The Legend Continues
The first signature I secured on the cloth was comedian George Gobel. Even though I had associated with many celebrities as a professional drummer during the big band era when played for the Eddy Howard, Carl Ravazza, Del Courtney, Charlie Agnew, Clyde McCoy, Horace Heidt and Florian ZaBach orchestras and also with my own music group under the name Lucky Light, "I was very nervous adding signatures to the Tablecloth in the beginning." I gained more confidence with each signature I was fortunate to add.
The first woman he invited to sign was comedian/actress Carol Channing. "I presented a special 'Horseshoe' to George and Carol." Though he often endured adverse conditions, including standing, waiting, rain, and cold weather, Walter became suddenly discouraged when he opened up the Tablecloth for singer Frankie Laine, Autust 12, 1983, and took a closer look at the size of this cloth and how empty it really was with just the seventy-seven signatures his mother put on it. "How will I ever be able to fill this Tablecloth within my lifetime?"
Very simple, one name at a time. Just do it. "I can do it." Many interesting stories developed throughout the next twenty three years adding signatures. More than sixty short stories have been written about his travels and experiences chasing the celebrities to sign The Tablecloth and take pictures with them. "I've been blessed to have had such an exciting challenge," quotes Walter.
Now, as of this date October, 2006, with 646 signatures on the cloth and with more than 500 photos with celebrities with the Tablecloth, he is very proud and happy that he will indeed fill the Tablecloth. Seven spaces are already reserved for celebrities requesting to sign it. "This is wonderful. I will honor that." That leaves space for another 93 names. It will be done, Lord willing.
Despite all the years of folding, carrying, handling and, of course, signing, the Tablecloth remains in excellent condition. There is not one snag, tear, nor any sign of deterioration. It proudly bears signatures of famous people from all walks of life; from US Presidents and First Ladies to nine of the twelve moon walkers. Writers, composers, singers, dancers, musicians, world record holders, Hall of Famers, Academy Award Winners, Nobel Peace Prize Winners, comedians, immortals, The Dalai Lama, Dr. Jonas Salk and many more Legends have all signed the Tablecloth.
The Ones that Got Away
I missed adding Cary Grant by a day and Sarah Vaughn by less than a minute. While listening to a jazz group and drinking beer with a buddy from the real estate office I worked, I was talked out of driving to the waterfront to try to add Jacques Cousteau to the cloth. Not only that, I had made him a special horseshoe I wanted to present to him. It was really something I'm sure he would have enjoyed. A man standing at the wheel, captain's cap, life preservers, ropes, deck, etc. That man was a legend and I let us all down that evening. Too late now. I relive that in my mind all too often.
If I had only followed through with a letter to Princes Dianna's secretary, I'm sure I would have been able to meet with her in Chicago shortly before she died. That one really bothers me. If I had taken the Tablecloth with me as I had planned, to Las Vegas on that first trek down Route 66 in 46, there would have been many of the greats sign the Tablecloth. But no doubt I would have lost the cloth on a dice table or something. I lost everything else on that trip. I thank my dad for talking me out of taking it with me.
My friends Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich are not on the cloth. I wasn't doing autographs back then. Elvis died six years before I began adding signatures. I don't have the time or space to list all the celebrities I could have added. I only know that I did the best I could and am still doing.
What's Next?
How privileged I am to meet with and spend time with so many famous celebrities. Then have them sign the Tablecloth and take a picture with me. I also have them sign a card for the seamstress to use as a guideline as she embroiders their signature as well as hand them a new pen to use for smooth signing on this cloth. Then I retire that pen, mark it, date it and store it for the display case.
My mother collected 77 autographs on the Tablecloth. There are now 646 signatures with only room for another 100 names. Seven spaces are reserved leaving room for only 93 names. I wonder if I could get suggestions who to include in this historic collection.
I would love to add Pele, Sir Roger Bannister, Sir Paul McCartney, Nolan Ryan, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Clemens, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Larry Bird, Sally Fields, Steven Spielberg, three remaining moonwalkers, David R. Scott, Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, and John Young. Also Michael Collins, Jim Lovell and John Glenn, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Merv Griffin, Abigail Van Buren, John Williams, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Richard Branson, Steve Fossett, Sean Connery and oh yes, a man called "Tiger." On and on it goes. I'm sure I could pick out the 93 people quickly just sitting here.
Yes indeed, I've been blessed with a most challenging endeavor. One of my very favorite celebrities is actress Olivia de Havilland who was added to the collection on February 1st, 1996. Another great favorite is my cousin Millvina Dean, youngest passenger aboard the Titanic April 10, 1912. I flew to England to meet with her to sign the Tablecloth Sept. 14, 1998.
Legends, colorful people, historic people who have been a part of moulding everything for better. I cringe when someone refers to any one of them as a "has been." I've never heard of anyone referring to a man as an ex: "Hall of Famer." Have you?"