photography had healing properties! 

Great to see some of those images again, I am glad you found a way to share them with the world.

Love,

Loie

07/26/04: Roger McGuinn (Founding member of "The Byrds")
Thanks for the pictures John!  It was nice seeing them.  Glad you came to the Lord!  That's the best part of your email. 

God bless!

Roger

Michael Meissner
John, I visit your site from time to time. The pictures of Jeanne Gunning sure reopen my heart.  Is she well and do you keep in touch with her? 

There is a real and loving God, we are not forgotten nor are we anywhere BUT where we are best meant and need to be.  I love you too, we are not fools for loving the Lord the way we do. We are here to witness the grace he pours on us all!  

Michael

Matt Morrison
Hi John,

It was wonderful to read your email last week and to look at the photographs, both old and new.  It was especially touching to see the pictures of Russ and, of course, Jeanne.  I first got close to Russ when I was in the 7'th grade.  He was a really nice guy and, as I recall, had a pretty tough time of it back then, having lost his mom.  I was so sorry to hear that he had passed away.  Seeing Jeanne again brought back so many memories.  She was such a beautiful girl and beautiful spirit!  I remember always feeling that she was WAY out of my league.  So nice to hear that you have kept up with her all these years. 

It has been great to re-establish contact with you, John.  I appreciate your call and email.  I hope that we will have that opportunity to make music again.  It was certainly a wonderful time in old, idyllic Hinsdale. 

Thank you for sharing your life with me through these emails.  What a fantastic picture of you, your kids and Joe Kelly.  It's so strange, the things we remember.  I remember Joe and his band, The Vectors, playing at the old Hinsdale Youth Center.  

I remember Joe singing Little Richard's Lucille and playing his Fender Jazzmaster. I think his amp was a Fender Band Master. He was unbelievable to me. These guys were a "real" band! I remember that the rhythm player played a semi-hollow body Martin that he played through a Fender Concert amp. The bass player played a Gibson Thunderbird bass and had the Gibson amp to match.  I remember the drummer as an exceptional singer.  Funny that I don't remember their names, but faces and gear.  I had their 45 rpm record of "What in the World" on the A side and Dylan's "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" on the B side.  I wore that sucker out!   

So great to hear that Joe and Oz are still well and playing music.  I would love to get together with you and your kids, Oz and Joe, and sincerely hope that we can work it out soon.  In the meantime, I send you my love. Please say hello to Oz and Joe for me, OK.  I hope to hear from you again soon. 

Peace, 

Take care. I hope to hear from you soon...

 Matt

Jim Newbarry  (Head of the Photography Department at Columbia College while I was a student there)
Dear John,

My son forwarded your message to me and I followed it to your website!  Congratulations on many fine photographs and some first-class writing!  By coincidence I am teaching (part-time) at a college a few miles away from the university at which Kenda North teaches--though we never see each other. 

Keep me posted on your career developments!  Also, I think your photo of me is about the best-looking one ever!  Keep in touch! 

All best wishes!!!!

Jim Newberry

Kenda North
John,

The photos are...  well, awesome and strange to look at.  It appears to be more photos of you looking at me (and Deborah) than my looking, but then I'm looking back at you, etc. etc.  Very strange to be looking at a photo of me at about the same age that Cody is...

Thanks so much for sending out a hug,

Kenda

02/01/05 Bill Ostrum

Hello,

My name is Bill Ostrum.  George "OZ" Ostrum and Bill Ostrum are my uncles.

Karl Ostrum is my dad.  I was messing around the other day on the internet,

and decided to google myself to see what happened.  As I scrolled through, I

saw something about Bill Ostrum and an enema, and of course, I had to see

what that was all about.  As I took a stroll through your website, I have

had a chance to see my uncles in their youth as young men, musicians and

friends.  I even remember Russ Fields pretty well and having been introduced

to him when I was much younger.  I was sad to hear of his passing a few

years back.  He was an incredibly nice person.  My uncle Bill is now living

in Wisconsin in an apartment not too far from where my mother and father

live.  They are all in Montello, Wisconsin.  Thinking back, I remember

getting a few phone calls from people looking for my uncle Bill and my uncle

George, and in their search, they came across my number in the phone book.

My wife Jennifer and I are living in Downers Grove in my wife’s grandfathers

old house.  Can you tell that we have a thing for family history?  I love to

see old photos of Hinsdale and my family and their friends.  It was a real

shock to see my grandmother Jane on the front steps of her house on Lincoln

street in Hinsdale.  She looked so young!  Cigarette in hand, of course.

Well, I have rambled enough, but congratulations on the website.  Very well

done.  If there are any more photos of Bill or George or even my dad, feel

free to send them my way.  I love the history.

Bill Ostrum

George "Oz" Ostrum
Hey John What DIDN`T you cover?  Those pics are so cool!  Any shot that transports you to a time of relative innocence and child-like awe is worth a look and a reflection.  I went over to the site and checked Vernon out.  Priceless.  And you’re right to think that we would’ve accepted him right into the circle.  No problem.  You know, there were many examples of that warmth that come to mind. Take Peter King. Super-intellectual nerd type guy with dislocated elbows who looked like a praying mantis.  Now, don't get me wrong, he was cool and everything and would’ve had a good enough time in life.  But when he found that there was a fun-loving bunch of folks, who were SMART, and could keep up with him with certain cerebral matters, that held no pre-conceived notions about him, he was in. He was full of joy. It was nice  

Nice writing John  How about Pricilla Wylie, the preacher’s daughter, who loved the apt.  We were indignant when the preacher came up to "rescue" her.  Or Meissner always creating the illusion that he "floated" up and down the stairs… or Mari Johnson making a delicious reefer stuffing for the Thanksgiving bird.   

Once in a while I’d park in Richie Hope's spot.......and, like the 2 stooges, we’d run around the kitchen table.....................but he never caught me.  We covered all that cracked plaster with burlap..........Russ and I painted the porch "truck and tractor" orange.  We built huge snow pillars all around the door on the street level one Winter.  Back to back upright pianos.  Esmerelda joints (the long ones) hanging from the branches of our Xmas tree.  If Ginger Matthews knew what I felt.........she either never would’ve come there again, or never left.  

The highly mysterious spiritual front man for the band "Nova Express" who haunted the place from time to time.  I tried my best to crack him up.... but he was just too damn serious.  Garvey stopping by with some sort of treat.  Karl and Lynn had just been married and Karl needed a place to put his aquariums........so we had fish for a while.  I seem to remember Elton John’s Tumbleweed Connection album getting played a lot................and Stephen Stills Love the One You’re With................along with all the rest.   

If pressed, I believe I can re-create a little more.  And you’re right.  It was absolutely special.  Innocent, stream-of-consciousness living.  The shame of it is.........Those conditions can’t be duplicated.  The wonder of it is...............we were there.      

Man,  I feel mixed emotions upon seeing your site.  I’m not deserving of such a thing.  BUT, as I believe Hollywood types would say................."It’s about time an adequate tribute was finally introduced to the world-wide web".  All kidding aside, John, it’s probably going to turn out to be the nicest thing to happen to me this holiday season.   

Chuck and Liz were beside themselves.  I told them pictures were on the way and felt so good when they arrived.  Those shots are now archived in the Thayer/Ostrum treasure chest and may even be framed by now. Thanks so much.  

It’s funny,  right now I marvel at how little I know................I create stuff like drawings and music...............and I try to get the people I run into to laugh, and feel that I care a little bit.    How is that different from 35 yrs. ago?   It’s really not.    

Thanks again John 

Yours Oz

Hi John,

 It is my personal belief that you're a genius. You have an uncanny ability to convey cosmic, metaphysical, perceptions through the spoken and written word.  I wrote a pamphlet called "Why I Believe in God" and, along with my book on wrecking buildings, put it up for sale at a weird bookstore on North Ave. in the city. You called attention to the fact that your belief system was in a constant state of flux. (or at least ever-evolving) and so it is with me. That pamphlet is a year old and I can think of 30 things I could add. The paradox is that it's all a matter of faith... using the standard form of a hypothesis.  If...  then... 

The more I delve into the mystery of God's creation the more a simple grass-hopper staggers my feeble mind.  I've contemplated light and darkness, Karma, Good and Evil.  To Be honest, I'm still seeking affirmation of the sophomoric beliefs I've based my faith on.  The thing that makes me wonder the most is why, if one truly believes in God, is there not raucous giddy celebrating going on in the streets. Gay laughter, hugs, peace, world-wide understanding, Love.  Wouldn't you think that the knowledge of a loving God who wants you to be happy would be the be-all - end-all?

I confess to being just as amazed at the camouflage of God.  I think you're a spiritual leader of a sort and that your writings should be made available somehow.  Remembering the persecution of Jesus, I hesitated to put any of my thoughts out there.  I did it anyway...  and I thought to myself that God liked it, even if it was the rambling of a complete idiot.

When you cleared away all the speculation...  I publicly declared that I believe.  You know I take great comfort in the knowledge that one of my dearest friends loves God.  I lean on your strength.

If I'm a soldier in His army...  I'm still peeling potatoes.  Let's talk some more.

Captain. Oz

08/19/05 Russ Peters (Mobile Print - Art of Barter Trading Partner since 1993)
Hi John,

By the way, I was looking on your personal website & noticed that you're friends with Steve Arvey. I know Steve through Kraig Kenning (who I see in your pics). I do a lot of printing for Kraig (Posters, schedules, CD covers, etc.) and we barter the work directly by having him play at our open house (October 6th, 5 to 8 pm - feel free to stop by!).  Also, if you're into the blues scene you may have seen or met a guitarist who goes by the name of Illinois Slim. He used to play at SmokeDaddys a lot. He works here as my letterpress manager.  It's always interesting the way people are connected...

Russ Peters

Ann Thayer (George and Bill Ostrum's Sister)
Hi, George,

Al Penny
Whoa! You're latest website is creating out of body experiences!  Very cool John and I've only touched the surface.  Who would have thought that all the chronicling you did back in the 60's would find it's way to an international communications network!

Too much ....too too much.....memory overload.  Is it yesterday?? Can we return to those thrillllllling days of yesteryear!!!??  SIGH....................................sob

What a trip amigo!  You have joyfully thrown past memories out like a Kiwanas float at a Hinsdale 4th of July parade throws candy out to the crowd.  Aaaah yes I remember the taste of of it all...each moment sweeter than the next!  Obla Di Obla Da...."let me take your picture"

Man you're a fricken Macy's parade!  Your shot of me, Russ in the union coat and Judy ......has brought tears.  I gotta focus......  Wow!..... I just don't know what to say right now....wow!  In the past couple of weeks, I have heard from Matt Morrison, Marty Mueller, and Mame Shipman , Larry's mom. Now these photos.......and happier images of Russ.

Thanks so much John.  Hope all is well with you and the family and that you had a jubilant holiday!

Much Love,

Allen

Janet Peters (Joe Mantengna's sister-in-law)
Hey man, you are awesome!!!!!  I love your work... I read the one about divorce, city nights.. (got to me) John,  you have a talent for writing and it shows in your passion!  Might I say that not only did that story keep me reading but your last paragraph gave me tingles......   How so wonderful to have experienced that...  You Know John?  In life...I believe... It’s never too late to do anything.

Your Friend, 

Janet
PS. Not only are you a talented man but a man with a gift.  

01/13/05 Joe Poshka
John,

Very nice work!  And overwhelming.  Congrats on the 2 wonderful sons!  What a Life!  I did not know about Russ Fields, so that impact has me saddened.  Somewhere I have good Kodachrome slides of him and Oz when they visited Arizona - I'll find them and get them to Oz.  This summer I moved from AZ to Quincy, IL, and am still unpacking stuff.  It may take awhile.

All my best to everyone, and thanks again.

Peace,

Joe Pashka -
aka Poshka

Chris Rhodes
Hey John, 

I've covered every inch of the website and it's all very interesting. I didn't realize you were such a good writer...all your stuff has your personality revealing itself.  It was a real trip down memory lane!...made me sad to see pics of Russ Fields, but happy to see many of the others...   The Apartment section was quite good and I always wondered how or why the Hinsdale PD didn't bust you guys for all the substances that were imbibed there! 

I can't tell you how much my mind was blown when I got to the 1010 pages.  The evolution of 1010 after I had left was cool to learn about...I never realized the extent to your dedication to "make it".  I would love to have any recording of "Sea and Sky" that might have survived or any other originals for hat matter.   

Your photos are (as always) superb and thank you for the kind words about me in your copy.  If only they were all true!  You captured a slice of my history (and others) that I thought slipped through the old cracks. 

You obviously were not letting your meat loaf putting this all together.  I hope that you can reach everybody that this epic saga includes.  Thanks for one of the best Xmas presents I've ever gotten.  All I can say is WOW. 

I might be able to add to the Billy Shaw story because I saw him at some of my gigs in So Ca. He and his wife had moved to Orange Co. and I visited there.  I think he was working music retailing and not actively pursuing music.  I, too, eventually lost touch...  man, he was definitely a cool dude, not from this planet and musical genius!

As they say up in here in the NC hills..."you done good, John-boy!" 

My oldest brother, David lives a half a mile from us up here in The Blue Ridge. He is a instrument builder and repairman who also records lute music. Check out his website www.rhodesviolins.com

Also, big thanks for including my website in your links dept.  Check out soundbites of my latest CD, "Raggedy Man" at www.chrisrhodesmusic.com

Merry Krimble (as Al used to say) 

Chris Rhodes
Hey John,

Thanks for the CD. You must have worked hard piecing it together.  It has just about everything I remember us doing in those days.  Also some stuff that I wasn't on but fun to listen to nonetheless.  I'm a little surprised because I thought you said that very few recordings survived.  I guess they were on old reel to reel or cassette copies.

It's definitely going into my archives and interesting to hear after all this time...my impressions are this is a bunch of high school buddies trying to create a repertoire (and a few originals) of tasteful covers from the era, but not quite having the chops to really pull them off!  At least we aspired...

Once again, thanks for copies of Sea & Sky, Mtn. Top, Mulberry, Let Me Take Your Picture (title?) Nice knowing they hadn't disappeared completely in the sands of time.

Chris
PS: I showed Sandie the pic of me and Nancy...not to worry, after 26 years we have no secrets anymore. Her comment was..."I used to look like that!" LOL

David Robinson
Thank You John I have not been able to get any of these pictures out of my mind since the first time I saw your web site the memories have been flowing non stop. The dog was Lady the smartest dog I ever had.   Your web site brings back a lot of memories but I guess that’s what it supposed to do and we all sure have gone through a lot of changes over the years.  I haven't seen you since my father’s funeral how have you been?

Dave Robinson

12/17/05 Jennifer Robinson (David Robinson's Daughter)
Dear John,

I have visited your site countless times in the short period I have known about it.  I don't think I will ever be able to find the exact words that would explain how much this site has helped me, but of course I will try. 

I look up to my uncle Scot so much, he inspires me in so many ways and I love him dearly. For one reason or another I have missed out on a lot of time with him.  This site has been a ticket to my uncle's life and my family in general.  Before this, I don't think I have ever seen a picture of my dad's mother.  That side of my family has always been such a mystery to me.

In addition to the photographs I was for the first time introduced to the 1010's music.  It was a mind blowing experience.  I cant get over the things you and the band accomplished and it really puts in to perspective what I as a person can achieve. 

Being a musician myself I always looked at it as more of a private hobby.  After seeing what Scot and you were able to do I have given the idea of being more then just a amateur pianist a chance.  Not saying I want to make it a career out of it, but maybe putting my music out there more then I have already.

Your stories and compilations of pictures have really helped me get through a part of the year that's tough for me.  I have been able to visit family members that I seldom get to see or have never been gifted with that chance of meeting.  And I was able to read stories of things you and my uncle have experienced.  I am extremely thankful for all that this site has to offer.

Your talents are amazing and exceed most.  Your life is truly one to envy and I am so thankful to be somehow connected.  Please keep updating if you get the chance.

Thank you so much,
Jennifer Robinson

12/22/05 Jennifer Robinson
Dear John,

"Get Back" only further backs up my previous comment. You are truly a genius.  More so than I anticipated.   I would like to say before anything, that having the gift to express your self the way you do (through writing, song and photography) is a talent to treasure.  I know many people built up with so many thoughts but unfortunately have no release or have yet to find one.

To get back to well "Get Back"...  I have to say I read this over and over, only because the first time I read it I was blindsided by the true genius in the theory.

To be honest, I never really based my life off of whether God existed or not.  If in fact I were to believe in God, I might have even held somewhat of a grudge towards him.  Music on the other hand has been my life for as long as I can remember.  I constantly am listening to something. I wake up with a song in my head and usually listen to music until I fall asleep which I tend to do humming something. I say all this to prove to you that before reading "Get Back", I never connected the two.

I can't say what you wrote has fully sunk in. because, for me, that's two huge concepts uniting.  I can say that it has made me think about some things I have chosen to forget might have ever existed.  I will try and get back to you when I know exactly how I feel about what you have written.  I just wanted to let you know I have read it and it is in my thoughts.

Jennifer Robinson

Peter Robinson
John, 

Occasionally I go to your site to find tidbits from the past, and boy, you never ever disappoint! Talk about a memory train!  I love the Scot Robinson gallery, and the Old Hinsdale, Apartment, and assorted others.  Your Blogs are most moving, and delightful too. The pictures of your boys, and the pictures Vernon Hansen are the most compelling.  

Your boys are so beautiful.  You are most fortunate.  Vernon was always one of my favorite people in Hinsdale.  Buddy Reineke (sp) was another.  Hinsdale once had so much charm.  Ben Franklin's, the soda fountain at Walgreen's, the bakery, Rexall Drugs, etc.  Now I guess there is no room for people like Vernon and Buddy, what a shame. 

I will never forget your Porsche with the bullet hole decals.  Oh, the past.  It brings you back to the good, and lets the bad go so quietly. 

Thank you so much John.  You are really something.  You have filled a void in my heart that was deeper than I thought.

Love

Peter Robinson

Scot Robinson
What an amazing, incredible, astounding, mind blowing compendium of long lost memories!!!!  I forwarded it to Matt and Lisa and I will to Peter, David  Annie and Sue.  Thanks for the extreme time warp.  I have tears streaming down my face.  You even have a photo of Ginny. I can't believe we were that young and that we got so old in such a short time!  

Such memories! I've spent an inordinate amount of time trying to remember people, places and things. You've brought them all to life by standing behind the lens at seemingly every pivotal moment of our lives. God bless you!  What a wonderful gift! 

I can't tell you what those photos mean to me.  Somehow all the photos I had of my Dad, except for one and now the two you have sent me, are gone. 

How the hell did you get the shots in school?  Amazing!  The Chad & Jeremy stuff and the Donovan shots are beyond belief.  Great stuff.  Thanks for all you have always done.  A lifetime of friendship and perfectly preserved memories. 

Thanks for the mind-blowing pics!

Love,

Scot

10/05/05 Rori Scheffler (AOB Trading Partner)
Hi John,
I just had a couple minutes to finally look at your home page....it's magnificent!  It was all I could do to pull myself away because I wanted to sit here all afternoon and look at more of your "goodies".  What a rich life you have!  I'm so happy to have been introduced....looking forward to wonderful times with all of you!
Sending love,
Rori

Jacky Smith - Official International Queen Fan Club
Wow - these are great photos! I have sent your website address to Richard Gray, who is the Queen photographic archivist, I think he might be interested!  If I want to use any of them in the fan club magazine can I do so?  Some of these are stunning!!  Can I have lots?!!!  That would be great!

Love

XOXO

Jacky Smith
Official International Queen Fan Club