Dear Corporation: Pray Thee Leave Me Be

Handsome, resolute.

Most people are anxious to do what is best for themselves and least harmful to others. The average man now has intelligence enough: Utopia is not far off, if the self-appointed folk who rule us, and teach us for a consideration, would only be willing to do unto others as they would be done by, that is to say, mind their own business and cease coveting things that belong to other people.

War among nations and strife among individuals is a result of the covetous spirit to possess.

Which brings to mind the present efforts of the so-called Roycroft Campus Corporation to relocate the statues of myself and Michelangelo to the grounds of my beloved institution. This action is covetous and anti-Utopian.

Here's an unknown fact: The Corporation is preparing to sue for our statues, and they must be stopped. To help do so, read this and act.

Horseless Carriages on Display in EA

Cars uncovered in a capital of Christendom

Off on my morning constitutional this last Sunday, I found myself admiring a wide variety of noisy contraptions converging on Main Street. The street was closed early and candy-colored machines lined up along the curb, axle to axle.

Nigh on a hundred horseless carriages of all shapes, sizes and colors arrived for the 25rd Annual East Aurora Toy Town Car Show. An equal number of owners - also in all shapes, sizes and colors - sat by in folding chairs, quietly basking in the admiration of their vehicles.

I enjoyed my horse and was never a great admirer of the automobile. I would rather have a big burden and a strong back, than a weak back and a caddy to carry life’s luggage. But I never saw such an impressive collection of contraptions when I was alive, and I do not think I shall see one as long as I’m dead.

Walking amongst the strollers sizing up the automobiles reminded me that this entire industry was born in my day. Of course, history is just gossip well told - so I shall tell some.

Real Roycroft at the Elm Street Bakery

(c) East Aurora Advertiser

Lest my haunt of East Aurora turn into a tale of horror, I must make something abundantly clear: I think our village is first rate. Congratulations are due.

I’m sure this achievement is due to one-fourth leadership and three-fourths community action. Where much is expected from an individual, he may rise to the level of events and make the dream come true.

More importantly, there are some fine businesses in the area. I see them as I take my twilight strolls around our sidewalks and byways. Vidlers 5&10, The Globe Hotel, Charlies Diner, the Barbill – the list of vibrant businesses is long and growing longer. I hope to explore these stalwart companies surreptitiously (haunt is such a strong word) and write a few words here on my spirit blog.

As a marketer in my head and an artisan in my heart, it warms me to see a business pursue true craftsmanship and succeed – as our Roycroft once did. Sometimes, you know success by its smell.

The Roycroft, Unkempt

How about a little paint, fellas?

Incensed. That's the only word for what I feel, and how I feel it. If it is true that God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars, my beloved Roycroft campus is destined for Hell.

Now owned by a rich foundation of lawyers, my campus is kept like a summer house, not a colony of art and ideas. You cut the lawn when you get to it; when the eaves are drooping you wait until glorious Spring to do the work.

I took a walk around the grounds and what I found in the superficial made me wonder worriedly about the fundamental.

Here are more photographs. Click them for a closer look.

On the [ahem] Roycroft Campus Corporation

I cannot bear the use of my term "Roycroft" in reference to the bureaucrats pounding nails into the coffin of our movement. It would be one great thing if the coffin was hand tooled of dark woods, carved with careful hands and a kind heart. Instead, it is plastic at best, lined in excrement at worst.

My campus was built for open hearts and open minds, to beget art and wisdom. Art is not a thing; it is a way. The present "owners" of The Roycroft do not follow that way. Indeed, they wouldn't recognize the way if it bumped them in the backside.

Home Again! This time, a Haunting.

I'm back. And I'm not happy.

Once locked in a stateroom of the RMS Lusitania, I found my way out of the sunken vessel with great difficulty. Alas, my beloved Alice did not choose to join me in my travel home to East Aurora. Instead, she chose to ascend to her heavenly rest - a rest she truly deserved after our watery end.

I'm not the least bit interested in Heaven, although I intend to join Alice there when my work is done. Not yet - because I cannot. I must not. And I will not.

Why, you ask? Prithee indulge a restive spirit and I shall explain.