I was in the crowd that October night in 1960 when John F. Kennedy spoke (JFK at the Union, Jan 2008). I planted myself exactly on the center line of State Street hours before Kennedy’s arrival, thinking that his automobile would part the crowd and that I would in the front row beside the vehicle. When it finally arrived, there was a huge tsunami-like wave of humanity which swept me several rows from the car.

However, the next morning at 8:30, as I was heading to class in Angell Hall, a lonesome convertible, with Kennedy sitting on the back, came slowly up State Street en route to the train station. The street and sidewalks were totally empty as everyone was sleeping off the night before. I made eye contact and could have easily shaken his hand but was a supporter at that time of Nixon (whom I opposed in 1968 and 1972), and I was rather inhibited about such things. I passed on the opportunity to my later regret.

My first year in Medical School began in September, 1937. I still remember the welcome sign at the outskirts stating that Ann Arbor, pop 29,000, was “a friendly little city of opportunity.” It lived up to the motto. There were about 10,000 students all told. No one was allowed to have a car. Everyone either walked or rode a bicycle as the distances to cover were agreeably short.

The curriculum was set by the school so all we had to do was attend the prescribed classes, work if necessary for room and board, and study until sleep took over.
For me one of the memorable events was the Saturday football game. We had classes Saturday mornings but it was hard to concentrate with the audible buzz that came through the open windows of the students on campus getting ready for the walk to the stadium. No air conditioning. In 1937, Michigan won only one game or so, but thereafter, when Herbert O. “Fritz” Crisler became coach, U-M became a powerhouse.

Medical School, internship and residency in Orthopedic Surgery capped my days in Ann Arbor. I cherish every one of them.

I am an Ann Arbor native, who was a “lifer” in the Frieze Building (North Quad and Nellie’s books, Oct 2007). As a child I frequented the public library there. I was a member of the last high school class to be in the old building, moving to the newly built Ann Arbor High School in the spring of my senior year, 1956. I later attended the School of Social Work in the Frieze Building.
Last March I visited Ann Arbor and, driving down State Street, saw the wrecking ball demolish the building. Sadly,I guess everything has a shelf life.
Ann Arbor was a special place to grow up. I have always been grateful it was my home town.

I was in the crowd at the Student Union on the night of Kennedy’s speech (JFK at the Union, Jan 2008). As a senior in journalism, I had been assigned to cover his appearance for a class. I arrived early and took up a position above the steps of the union with my back against a wall. I knew I’d be taking notes and I didn’t want to be jostled.

Hours passed. Some students drifted away; others arrived. When Kennedy appeared, my first impression was that he was exhausted after a hard day of campaigning. He looked pale and his shoulders slumped. But when he saw the crowd, he seemed to take on new life and become energized.

But I had chosen a bad viewing spot. The Secret Service promptly pushed the crowd back—-toward me. With my back to an unyielding surface, I had nowhere to go. At first, I felt I’d be crushed. I couldn’t breathe. Eventually, the Secret Service agents gained the space they wanted and things settled down. The pressure eased and I was able to scribble notes as Kennedy spoke. I later became a newspaper reporter and covered other campaign speeches, including one by President Kennedy’s brother, Bobby, before he was assassinated. But I’ll never forget this one.

Yes, I was there for the Kennedy “Peace Corps” speech (JFK at the Union, Jan 2008). I was a freshman living in Huber House in South Quad. It was a big thrill to be allowed out of South Quad so late. We were given special permission to stay out late to see Kennedy.
My two sons graduated from U-M, one in ’03 and one in ’06. I probably took my sons and anyone else who would listen to view the Kennedy medallion embedded in the steps of the Union just a few too many times to say I was there for the “Peace Corps” speech. Nixon also rolled through campus. I saw him give a whistle stop talk at the Train station. Four years later, President Johnson gave his “Great Society” speech and for the first time presented his concept for the “Great Society” at my commencement at the Stadium.

I have a proud distinction relative to the football career of recently retired U-M head coach, Lloyd Carr
(Saying Goodbye to Lloyd Carr, Jan 2008).

Ad nauseam, I remind coach Carr that I’m one of a handful of U-M fans who cheered him playing football.

In the fall of 1966, Lloyd and I were fellow students at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, but our lives were in contrast.

I was an awkward, bespectacled, stout freshman; Lloyd was a handsome, strong-armed senior quarterback for the Wildcats; a transfer student-athlete from the University of Missouri.

Lloyd joined the rest of his senior teammates in leading the Wildcat squad to a near perfect season. QB Carr’s star qualities followed him throughout his life. He was a hard-nosed, resilient player with a dedicated work ethic and natural leadership skills. He was also courageous.

In a game vs. the Quantico Marines, the Leathernecks featured an all-Mr.-Everything middle linebacker. In the huddle, Lloyd called a quarterback-keeper play that meant he would be the lone ball carrier.

When QB Carr reached the line of scrimmage, behind center, the football ruffian was puffing and snorting opposite him. Suddenly, the star Marine linebacker yelled to his teammates, “Watch out for the quarterback-keeper play!”

To paraphrase, “Often you don’t realize your good fortune, until it’s no longer there.” I get the feeling that is how the U-M family and friends will regard a great man and U-M head football coach, Lloyd Carr.

I remember Kennedy’s speech very well (JFK at the Union, Jan 2008). I was a freshman living at the West Quad so we just strolled over to hear him. As you state it was very crowded and it was hard to see, so a few of us climbed the large tree to the left of the stairs and sat on the large limb. The tree still stands, at least as of a few years ago when last I was back. I felt like adding a plaque to the tree.
It’s one memory I will never forget.

I was a sophomore in 1960, living in the Sigma Chi house directly adjacent to the Union. I recall being out in State Street when Kennedy arrived in an open convertible (JFK at the Union, Jan 2008). I was able to get next to the car, and I remember reaching out to shake his hand. Don’t remember if I did, but I was pretty excited.

My years at Michigan were some of the best years of my life. I also married a Michigan girl, who transferred from Albion College, who was also my high school sweetheart. We have recently celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary. She graduated from the School of Education and is now retired. I graduated from the Architecture School and I am still working in my firm. My retirement is not too far away.

I had a very interesting experience when I came to Ann Arbor as a freshman in 1958. The Michigan Daily gave a special edition to all students; after a couple of days passed I was looking at the photo from the previous year’s Ohio State/U-M football game. It was a picture of the team on the sidelines and in the background was me in the first or second row watching the game. I had attended the game the previous year as part of a visit to decide if I wanted to attend U-M as a swimmer and to study architecture. Of course I wanted to come to Ann Arbor, and it was the best decision I ever made. Being from Pennsylvania, it was a major haul–about nine hours to get there–but worth it.

Just for some perspective, tuition in 1958 was about $250/semester for an out-of-state student. In 1963 it was $500/semester. I was fortunate to have a partial scholarship to cover my room and board plus books. However, as part of the scholarship, I had to go to the football stadium at 8:00 am every Sunday morning after a game, along with other scholarship students, to clean the trash. We would put the empty beer cans and liquor bottles on the seats to be collected by paid staff, and we’d collect the trash in gunny sacks using gloves they gave us. It usually took about 4-6 hours to clean it up, depending on the number of guys who showed up.

I was there when Kennedy arrived at the U-M union (JFK at the Union, Jan 2008). I don’t recall the particular part of his speech that’s covered in the article, but as I remember it, he did ask for personal contribution/commitment more or less in keeping with the theme of his “ask not…” inaugural address.