A day late, here is a summary of Harry’s big celebration yesterday, as he became enshrined on the St. Louis Walk of Fame in the Delmar Loop. He is in fascinating company, people with St. Louis roots who have had national impact on cultural heritage.
Harry and Steve grew up in University City (the suburb of St. Louis that contains the Delmar Loop). The Loop, by the way, gets its name from a long gone streetcar turnaround on Delmar. In 2007, Delmar was designated one of the ten great streets in America. Those boys, Harry and Steve, met at the age of 2 and were friends through high school. Steve went on to medical school, becoming Chief of Cardiology at Johns Hopkins, marrying Cary, and living in Baltimore, Maryland. We know what became of Harry.
Steve and Cary came to town to help celebrate Harry’s honor in the boys’ old haunts. Tuesday evening, we had dinner at the downtown Missouri Athletic Club, which has hardly changed since they grew up swimming there. It was a nice, quiet evening with time to catch up. Our paths had last crossed in 2021 in Bethesda, Maryland.
Wednesday morning, we met at The Moonrise Hotel and walked west 2/10 of a mile to the star, located near The Peacock Diner. A crowd gathered, and a ragtime band played. It was the first day of summer, in St. Louis, and hot, but not oppressive. The weather was actually pleasant, and the gathering was festive.
It being a day for Harry, there were, of course, dogs in attendance. I missed a couple (notably Dave’s Derby), but it was a big crowd, and I was not well focused.
Joe Edwards, Master of Ceremonies, the inspiration for the Walk of Fame, and a most remarkable man, introduced Harry.
Harry gave a wonderful, short speech, full of gratitude, humility, and humor. He mentioned that it was a bit like being at his own funeral, seeing the crowd of people representing his many careers gathered there. He thanked many, many people by name, friends all, and closed with (being an English major) a quote from Keats:
“Think where man’s glory most begins and ends And say my glory was I had such friends.”
I took some pictures, as did real photographers. Here are a few of those many friends…
Today, life resumed its normal hectic pace. Vlad arrived to pick up a maquette, delivering beautiful roses and a delicious treat. As always, with Vlad, there was also inspiring conversation and much fun.
This afternoon, Weedy had his recheck appointment for staple removal and was given a clean bill of health and “best patient” award. Six more weeks of monitored exercise until follow up x rays. Weedy was curious to see his surgical radiographs. He was too out of it to appreciate what had been done two weeks ago.
There was media coverage yesterday – here is a piece that aired on Channel 4… https://www.kmov.com/2023/06/21/sculptor-be-added-st-louis-walk-fame/
Be safe, be well, be grateful. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Congratulations to Harry! I wish I could have been there. When I was carriage driving downtown, I parked next to the Old Courthouse and the statue of Dred and Harriet Scott all the time.
Good to hear from you, Margaret. Hope foaling season is going smoothly.
We should have been there if good health would have allowed. We are so proud of Harry who really is very deserving of this honor; of course because he has a remarkable wife who supports him!
Congratulations, Harry!
Thanks, Jan! Many friends from different chapters were there, but the Navy friends are too far flung. One pal, “Boats” Marlow was in the front row. You and Kip are among the many friends he did thank in absentia. A
Thanks, Jan! Many friends from different chapters were there, but the Navy friends are too far flung. One pal, “Boats” Marlow was in the front row. You and Kip are among the many friends he did thank in absentia.
Love this! Wish we could have been there.
Go Weedy Go
Slava Ukraini
Peace
Thanks, Linda!
Congratulations on your Star and a wonderful bronze tribute as well. I hate that Weedy has to miss the great day.
We are so sorry to have missed Harry’s great day of well deserved recognition. We love you both!
John and Karen.
Anne and Harry,
Mazel Tov Harry on being a STAR!!! Sorry I couldn’t make it as I live only 1 mile from the Loop — but was with Drs. Finke/Hunt taking x rays of Mellie’s front hooves. All going well for my Mellie. Steady healing. Fingers and toes crossed! Glad Weedy in solid recovery as well. Love to you both <3.
Thanks, Harriet! Wonderful to get good news on Mellie!
What a wonderful day it must have been. So many smiles. I have only seen photographs of Harry’s work but clearly he has a very special talent. And it was nice that so many four-legged friends were there.
So glad Weedy is doing well.
Holy crap, Harry got Joe Edwards to wear a necktie! A rare emblem in his honor.
Anne, if all the wonderful blogs, the photos and stories you’ve given us, this is the one I will save; a memory of a special moment many of us were priviledged to experience. And, with this blog, so many others have now been able to enjoy. Your great talent, both as a photographer and a writer, is a blessing for all of us!
Fabulous! Clearly we missed the party of the year. Darn! Congratulations Harry!
And Weedy, best patient, best doggie ❤️Thanks for the wonderful photos.