Author Archives: kihm
America Naked
For a while now I’ve been hearing a lot about making America great again, although I would happily settle for America being good again. And America First, that’s part of the plan, too. But this morning, while getting ready for church, I noticed one of my clothing labels, and started looking at the others, checking […]
The Can of Worms
I believe it was the summer of 1968. I was driving over to Rochester, N.Y., to visit a friend. Knowing my fear of the unknown, he agreed to meet me at the Thruway exit so I could follow him to his home. But he wasn’t at the exit, and when I called on the payphone, […]
George Dickel
On my twenty-first birthday, in search of something special, I purchased a “powder horn bottle” of George Dickel Tennessee sour mash whiskey. It was love at first sip and, more than half a century later, this whiskey remains my “desert island” favorite. I kept the bottle as a memento for a few years, but then, […]
Delivery
At times, I am amazed at the dedication and focus of postal workers. I had read that as the Titanic sank, Oscar Scott Woody, the liner’s Chief Postal Clerk, along with clerks John March, William Gwinn, James Williamson and John Smith, tried unto the last to save the mail, rather than themselves. Mi. #909-910, Sc. #B292-293 But only […]
Anthony Trollope
I am reading Masters of the Post: The Authorized History of the Royal Mail, a thumping big tome by Duncan Campbell-Smith, and I came across a passage that reminded me of a particular Waterloo of mine. The author noted that Anthony Trollope, who worked for the General Post Office before gaining fame as a novelist, […]
The Big Snow
In December of 1937, Buffalo, N.Y., had a snow storm documented by Keith Winship and his Brownie camera. The storm, while not the largest ever in Buffalo, did merit a British Pathé newsreel appearance.
My Most Favorite Incense Burner
I was in Syracuse, in my fraternity house at 115 College Place. I’d probably enjoyed a few beers, and was thus feeling unfettered by convention. On the kitchen wall, just to the right of the stove, was an old cast iron fire alarm box, connected to nothing. It had been painted over so many times […]
Monkeys, Cats, Fish
A selection of photos from Keith Winship’s photo album from the 1930s, taken in and around Western New York State. Probably Keith’s father, Clair, with a muskie. Boiling sap for maple syrup. Probably Chestnut Ridge Jean Braun Winship and Eva Winship Seaman Mom on a branch Love the lighting. No idea, but I quite love […]
666: Jared & Me
Before the New York Times or the Washington Post get a hold of this, I want to issue my denials. Yes, I am linked to Jared Kushner through our mutual involvement in 666 Fifth Avenue. Yes, I know Kushner is struggling to obtain cash for his investment at 666 Fifth, for which $1.2 billion in […]
Mom’s Yearbook
My mother, Jean Braun, graduated from Bennett High School in 1932, during the Depression, hence the small, paperback yearbook. She got the Principal’s autograph. She made the Honor Roll 20 times. She was Circulation Manager for the yearbook. That’s her in the front row, third from the right. She got good grades. Bryant & Stratton […]
Faithful Readers 