An Absolute Gem
Dear Editor:
The Shocker came through my letter-box the other day. Thank you for transporting me back to what were certainly my ‘formative years.’ I arrived in Wichita in 1982 and left with a degree in marketing in 1985.
But now to the point of this letter. The article, “Our President’s House,” is an absolute gem. The Joe Walsh story and his grandparents and President Morrison — fantastic! It struck a nostalgic chord with me because I rented a room in that house from ’82-85 and still count some of my favourite memories as those experienced inside the “deteriorating old home.” Seeing the piece warmed my heart. Seeing Wichita on paper conjures up many evocative images in the mind’s eye. I am inspired to catch up with friends and to make contact.
Thanks again. Your work gives me great enjoyment.
Sincerely,
Andrew Castle, London, England
P.S. Is Kirby’s still around?
Editor’s Note: Andrew Castle, a former professional tennis player, is a presenter for Sky Sports in the United Kingdom as well as a consultant and commentator for the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour Weekly Highlight Show. And, yes, Andrew, Kirby’s is alive and well!
The Doppelgänger Effect
Dear Editor:
My sister graduated from wsu, and she sent me the issue with Peer Moore-Jansen on the cover. It truly was a shocker. As you can tell from the photo, there is more than a passing resemblance.
Sincerely,
Ken Harmon
Okay, Just What Is a Wheatshocker?
Dear The Shocker:
Not long ago a friend of mine, Gerold Glover ’74/78, who is also an alumnus, returned from a visit to Wichita. I asked him if the students there still called themselves Wheatshockers? He told me they would not know what the word means, but they still were called Shockers, apparently with the idea that they are supposed to be shocking. Therefore, I think it was daring to use the word wheatshocker in describing your new publication, The Shocker. I have decided to become a member of the alumni association again after many years, just to see what happens now. And I have a suggestion. Since the origin of the name of the publication assumes all of us share in the heritage of wheat farming or wheat harvesting, why not have a historical quiz on the subject? (By the way, although I am no expert on wheat farming, I was a bundle pitcher during the harvest season one year. Does anyone know what a bundle pitcher was?)
Sincerely,
H.G. Steele ’38, Chapel Hill, N.C.
The Shocker’s Steele-Inspired Wheatshocker Quiz
Directions: The reader who responds with the most correct answers and who also has the earliest dated postmark will be awarded a special wheatshocker prize.
1. What was a bundle pitcher?
2. Who invented the binder?
3. What is a bull wheel?
4. How many horses, reined by one driver, were required to propel a header? Where did this driver sit? Or stand?
5. Why did a header box have its unusual design?
6. What operations are “combined” by a combine?
7. What service is provided by a sickle bar? Would you expect to find a hairy dog there? (Hint: Certainly not in Kansas.)
