I posted a picture of the Historian earlier this year. A close friend of Mr. Gregory just purchased the photo and I asked her how he is doing...He is now 100 years old and doing fine. As a matter of fact she mentioned that last weekend, she was at an historical meeting with Mr. Gregory at he site of the burial place for Daniel Boone. I am not sure how far he lives from this site...perhaps more than a mile and less than 5...but afterward...he walked home!The recent conversation with her, spurred my memory of him again so I wanted to post a couple of pictures and tell you a bit about him. I have a newspaper article about him and I will quote:
"Ralph Gregory is truly a Renaissance Man....Ralph is a historian, author, museum curator, book lover, book collector, philosopher, World War II prisoner of War, newspaper columnist, radio operator, natural farmer,free thinker and by far the most intellectually gifted person I have ever had the privilege to interview".
As for myself...If I could accomplish just one of the many things that a man like this has done in his life...I would consider my life a a success while on this earth. I have always gravitated towards the elderly because I respect the wisdom gathered over so many years. A perspective of so many decades of experience, so many lessons learned from mistakes, a grasp of our history...lived in real time...
I wish Mr. Gregory the best...even longer life and I hope he knows how respected he is among his contemporaries.
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18 comments:
Wow - he sounds like a very interesting person! I would love to sit down and talk to him about his many experiences - can you imagine the stories he could tell?
The pictures are beautifully done, Dan. Thanks for this look into the life of a fascinating old soul.
We can learn so much from our elders, can't we? Sadly, we are too quick to shun them away. Perhaps it is because they remind us of our own mortality; confirmation that we are under-achievers compared to the previous generations.
On a completely different note, I have finally begun (and almost completed) a story inspired by your classic car photos. In particular, the Rocket. I will be posting it chapter by chapter. Please pop by and have a read.
Heather...I actually thought of your grandfather when I posted this. I know you were very close to him.
Dan
Monica...that generation is aptly called the "Greatest Generation"...there were a lot of sacrifices made so we can blog freely today!
Dan
Monica...I am going there now! I am honored and look forward to the chapters now and in the future...good luck with it.
Dan
Inspirational!
Cynthia...he is inspirational...when children come up and he starts talking...they look at him transfixed...he is such a great story teller.
Dan
Wonderfully expressive eyes. Think of all he's seen in his time. Beautiful photos Dan-- just beautiful.
Thanks Tricia...I really enjoyed photographing him...he is so expressive.
Dan
OH, Dan. This brings such respectful feelings to my heart. A sweet, honest, precious looking man, is he. Your photos really create a wonderful appreciation for this "young" man :)
I appreciate your sharing this "treasure" with us. He must be a fascinating conversation partner. The photos came out great.
Heather...he is as you say a young man...young at heart...I hope I will be that lucky!
Dan
Thanks Septembermom...I just arrived in Louisville and have internet! Hopefully now I will be able to post an image for tomorrow.
Dan
Oh, to spend a weekend with Mr. Gregory! Even this country's youth might sit down and listen.
And, what great photos!
I am also drawn to my elders. I have so much awe for people who have lived through the roller coaster of life and have that perspective. I love to hear their stories and learn from them. I wish more people would tap into that wonderful resource.
Shabbygirl...I think it must be something we learn as we grow older. Younger folks just don't see the wisdom...they just see the wrinkled skin, maybe a down turned mouth or shaky hand and write the elderly off. I think of course there are grandchildren who have this respect for a grandmother or grandfather...but for a stranger...maybe not.
Sabrina...thanks for stopping by. Your statement is so true. The stories they can tell. My maternal grandmother was a bootlegger during the depression and prohibition. My mother more than once had to pack up at the last minute and move due to an impending raid by the feds! That was a way of life during the prohibition for so many.
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