Big Pops Meets Big Beard (Updated)

I don't have much info about this photo except that it's from 1968 when Ralph visited California with his parents. I guess I can put a call in to the Kid for the info, but I'll just wait for the update. I'm pretty sure this is Hollywood and that is not Gabby Hayes (this gentleman's posture is too good).

But I'll tell you what I THINK Ralph's saying to himself: "35 cents for a half an hour? Forget it. Too much!"

UPDATE: Ralph responds: "That happens to be none other than Wild Bill Tucker, who can make any bird call at will." Of course, the Kid never forgets. Wild Bill Tucker was a real Hollywood character ("unofficial greeter at Grauman's Chinese Theatre"), often seen on the Boulevard. In an article in the Portsmouth Times, August 13, 1964, Wild Bill says, "I can make any sound you name; here's a hurricane." There's not much info about him online. Last reference I can find is in article from '72. He's most likely passed away by now, as he'd be well over 100. He's probably in that great mustache wax factory in the sky!

Leave it to Ralph to get us (well, me) talking about Wild Bill Tucker again!

Raphael Milhous Nixon

Once a Kid returns! Ah, Summer, when a young Italian's heart turns to travel! Here we see a teenage Ralph doing his best Richard Nixon. He's smiling because, on the way out of the plane, he stuffed the pockets full of peanuts. The photo's dated "Aug '67", but that might just be when it was developed -- this was pre-Instagram days, kids.

You might be mumbling to yourself, too embarrassed to ask aloud, "Is he in his pajamas?" I'm not sure. The other options are it's a modified Nehru jacket or he's on his way to a Male Nurse convention.

We here at "Once a Kid" are happy to be back. Whenever Ralph puts the writing of the memoir aside, I suspend the blog. When his devotion wanes, my ennui sets in. But the Kid's been scribbling again, composing pages of quotes from that cast of characters who've colored his life. Keep 'em coming, big fella!

Ethel Mer-mangia!

 

Los Angeles, 1969: The author, on a family vacation, takes a dip in the hotel pool. See the twinkling of the toes and the posing of the fing-airs! One wonders whether the pool was full of guests before the dipping of his pale Bronx tootsies!