Letters | d e b at e , d e f e n d , d i s p u t e
From a Grammy Award winner to a celebrated chronicler of the West to an enterprising sea salt purveyor to a technological innovator to a military hero and a trailblazing urban plan
Top Notch ) After receiving and reading the most recent issue of Columns, I must take the time to send my congratulations and compliments on putting out an outstanding and high-quality publication. The articles are of great interest and variety, with excellent composition by the authors. And the selection of these articles’ topics by the editors, the graphics, the layout structure and all other contributions were all really top-notch! Good job! Charles D. “Chuck” Bakeman, ’50 SEQUIM
Bill Edwards ) I was a starting intern at the University of Washington Hospital in the fall of 1966. My wife and children and I lived in assisted housing at the end of the health sciences complex. A young black family moved in shortly after we did. We became friends as much as possible with our job requirements. His name was William. I cannot now remember his wife’s name or the names of their two children. He was in urban planning grad school. The story (Essayist, December) was so close to the time and circumstances that I wonder if Bill Edwards could be that William, or could have known that William. If so, I would love to hear from him since he had a profound influence on me. William Wynn, Medical Residency, ’70 PRINCETON, N.J. VIA COLUMNS ONLINE
) I met [Bill] when I was at the University of San Francisco, and I was pursuing my graduate degree. Just as [Bill] had influential people in [his] life, he was a great influence 6
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in my life. [His] love of mysteries captured my sensibilities, and I, too, started using them in my English classes. I will always cherish [the] mystery discussions I had with Bill. Today, I also use some of the research techniques he imparted. Thanks for sharing a wonderful story. I’m looking forward to the next installment. Pamela VIA COLUMNS ONLINE
Ivan Doig ) The toughest writing assignment is to critique the work of another writer. Ms. Garner (Montana Mindscape, December) hit it out of the park. Thanks for a thorough summary of Doig. I am one of those patient readers awaiting his next book. Tom Lalenius VIA COLUMNS ONLINE
) I enjoyed the article about Ivan Doig, perhaps especially so because I have an academic background but aspire to write fiction as does Ivan. He actually does it, and very well, so the comparison stops quite quickly. You did a great job of weaving in a bit of his professional life and the way in which UW affects it. One part of the story piqued particular interest. You write that he and his wife live in a house in Innis Arden built during the Eisenhower Administration in which there is a downstairs where Doig and his wife have offices, and also a “stunning view of the Sound.” My grandparents built such a house in 1955 or 1956. Though only 8 or 9, I have a vivid memory of Poppa’s telescope sitting by the huge (to me) picture window, pointed at the Sound, through which we watched ships, ferries, fish-
ing boats, trains below and cars on Bainbridge Island. We spent precious overnights in Innis Arden, sleeping in the downstairs bedrooms. I’m not sure I could figure out the address, and I surmise that the Doigs would prefer their privacy. But I will be wondering if a fellow Husky, far more famous than I, now lives in the house built by my grandfather and about which I have fond memories. Daniel E. White, ’69 KAPOLEI, HAWAII
Ryan Lewis ) Thanks for the article (Platinum Grad, December). I’m very happy to see that the duo is not “rushing” out another album. Take time, think about it, and create another masterpiece instead of just throwing some “stuff” out there simply for the sake of dropping a new album. Go Dawgs! Sam, ’04 VIA COLUMNS ONLINE
) My son and I attended the last concert of The Heist tour. He is interested and involved in music, and an interview like this [with Ryan Lewis] is helpful in showing him that the music path can include university as well! Ellen, ’89 VIA COLUMNS ONLINE
Brady Ryan ) Well written article on Brady Ryan (Alumni Profile, December): fun, informative, entertaining, and inspirational. Brady’s enthusiasm is most evident from the style of writing. Paula Cutler VIA COLUMNS ONLINE