Many years ago, I’m guessing 1977 or 78, I attended a PHC show on the campus of St. Kate’s. I don’t remember who was on the show, but I recall vividly that when Garrison was holding forth with the News From Lake Wobegon, he became so enthralled with his own yarn that he completely forgot about time. Mesmerized, the audience sat, leaning forward in their seats, and let themselves be transported to that magical place that only a good story teller can take you.
By the time his new report ended and he realized that he had exceeded the time allocated for the live radio show, there was nothing he could do about it. So, he causally mentioned that the show had run long, but that we might as well just finish up with some music, after which there was a stampede for the bathrooms.
Last year was the 40th anniversary of the PHC, and everyone remotely familiar with the show was reminiscing about their favorite PHC memories. But I didn’t see or hear anyone ever mentioning the show that had continued past it’s live broadcasting time. I began to doubt that it had ever happened. Until yesterday, that is.
Garrison wrote on FB about a show he had done the previous night. The show had lasted three hours, too long for a weeknight in his own estimation. He had promised himself earlier in his career, he said, to not be so long-winded, but admitted that it was a promise he hadn’t been able to keep, but a promise he is rededicating himself to.
One of the responses he got to this post was a from a woman in Eagan. She, too, had attended that PHC show that had gone overtime. I responded to her that I had been at that show at St. Kate’s, and she confirmed that that was in fact where it was.
I have mentioned that show to others a couple of times, but have never met anyone who had heard about it, or believed it. I feel vindicated.
When have you come to doubt a memory?
Trail Baboon 