The One And Only

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