Parks and segregation

Twenty-eight years ago today, we pulled into Columbia, SC and made our way to Maurice’s Piggie Park, unfortunately oblivious of half of Maurice’s resume.  On his death last year, one headline remembered him as “Barbecue eatery owner, segregationist.”   “BBQ baron and unrepentant racist” said another; and not for the first time, right now I’m wishing we had (a) eaten elsewhere and (b) not used a photo of the place as the cover of That Is Yo La Tengo.  Later on, we excused Dave Schramm from soundcheck so he could get to Capital City Stadium in time for the first pitch of that evening’s Columbia Mets game.  I promised to join him when we were done.  By the time I got to the ballpark, they were no longer charging admission, so I used my ticket money to purchase a t-shirt, which I still have.

Meanwhile, back home, Doug writes: Thought I’d let you know about the time that my wife Dorothy Lee and I used “Sugarcube” for our first dance in our wedding reception on August 18, 2012.  This event took place at Attic Studios in Long Island City, Queens, New York.  Also noteworthy is that we received as a wedding gift from our friend Ryan a vinyl copy of I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One signed by Georgia, Ira and James.  This was by far the most meaningful and treasured gift we received. It was and is amazing.  Dorothy and I have also seen YLT together probably 5 or 6 times, dating back to our pre-courtship days in 2003 at the Northampton Academy of Music, and as recently as December at the Bell House. Needless to say, YLT holds a special place in our marriage and relationship.

 

greg-jefferies    brian-givens-b