20
Rami’s choice for 2218 First Avenue South made sense, since one person in attendance was considered by many as an inventor of a program that could transform previously written off addicts.
The true genius behind the steps-12; traditions-12; concepts-12; was that they spelled out in simple language what was needed for healing. The first talked about the importance of surrender, which was counter-intuitive for a person’s ego. Then next several steps continue with action, with the fifth step having a dialogue with another to go over their ‘character defects. This was paramount, since these defects hid in a cauldron of guilt and shame. Finally came the twelfth step. This one focused on ‘carrying the message to those who suffered’, which was necessary to keep one’s sobriety. It’s been a long-held belief in spiritual circles that only by giving something away can serenity be achieved.
Unlike the Declaration of Independence, no mention of happiness is included in the steps, traditions, or concepts. ‘God grant me the ‘serenity’ to accept the things I cannot change-courage the change the things I can-and the wisdom to know the difference.’ That was the simple, yet profound statement of purpose.
The house was purchased for eighteen thousand dollars in 1942, by Sydney Young, daughter of John Washburn (General Mills), even though offers reached thirty thousand dollars. She apparently thought it was a good cause, so it was sold to the Alano Society. It was a convenient location, since a streetcar ran adjacent to First Avenue, but by 1960, that was gone. The country had moved out to the suburbs, and there was bus service along with automobiles. So, Rami wasn’t too concerned about turnout, since he estimated one hundred-max.
The surprise for all concerned, except Sid, was no one expected a full-length column complete with photos from Bill’s football career at Michigan, with the added feature of having in attendance quarterback Ben Nelson and his son, quarterback Jim Nelson. To make matters undeniably great, Bobby (D) Douglas and Sid himself would be there to sign his new book- ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’, a Chamber of Commerce book about the arrival of a professional baseball team and what it would mean for the area. Shameless, yes. Vintage Sid Hartman. Sid even put a teaser in the story about a new addition to Vern Gagne’s All Star Wrestling line-up, and that would fire up the rassling community-which was substantial in 1960. The redeeming factor with Sid was that he was a booster for the Twin Cities, and even the most hardened cynic would tip their hat in respect. Sid was Minnesota sports. Bud Grant saw him as his best friend when they hung out at the University of Minnesota when Bud played football. There was never a doubt that he pushed the car dealer owners and Max Winter to hire Bud, a winning Gray Cup coach for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, four times.
So, it was lined up to be-no one knew. Sid alluded to an unexpected appearance, and the odds-on favorite was Boots Kilkenny.
Bill Bastian’s memorial was slated for 2, and already the phone at the clubhouse was ringing off the hook. Normally on a Thursday morning, three or maybe five calls were common, but nothing like today.
“We need more chairs, a lot more chairs!” Betty Bowles kept yelling. “Keep them coming!”
There was no way the Pillsbury Mansion (the common moniker) could accommodate the expected crowd size. Since the streetcars quit running in 1954, and the buses didn’t match the rails in moving crowds of people, they were stuck. Sid’s column created a firestorm of interest, and it became a cause celeb.
“We need a tent and speakers. Since everyone cant squeeze into our center, that will have to do,” Bowles concluded.
Then the phone just rang non-stop, so it was evident that this wouldn’t accommodate the event.
“Minneapolis Auditorium. Our only hope!” yelling herself hoarse.
“Too late, they have an event taking up the whole building,” Bob Allison exclaimed.
Should be noted not the Washington Senator left fielder, but equally adept at his job.
“Sid and his-wait! Leamington! Bob Short owes us for sending the team to California!”
The hurried call was made, and to their relief Leamington agreed to accommodate the memorial. Someone suggested calling the Curtis, but it was too late to start horse trading. Leamington was the site. There was ample parking at the hotel, so that would solve that problem.
“Get Sid on WCCO, KSTP, WTCN radio stations to amend the plans!” Betty demanded.
Then Boots Kilkenny walked through the door. Whatever activity was happening, everyone stopped to look at the massive human being standing in front of the main desk.
“Sid said something about me throwing some stunt man out the door, so he wanted me to find the camera crew.”
Betty had seen and heard a lot of crazy behavior over her many years, and this one beat them all for the level of- ‘comedy’ may have been the wrong word.
“What did you say dear?” Betty said, trying to understand the request. “Sid said what?”
Boots repeated the request, and the staff took a quick check to see if there was an errant camera crew setting up.
“Nothing here. It sounds like a good plan, but we do have insurance for slips and falls, and I really don’t think our policy would cover that.”
“Oh. Okay. Thanks for your help,” Boots said as he lumbered out of the clubhouse.
Betty looked at Allison and lit a cigarette.
“Do you think that was Sid’s surprise guest?”
“Oh yeah.”
