Column: Hoagy, Oscar and Me: A rainy day in Bloomington

Last Saturday’s rain caused Bonded Oil to cancel their one-year anniversary celebration. Just when it looked like the entire weekend was going to be a washout, my earworm changed its tune.

“The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys” was replaced by “Stardust.” It was an omen with only one possible meaning, a road trip to Bloomington.

So, my wife, Sandy, and I set off to Bloomington, the land of my alma mater. Our first stop was Bonded Oil. We gassed up our foreign car and bought a few essentials for the trip including meat sticks, moon pies, and a couple of bottles of Choc-Ola. With the tank full and our spirits high, we cruised down memory lane to Bloomington by way of Gnaw Bone.

When I graduated from the Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington 43 years ago the law school’s most famous alumnus, Hoagy Carmichael, was still alive. Arriving on campus, we walked past a bronze statue of Hoagy playing his piano.

We were headed to the Lilly Library, a treasure trove where the past whispers through the pages of history. No better place to spend a rainy afternoon. On display were several Academy Awards, including one belonging to Hoagy Carmichael for “In the Cool, Cool, Cool, of the Evening.”

In addition to Hoagy’s Oscar was a trio of golden statuettes won by John Ford, a director responsible for over a hundred movies including “The Grapes of Wrath” and “The Searchers.” Guarding these relics was a gentleman who could’ve been a stand-in for Gus, the elderly fireman, from “Leave It to Beaver” – if Gus had discovered the Fountain of Youth and then lost the map.

When I asked the old-timer if I could snap a photo with Oscar, he offered something better.

“Sonny, you can hold it if you wear these,” he said, handing me gloves that looked like they were lifted from a surgeon’s locker. With the finesse of a cat burglar, I slipped them on and cradled Oscar like a newborn. Sandy captured the Kodak moment. Right on cue, I delivered an acceptance speech that would’ve made Hoagy play “Stardust” on his piano statue – if he weren’t so busy being bronze.

Holding that famous little golden statuette, I thanked Sandy, my fellow members of Team Schwinn, and finally the old-timer museum guard/docent, for making the moment possible. I ended my acceptance speech with the emotional statement made famous by Sally Field, “Right now you like me!”

The crowd, a mix of tourists, and museum employees applauded. Perhaps they were just glad I didn’t break into song.

Leaving the museum it was drizzling rain. We stopped by Hoagy’s statue. I shared my umbrella with him. I was having a special moment. I listened to the faint piano notes of “Stardust” playing in my head. It was a magical afternoon. 

I was jolted back to the present when Sandy yelled, “My ear worm just changed to ‘Hit the Road Jack’, so kiss Hoagy goodbye if you want a ride back to Shelbyville.”

So, here’s to rainy days, unexpected adventures, and the joy of holding a piece of history.

See you all next week, same Schwinn time, same Schwinn channel.

The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed. Get the most recent Shelby County Post headlines delivered to your email by visiting shelbycountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.