I had a bit of an awakening this morning. Two of them actually. the first was the early (0530) arrival of a young man, 17 years of age, that I've taken under my wing during some difficult times. Divorce, problems with relationships, court orders, etc... I've known him since he came home next door a few days after his birth. His dad rolled him over in a stroller and introduced us. He and I have been close ever since... Including the current period as I help him work through family issues and some other difficulties that i'm sure some of us have gone through. He is a great kid.
He has long been aware of my activities at the Hydroplane Museum and has watched at a distance by way of photos and Emails during the Miss Wahoo reconstruction and, more recently, the Blue Blaster restoration. He has aways been interested in my activities and projects, though I suspect rides in my sports cars and on my motorcycles has been at the forefront of his interest.
His mother dropped him off early this morning at our house so I could fill in and take him to his Jazz Band practice - he is an accomplished trumpet player with promises of a music scholarship to one of our state colleges.
The point I wanted to make though, was as I was taking him to band practice and once again trying to invite him to come help on the 'blaster project I asked him if he knew who Chip Hanauer is. I was about to tell him some wonderful stories and anecdotes Chip shared with me and Don when he stopped by the museum earlier this week
He had no idea who Chip was....or is, I suppose is.
So I guess this is my long-winded way of wondering how we're going to introduce, indeed, revive the wonder so many of us felt as we grew up in Detroit, Seattle, Madison.... "Our" Hydro Museum is so full of memories and great friendships and memories of our past. It is a treasure and we're fortunate to have it. But, to my mind, it sometimes seems like an anachronism and not relevant to the young people who we'll need to rely upon to keep the sport - and the museum - growing and vibrant.
I have no suggestions, nor solutions. As a blog post I only mention it to invite comment and discussion.