The One And Only

Just recently we received a request for a copy of the wonderful poem written by James Thurber called “When Chic Harley Got Away.” Thurber, a native of Columbus, Ohio, was a classmate of Chic’s when they both attended Ohio State University.
For your enjoyment, we thought we would provide you with that inspiring poem written more than 90 years ago by one of America’s most famous literary giants.
Taking nothing away from Archie, Woody and the other OSU greats, but there never was a poem of this calibre and emotional connection written about any of them. Chic Harley was in a class by himself. When will Ohio State, Columbus and Ohio recognize that?

WHEN CHIC HARLEY GOT AWAY

The years of football playing reach back a long, long way,
And the heroes are a hundred who have worn the red and gray;
You can name the brilliant players from the year the game began,
You can say that someone’s plunging was the best you ever saw -
You can claim the boys now playing stage a game without a flaw -
But admit there was no splendor in all the bright array
Like the glory of the going when Chic Harley got away.

You can tell the tale of Gibson who ran for eighty yards,
Bowling Michiganders over like a row of paper cards;
You can sing the song of Barrington, whose deadly tow oft sent
The hurtling ball to victory when his men were all but spent.
There’s a thousand other stories of the games of other years,
But one from the thousand like a flash of light appears,
And there’s nothing half so thrilling from the first year to today,
Like the glory of the going when Chic Harley got away.

Declaim accounts of smashing lines and plunging backs and then
Shout a little louder and declaim them once again,
“There never was another time like in the good old days
When they used to play a man’s game with the mass formation plays.”
You can laud the Powells and Dunlaps as the mountains in the line
That made the game of football something superman and fine,
But still there’s nothing in it all, when you have had your say,
Liek the glory of the going when Chic Harley got away.

Old grads can mention how they fought when Kenyon came to town,
And how they used to up and knock the bleeding foemen down,
And we’ll admit the good old days were red and raw and rough,
And the men that wore the moleskin surely had the oldtime stuff.
Or you can land the recent days and name a field of stars
As scintillant as Jupiter and as militant as Mars -
But they’ll never be another thing can light up all the day
Like the glory of the going when Chic Harley got away.

Grassroots efforts to create and build a statue of Ohio State Buckeye great Chic Harley continue to pick up speed even though OSU officials remain mum and non-committal at this point.
The studio of Rotblatt-Amrany of Fort Sheridan, Illinois north of Chicago, in collaboration with Portraits/Chicago, Inc. have indicated their desire to move ahead with a statue project honoring Harley.
Rotblatt-Amrany and Portraits Chicago, Inc. have worked on some of the most endearing sports statues found in America. Among their creations is the famed Michael Jordan dunk shot statue in front of Chicago’s United Center and the 17-ft. tall statue of Magic Johnson bursting onto the scene at Michigan State University. Just recently, the collaborative team inked a deal with the Chicago Cubs to create a 7-ft. tall statue of Hall of Fame slugger Billy Williams which in a year or two will adorn the confines of Wrigley Field alongside statues of Ernie Banks and Harry Caray. Allowing a Chicago company to create a Harley statue is highly appropriate because Chic was born in the Windy City in 1894 and spent much of his life there with his parents, brother, sister, nephew and extended family.
More and more universities, colleges and professional sports teams are moving forward with plans to enshrine their greats through bronze statues that will last for decades and even centuries. Last year, the University of Illinois unveiled a statue of its greatest football player, Red Grange, who played just a few years after Chic Harley. People who saw both Harley and Grange play agree that Harley was better. A few months ago, the University of Florida announced that it had commissioned the creation of three statues of three of its gridiron greats, one of whom is Tim Tebow who just graduated after a stellar football career.
What about Chic Harley, who most people who know his story would agree, set the stage for what has become one of the greatest sports and scholastic programs in the world? The Buckdeye Grove next to Ohio Stadium where its many All Americas are honored is nice, but it’s not enough. The process of honoring the school’s football legends the right and honorable way must begin now. It must start with Chic Harley, OSU’s first consensus All America, first three-time All America, four-sport letterman, and the man who, through his never-before-seen athletic abilities and magnetic personality capitvated a community state and nation from 1916-1919.
People need to know the fascinating story of Chic. Once they do, they will leap onto the statue bandwagon. We can’t waste another minute.
Call OSU President Gordon Gee to voice your opinion. Reply to this entry. Write letters to the editor. Let the people speak!

Grassroots efforts to create and build a statue of Ohio State Buckeye great Chic Harley continue to pick up speed even though OSU officials remain mum and non-committal at this point.
The studio of Rotblatt-Amrany of Fort Sheridan, Illinois north of Chicago, in collaboration with Portraits/Chicago, Inc. have indicated their desire to move ahead with a statue project honoring Harley.
Rotblatt-Amrany and Portraits Chicago, Inc. have worked on some of the most endearing sports statues found in America. Among their creations is the famed Michael Jordan dunk shot statue in front of Chicago’s United Center and the 17-ft. tall statue of Magic Johnson bursting onto the scene at Michigan State University. Just recently, the collaborative team inked a deal with the Chicago Cubs to create a 7-ft. tall statue of Hall of Fame slugger Billy Williams which in a year or two will adorn the confines of Wrigley Field alongside statues of Ernie Banks and Harry Caray. Allowing a Chicago company to create a Harley statue is highly appropriate because Chic was born in the Windy City in 1894 and spent much of his life there with his parents, brother, sister, nephew and extended family.
More and more universities, colleges and professional sports teams are moving forward with plans to enshrine their greats through bronze statues that will last for decades and even centuries. Last year, the University of Illinois unveiled a statue of its greatest football player, Red Grange, who played just a few years after Chic Harley. People who saw both Harley and Grange play agree that Harley was better. A few months ago, the University of Florida announced that it had commissioned the creation of three statues of three of its gridiron greatest, one of whom is Tim Tebow who just graduated after a stellar football career.
What about Chic Harley, who most people who know his story would agree, set the stage for what has become one of the greatest sports and scholastic programs in the world? The Buckdeye Grove next to Ohio Stadium where its many All Americas are honored is nice, but it’s not enough. The process of honoring the school’s football legends the right and honorable way must begin now. It must start with Chic Harley, OSU’s first consensus All America, first three-time All America, four-sport letterman, and the man who, through his never-before-seen athletic abilities and magnetic personality capitvated a community state and nation from 1916-1919.
People need to know the fascinating story of Chic. Once they do, they will leap onto the statue bandwagon. We can’t waste another minute.
Call OSU President Gordon Gee to voice your opinion. Reply to this entry. Write letters to the editor. Let the people speak!

After reading our most recent blog posting and the 300-page biography, “The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete”, Bill Adams, a third generation Ohio State graduate felt he had to speak up.
And boy, do his words resonate!
“As a 3d generation graduate (my grandfather graduated from OSU’s medical school in 1921 and was in school when Chic played) my family always believed and said Chic was the greatest,” wrote Mr. Adams in an email we received this week.
“And, after reading your book, I’m even more convinced. I also believe that Chic should be memorialized with a statue as Mr. Rice thinks. But, in my vision it would be located at the north end of Ohio Stadium under the rotunda.
“Let’s get this done!”
We hope Mr. Adams’ passion is contagious.
Momentum is building to erect a statue of The One And Only.
Hop on and help out. Let us know what you think and encourage others to speak up and get involved.
Public involvement will spur action!!!

In the meantime, a Chicago sculptor may one day be hired to create and actually put together a statue of Chic Harley that millions of Americans will be able to enjoy. Chic, as you know, was born in Chicago in 1894. We’ll let you more about that in the days ahead.

Todd

For those Ohio State football fans who love to scour game day programs and reference materials, the name Elliott Rice should ring a bell. Mr. Rice was a walk on place kicker for the Buckeye fooball team from 1969-71. He played for Woody Hayes and still lives in Ohio.

After picking up a copy of my book “The One And Only: Chic Harley - -America’s Great Athlete” last January, Mr. Rice said he couldn’t put it down. One night after tossing and turning in bed, the cerebral light bulb flashed on. A idea was born.

“Chic Harley’s contributiton to Ohio State football is huge,” wrote Mr. Rice. “And it should be honored.”

He told of his belief that the site of Old Ohio Field on High Street is “holy” ground—the place where Ohio Satte football tradition took hold and bloomed under Coach Wilce , Chic Harley and his teammates.” He likened the site to a Civil War battle field that over the decades has gradually been encroached on by buildings.

“Before it disappears,” Rice writes, “it should be saved.”

Mr. Rice’s idea is to outline the boundaries of Old Ohio Field with bricks at every corner “with a few iron fence posts like was used on the original field.” Within the borders would be one, perhaps two statues of Chic. One would be a reproduction of the famous picture, which shows him standing, hands on hips, with “that winning smile.” The second statue, said Rice, would be an action shot of Chic. 

“There should also be good size plaques decribing his accomplishments and his sorrows. To me the story of what his friends and coaches did for him is a lesson that needs to be taught and passed on. ‘How firm thy friendship, Ohio,’ as the alma mater says.”

Rice added that over time, statues of Buckeye Heisman Trophy winners can be added as well as those of great coaches and other players.

“They could be placed around the outside and inside of the stadium. But it is Chic Harley’s time now,” said Rice.

What a wonderful letter! What a wonderful idea!

Don’t you agree?

Let us and everyone know how you feel and together we can make this happen.

Post a reply, tell a friend, write a letter to President Gee…

Next: The full text of Mr. Rice’s letter and Gee’s reply.

Throughout June, numerous cable TV channels in the Chicago area aired a one hour interview of this reporter who discussed the book: “The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete.”
Roberta Markbreit, a veteran local cable television personality, conducted the interview. She expressed strong interest in the Chic Harley story and obtained a copy of the book.
Just this week, I received a kind note from Roberta saying she just finished reading the book and really enjoyed it.
“I recently finished reading the wonderful book that you wrote about your uncle, Chic Harley. I took it with me everywhere I went, not wanting to put it down for a moment,” wrote Roberta.
“You explored Chic’s poignant life with love and warmth and meticulously, a rare combination. I wanted so to rescue Chic and give him all the beautiful things in life that he deserved, not what he repeatedly and unfairly got.”
Added Roberta, “People like Chic are rare. They are purely honest and humble and their sensitivity makes them beautiful. They are too good to have to face the ugliness on this Earth. “It must have been heart-rendering for you to re-enact Chic’s life in the honest and forthright way you did. Thanks for the writing of it in the only way it could have been told.”

Thanks Roberta for you kind words.

Summer has finally arrived, Chic Harley and Buckeye fans, and attention is slowly turning toward football.
Surprising, isn’t it?
We’re back for regular weekly installments.
First of all, we want to tell you that interest in “The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete” continues. A Columbus area bookstore just ordered a new batch of books that you’ll see on local shelves. If you want to order through our chicharley.,com website, we’ll toss in a free Chic t-shirt as well.
In the meantime, momentum seems to be gaining for the building of a statue of Chic either in front of or somewhere near the great “Horseshoe”. To our delight more and more people are getting to know Chic and the contributions he made to the school and its entire sports program. “The One And Only” tells the entire story of Chic in 300 pages filled with rare photos and never before known information such as his lifelong bout with mental illness. A Chicago area sculptor has expressed strong interest in the project. It’s the same sculptor who created the famed Michael Jordan statue in front of the United Center.
Within the next two weeks, the annual “Buckeye Battle Cry” magazine, which yearly previews Ohio State football, will be published. Inside is an in-depth story about Harley, along with photos. Your’s truly wrote the article for the magazine. Get a copy and let me know what you think.
If you have any questions about Harley or the book, please contact me.

—Todd Wessell

Now that the college football season is over and a fresh layer of snow stretches across the flat, now brownish gridiron of the House That Harley Built, it’s time for some reflection of the past 12 months.
And what a year it was.
In April, we attended the annual Scarlet & Gray game and made friends with more than 200 Ohio State faithful and Chic Harley fans. Many who found their way to our booth inside the gray stadium encouraged our continuing efforts to have some appropriate memorial to Chic erected. Perhaps a statue of The One And Only or naming the gridiron Harley Field, they suggested.
In June, we hosted a book launch party in Chicago for The One And Only. Approximately 175 people attended to learn about Chic and what he did for not only OSU, but American football.
Prior to the book launch, we attended the annual enshrinement of football greats into the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind. There, we conducted two programs about Harley that included a slide presentation and two videos. Among the attendees was John Cooper who that day became a hall of famer.
In late July, we attended the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland where we sold books and met with many, many people who either had a strong interest in Chic or who wanted to know more.
In August, we drove from Chicago to Columbus to hold a press conference to announce plans to erect a 20-ft. long Harley Field sign at East High School where Chic played from 1912-1915.
Throughout August, we visited Columbus and Ohio State many times to meet with business leaders and retail store owners to help get the word out about The One And Only and Chic.
In late October, the Harley Field sign—in all its orange and black glory—was formally dedicated at ceremonies just before East’s final game of the season. At around the same time, we met with students and residents of Columbus at several book stores and on the college campus in front of St. John Arena.
The year 2009 was a break out year for Chic. We hope 2010 will be even better.
Stay tuned. We know Chic would appreciate your interest.

One of the more enjoyable and surprising benefits of my experience writing, publishing and marketing the book on Uncle Chic, The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete is the fact that a number of people have stepped forward to inquire or to say they are related to Chic himself. While I have not had the time to pursue and delve into these new found relationships, I hope to in the near future. Shortly after we launched this website we were contacted via email from a young man from California who said he’s related to Chic. We responded to him and lo and behold we discovered that he indeed is a great, great nephew who resides in California. I knew his grandfather who was a son of Bill Harley, Chic’s older brother.
Just today, I received a telephone call from a young man—also from California–who said he just learned that he, too, is related to Chic. We talked for a while and I encouraged him to stay in touch so we can figure out the relationship.
In the meantime, in recent days I have received emails from people who have read The One And Only and who have expressed their appreciation that the full and true story on Chic Harley is coming out. I want to say I treasure all of those folks who have taken the time to learn about Chic. I hope they have enjoyed the experience of reading the book.
I hope to be traveling to Ohio later in the year to meet with people interested in learning more about Chic Harley’s life. If you’d like to meet up during one of those visits, give me a call at 847-561-3382.

Many, many people have stepped forward to express their amazement and appreciation of the recent 7-1/2 minute Big Ten Network film production about Chic Harley. The effort, which began in June when I contacted network executives in Chicago, was a thrilling masterpiece that chronicled the high school and football years of Harley and his tragic, turned triumphant, turned tragic life after that period.
The network first aired the film just prior to the Ohio State-Michigan football game in late November. Since then it has been broadcast many times.
If you haven’t seen it yet, go to bigtennetwork.com/features.
Let us know what you think.

The year that’s coming to an end has been quite a period for reviving the memory of Chic Harley. The book, The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete, “hit the stands” in late May breathing new fire and life into the Harley legend. For those of you who have read the 300-page biography that I wrote about Uncle Chic, I hope you truly enjoyed it. Tell a friend, neighbor or family member about how the complete and true story of Chic—which few people really knew—is now out for everyone to enjoy. For those of you who have yet to read it, you’re in for a treat. You can get a copy of The One And Only by clicking on this website’s Shop Online page or by visiting any number of bookstores in and around Columbus or by going to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Books a Million.com. Half Price Books in Columbus is offering a special deal now that includes the paperback book, a DVD and Chic t-shirt. A great bargain!

While we’ve come a long way, there’s still much more to do to bring recognition to Chic. A major hurdle was cleared in October when the orange and black, 20-foot long Harley Field sign at East High School was installed and dedicated. Now, we set our sights on Ohio State from where his fame spread far and wide across the nation. Other projects are underway as well including the effort by folks in Columbus who are interested in preserving the history of the neighborhood where Chic, World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker and others lived and grew up. We will continue to monitor that effort and contribute in any way we can. We’ll keep you informed of any new developments. Meanwhile, our speaking engagements will continue in Ohio, Illinois and anywhere else where there’s interest in the Harley story.
Keep an eye on this website and blog for further updates. Help us spread the word about Ohio State’s greatest athlete and football player, Charles W. “Chic” Harley…The One And Only.
Have a very merry Christmas and terrific New Year.
If anyone or organization would like to hear more about the Chic Harley legend, contact me at 847-561-3382 to set up a speaking engagement.

Todd Wessell

The Big Ten Network’s production of a special feature on Chic Harley, which aired Saturday morning Nov 21 just prior to the Ohio State-Michigan game, was a real thing of beauty. It lasted a lengthy 7-1/2 minutes and included the story of Harley from his years as a football standout at East High School in Columbus to his death in 1974.
If you missed it Saturday, you can still view it by visiting www.bigtennetwork.com/features.
Interviewed for the segment were this writer, his brother, Rick (both of whom are great nephews of Chic), Archie Griffin and Jack Park, Ohio State’s sports historian and author.
What I particularly liked was the introduction where the announcer explained that experts in 1950 agreed that Chic and Jim Thorpe were the greatest college halfbacks of the first half of the 20th century (sorry Red Grange), and the ending where commentator Glen Mason told the story of when he and Woody Hayes visited the new College Football Hall of Fame on Kings Island in Cincinnati in 1978. There, after receiving a tour of the sparkling new facility, Hayes noted to the curator that there was nothing in the “Hall” about Chic Harley. The curator acknowleged that fact to which Woody replied, “Then this is not a true hall of fame.” That, my friends, was a perfect ending to the segment. Woody knew the importance of Chic and how he stood out among all other Ohio State greats—past and present.
Today, Chic is included in the Hall, which he should be having been a member of its charter class of 1951. On display, is a football helmet he wore while playing for Ohio State during his three All-American years of 1916, ‘17 and ‘19.
In recent weeks and with the airing of Saturday’s feature on national cable TV, we’re hearing more and more interest in moving forward with a plan to properly recognize Chic for all he has done for OSU, Columbus, Ohio, and the national sports scene. All of those reasons and more can be found in my book The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete. It’s available on this website. Just click “shop online” or at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com and booksamillion.com. In addition, many stores and hotels in Columbus are carrying the book.
In the next few days we will post a few comments and letters we’ve received from people who feel that a tribute to Chic—whether it be in the form of a statue or naming the Buckeye gridiron after him—will be posted on this site. Be on the lookout.
In the meantime, we’d like to hear how you feel. Any thoughts?
Give us a jingle.
We know that many people support a statue or some type of unique fitting memorial to Chic. Thus far they have been pretty quiet. It’s time to step up. Ohio State University, too, believes Chic is in a class by himself, but those in the top echelon are reluctant to move forward, we believe, because they don’t want to get any of the living greats or their followers upset at being upstaged. We believe, however, that with all due respect, Chic is at the top of the class and that should be so noted not just in words, but in deeds.

—Todd Wessell

Chic Harley, the storied Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, and the new Harley biography, “The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete” will air on the Big Ten Network this Saturday, Nov. 21 beginning at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
While the majority of the 90-minute show will delve into the overall inter-school rivalry, a special feature will be about the great Harley, what he meant to Ohio State and American football, and his 52-year struggle with mental illness as depicted in the recently published book authored by his great nephew Todd Wessell.
A network camera crew visited with Wessell and family members about a month ago to record their recollections about their great uncle who they knew well. After their visit to Chicago, the production crew traveled to Columbus, Ohio where they interviewed OSU historian Jack Park and Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin. They also filmed locations throughout Columbus and the Ohio State campus where Harley left his mark as the school’s first three-time All-American, 1916, ‘17 and ‘19. A few weeks after that, the BigTen crew found itself in Danville, Illinois where they visited the cavernous Veterans Administration Hospital where Harley lived from 1938-74 as he struggled with mental illness.
The show will undoubtedly prove to be enlightening and exhilarating for all football fans at a time when the 90th anniversary of the Buckeyes first win over Michigan is being observed. In that game Chic Harley was the undisputed star.
Spread the word about Saturday’s broadcast and in doing so you’ll be spreading the word about Chic and Ohio State’s great history.

For Chic Harley fans who read this blog, we want to alert you to a major event that will take place on the day of the Ohio State-Michigan game, Saturday, November 21.
It has to do with a fantastic tribute that will be paid to Chic—The One And Only—and the football rivalry, considered by many as the greatest American sport rivalry of all time.
The tribute will emphasize not only Harley and his contribution to American sport, in particular football, but the 90th anniversary of the Buckeyes first win over Michigan in a game that Chic starred in.
Ohio State has really missed the boat on calling attention to the 90th anniversary fact. So be it. The upcoming tribute will fill that void.
Revisit this blog in a few days and we’ll give you all the details!

Screaming out its bright orange background and black lettering, the new Harley Field sign is now in place at Columbus, Ohio’s East High School football stadium for future generations to enjoy and be reminded of what the name Harley stands for.

A formal unveiling was conducted in pre-game ceremonies Friday night, Oct. 30. Athletic Director Greg Reamsnider ordered the installation of the 21-ft. long sign a few days earlier. This writer, Todd Wessell, great nephew of football legend Charles W. “Chic” Harley, arranged to have the sign cutstom-made to fit on the school’s elevated press box and then to have it shipped from Chicago to Columbus. A group of Chic Harley enthusiasts, that included myself, came up with sign idea after learning that the East High School football field was undergoing major renovation this year. Several years ago I noticed that a small Harley Field sign that had been in place at the location had fallen into disrepair. When a group of us visited Harley Field in April, there was no sign at all. That’s when the decision was made to have a whole new, large sign made and outfitted in the school’s colors. The sign was manufactured in Chicago and shipped to the high school a few months ago. 

Accompanying me to view the sign for the first time early Thursday evening, Oct. 29 was Reamsnider, who activated the football field lights, my wife Carolyn and fellow worker and big Chic supporter Mary Alice Wenzl. When we first gazed our eyes upon the sign we were amazed at its neat and perfectly placed appearance. It glowed and was sized just right so people sitting in the visitors bleachers across the field could easily read its lettering. As far as we know the only Harley Field sign currently in existence is a small directional street sign mounted on a traffic light about a half-mile away.

The importance of the Harley Field sign cannot be overstated. It is the first of what we hope and believe will be more than one fitting tribute to Uncle Chic, the man who lit up not only East High School’s gridiron in the seasons of 1912, ‘13 and ‘14, but the entire football and sports program at nearby Ohio State University and even professional football as a member of the Decatur Staleys, which are now known as the Chicago Bears.

Everyone who has purchased a copy of my 300-page biography, “The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete”, contributed to its creation and mounting on the East High School press box. Proceeds from the sale of the book were used to pay for the sign and its shipping. 

So to all our you, thanks and congratulations!

Now we move on to other fitting tributes to Chic. Hopefully the good folks at Ohio State—and its fans and alumni—will realize that something needs to be done to better recognize what Harley has done for OSU and all of college football.

As we’ve suggested before, a statue of Chic standing in front of Ohio Stadium’s grand entrance—or naming the gridiron Harley Field—would be perfect and worthy tributes.

So far, no one has stepped up to the plate, though some interest has been expressed.

—-Todd Wessell