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Foxy's Unforgettable Characters - Part Two
In this series of blogs I am recalling people from my life in Plattsburgh who I will never forget. They are people one might call "quite a character," from my viewpoint on the sidelines. In Part One I selected Joe "The Old Soldier" Bornstein, Michael Finnegan and Gary "The Upstate New Yorker" Finney.
#4 - BOBBY HALL - Some people might be surprised at my selection here. I've known Bobby Hall a long time and there's one thing about Bobby that has never changed: he tells it like it is. Don't expect Bobby to sugarcoat anything. If he likes it, he'll tell you. If he doesn't like it, he'll tell you. But he won't pretend to like it! He was involved in Plattsburgh politics through the years, won some elections and lost some, but I wouldn't call him a politician. He will fight to the last for the "little guy," and with me being just 5 feet, six inches tall, I'd call myself "a little guy." Even though he's a New York Yankees fan, I've always liked Bobby Hall for the way he stands up for what he believes in. He doesn't cave in to "pressures from above," if you know what I mean. He can give and take jokes with the best of them and, these days, he makes a great hot pepper steak (see blog "The Hot Pepper Steak" - February 20). Bobby Hall is "quite a character" in my book.
#5 - GORDIE LITTLE - I think Gordie is "quite a character" because he's one of those guys who everybody knows. From his radio days in Plattsburgh to his television days with Calvin Castine, Gordie has spoken to more people than Santa Claus. And, to a person, they will tell you how much they love Gordie Little. It's ironic that in his radio days he added the nickname "Who's He?" to his name. There is no one who doesn't know who Gordie is. Gordie is well-traveled, well-versed and has an unfailing memory for places he's been and people he's met. He writes a column in the Sunday edition of the Press-Republican, reflecting upon days gone by and imagining days ahead. He's the kind of guy everyone feels they can walk up to and say hello. When pages are written about North Country personalities in this lifetime, Gordie Little will have to be included.
#6 - DAVE MAYETTE - Now here's a guy who even looks the part of a Plattsburgh character. With that long beard nestled on his chest, he has become one of the North Country's most colorful and finest baseball umpires. Years ago, Dave was the home plate umpire at a high school baseball game. Dave had to handle a "disagreement" between the two opposing coaches. It wasn't easy! The confrontation between coaches could have turned ugly, but Dave gave it one of his "Boys, boys, boys, take it easy!" speeches and calm was restored. And they could never have a St. Patrick's Day celebration in "the 'Burgh" without Dave's presence. There is no one in the county who better fits the role of the lucky leprachaun. When it comes to memorable characters in Plattsburgh, Dave Mayette makes my list!
Tomorrow's blog: a continuation of "Foxy's Ten Most Unforgettable Characters"
Comments
Foxy,
You mention that everybody knows Gordie Little. I can't argue with that. I just came from a graduation of Marine Second Lieutenants at The Basic School in Quantico. Gov Pataki was there as his son just graduated. I introduced myself as being a friend of Gordie Little's in Plattsburgh and he broke out in a big smile and talked about Gordie and Platsburgh and how great the North Country is. I concur with all those assessments. Keep up the great work on the blog. Semper Fi! Jack
Posted by: Jack Glasgow | June 8, 2006 11:11 AM
I'm honored. You're on MY top 10 list, too!!!
Keep up the good word, Foxy.
Gordie
Posted by: Gordie Little | June 7, 2006 4:31 PM
Stan the Man for a time was the mascot of the Schaefer basketball team which was sponsered by Jack Helmer, then owner of the Schaefer Distributing Co. Stan had his own uniform and would take a prelimanary jump ball before the games. He often traveled with the club to away games and was always a hit. Many stories abound of some of the events of his life.
Posted by: The Old Timer | June 6, 2006 4:15 PM
Stan the Man was Stanley Woodward. A stalwart in the City Hall Place area during the 50's and 60's. A nice man with a good sense of humor.
Posted by: Mike Mannix | June 6, 2006 1:07 PM
Yes, Foxy, definitely batting 1000%! You know? The more I've thought about this there are so many. For instance if this was my blog, You would certainly make this list. LOL Also, speaking of Bobby Hall, in 1977 I had broken my drum stool. We were playing at Big Brother he walked to the bar and cut the legs down on a bar stool for me to use. I still use it to this day...I called him a while back and he still remembers that!!!
Posted by: Randy Vaughn | June 6, 2006 7:11 AM
That's a heck of a list so far Foxy! Darn fine job! can't wait to see your next selections!!! Kinda makes it hard for the rest of us to top.
Someone has already mentioned "Pickles" Proctor..I like to throw a few more out there...Jack "shafty" Kline,
"woody" Lemieux and little "stan the man" (never did know his last name!!) All 3 were quite the characters!
(Foxy's note: Obviously "The Carver" is a longtime North Country resident -- Pickles is very memorable -- and Jack Kline was the scorekeeper for Little League Baseball when it started. Stan 'the Man' was a fixture on City Hall Place for many years!)
Posted by: the carver | June 5, 2006 1:48 PM
Bobby Hall owes you a free lunch next time. I had never enjoyed the menu items at Bobby's before you mentioned it in the blog. Now we order at least twice a week. I've had the best Philadelphia has to offer and it's no match to Bobby's pepper steak by far the best in the land (the rest of the menu is A1 also)
Posted by: Rick K | June 5, 2006 11:00 AM
Foxy, so far you are batting a 1000%!
Posted by: The Donald | June 5, 2006 10:01 AM