Vol. 13, No. 4 Fall 2004

‘Some Came Running’ to Robinson – and a ‘Whistle’ Stop in Memphis in 2005

The James Jones Literary Soci- ety will move back towards the mainstream next fall when it will hold its 15th annual symposium in Memphis, Tennessee. The October 8, 2005 program will feature Whis- tle, the final novel in Jones’s World War II trilogy. Whistle was finished after Jones’s death by his friend, the late Willie Morris, who wrote the final two and a half chapters from Jones’s notes and tape recordings. And much of the novel takes place in Luxor, the author’s fictional name for Memphis. The University of Memphis English department will co- sponsor the 2005 event. The famed Peabody Hotel will be the event’s Kaylie Jones with John Smelcer, winner of the 2004 JJLS First Novel headquarters, and the aural and Fellowship, at the Robinson Symposium. See pages 6-7 for more pho- gustatory pleasures of Beale St. tos. and its barbeque will be awaiting the attendees. Many more details sium’s close-up look at the au- success in every way—in terms of will be reported in the next issue of thor’s home town and at the Jones attendance and increased member- the Society’s newsletter by new novel it helped generate: Some ship; in terms of well-rounded ar- JJLS president Jerry Bayne of Mt. Came Running. tistic presentation; and, last but not Carmel, Illinois. Robinson symposium chair- least, in terms of financial success But before getting revved up man Dave Nightingale put it this for an organization that needs all about an event that’s still 10 way: “Although some were dis- of the financial help it can get.” months down the road, let’s not pleased with the idea, the Society’s One point at a time: First, at- forget to take a look back—a very steering committee still went ahead tendance. long look—at the “grass roots and tried something completely The actual gate count in Rob- block party” held in Robinson, Il- different this time around, and I inson was nearly 200. That’s sig- linois on October 23, which fea- am immodestly proud to say that nificantly more than the average tured the 14th JJLS sympo- our 2004 game plan was a huge (continued on page 8) Where have we been and dent, Helen Howe as secretary and THE JAMES JONES Juanita Martin as treasurer." The where are we going? motion passed. But, at that mo- LITERARY SOCIETY ment I had only a vague notion --by Jerry L. Bayne, NEWSLETTER about what I had just voted to es- President Vol. 13, No. 4 tablish, let alone whether the or- James Jones Literary Society Fall, 2004 ganization would survive and

thrive or not. Serving as the president of an Editor The organization grew slowly Thomas J. Wood all voluntary, not-for-profit, na- but qualitatively the first few tional organization with 27 ener- years. A major event happened Editorial Advisory Board getic and enthusiastic board mem- that would change the course and Dwight Connelly bers is a challenging and interest- mission of the organization during Kevin Heisler ing endeavor. Richard King a weekend in April of 1995 in a When I fielded the call in Au- Michael Mullen dirty and cheap hotel meeting gust of 2003 from Don Sackrider, Hugh Mulligan room near the Chicago O'Hare who was calling me on behalf of David Nightingale Airport. Several board members the nominating committee, about met as part of a strategic planning serving a third time as president, I The James Jones Society retreat. The intent was to establish Newsletter is published quarterly did not hesitate to accept the invi- some short-range, mid-range and to keep members and interested tation. The nominating committee long-range goals for the organiza- parties apprised of activities, pro- is comprised entirely of former tion. Judy Everson, president of jects and upcoming events of the presidents of the organization. the organization then, facilitated Society; to promote public interest Knowing the former presidents as I and academic research in the the brainstorming planning ses- do, it was a personal honor for me works of James Jones; and to sion. There were ten of us partici- to have their support and confi- celebrate his memory and legacy. pating: Mike Lennon, Kevin He- dence in proposing my nomina- Submissions of essays, fea- isler, Tom Wood, Kathy Stillwell, tion. tures, anecdotes, photographs, Helen Howe, Juanita Martin, Kay- Our organization has a tradi- etc., pertaining to the author lie Jones and Vanessa Faurie. James Jones may be sent to the tion that the vice president is next The top three organizational editor for consideration. Every at- in line to serve as president. I had priorities had already been estab- tempt will be made to return ma- already agreed to serve again as lished by the membership and reaf- terial, if requested upon submis- treasurer in 2004, so I had a unique firmed by the board (and re- sion. Material may be edited for perspective to work with Dave length, clarity and accuracy. Send reaffirmed by the membership and Nightingale this past year as both submissions to: board in 2000). They are, in order his vice president and his treasurer. of priority, 1) to sponsor and fund Dave is a tough "can-do" kind of Thomas J. Wood a first novel fellowship, 2) to host Archives/Special Collections, LIB 144 guy. And I doubt that anyone will annual symposia to promote ap- University of Illinois at Springfield be able to match the amount of preciation for Jones's literary P.O. Box 19243 hours which Dave devoted to serv- Springfield, IL, 62794-9423 works, and 3) to publish a newslet- ing as president. But I pledge to do [email protected]. ter. my best. What came out of that think- The James Jones Literary So- Writers’ guidelines available upon tank retreat was a definitive plan to request and online. ciety has traveled so far since the guide our organization's growth organization was formed in that and success during the past 10 The James Jones Literary Society small party dining area in the years. There were so many won- web page: basement of the Robinson Elks derful ideas that came out of that Club following the first sympo- http://jamesjoneslitsociety.vinu retreat that have evolved to fruition sium in 1991. I was among the .edu/ ... too many to mention here. But, group of about 25 having dinner emphasizing sound financial plan- when Mike Lennon stood and said, Information about the James ning was an important ingredient Jones First Novel Fellowship: "I move we start the James Jones in the plan. Literary Society and I nominate The JJLS first novel fellow- http://www.wilkes.edu/humanities/ George Hendrick as the first presi- jones.html ship endowment was eventually

Page 2 – Fall 2004 James Jones Literary Society Newsletter established in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service and There will also be activities on the Wilkes University in Wilkes- we began writing our own checks. University of Memphis campus on Barre, Pennsylvania. The Wilkes (Re: Some Came Running ... we Friday and Sunday. Detailed in- Foundation money managers, are using the Dave Hirsh bank and formation about the symposium along with Mike Lennon who co- not the Frank Hirsh bank, says will be included in the next news- ordinates the annual contest, have Helen Howe.) Shortly thereafter letter. Our focus will be on giving been outstandingly successful. In we received official not-for-profit a treatment to Jones's last novel, 2005 the first place cash award corporation recognition from the which is the completion of his tril- will become an unrestricted check Illinois Secretary of State and the ogy, Whistle. A scholarly and in- in the amount of $10,000.00 to the Illinois Attorney General. sightful series of presentations are winner. In May of this year we re- being planned. Concerning priority #2, it was ceived our golden letter from the There are also new initiatives recommended to the take our an- Internal Revenue Service granting on the table for 2005. nual symposia on the road but to the JJLS "permanent status" as a Cullom Davis is chairing the return to Robinson, Jones's birth- 501(c)3 public charitable organiza- Hendrick Research Committee. place and hometown, every three tion. Ray Elliott, Ron Bailey, Jua- His committee is planning a cam- years. Judy proposed that we go to nita Martin and Warren Mason, paign to promote new scholarly re- the University of Illinois at Spring- who served as treasurer through search about Jones and his life and field, which we did in 1996 and the Paris project, deserve a big his literature. 1997. Helen and Kathy and Jua- time tip of the hat from us all for Ray Elliott, vice president, is nita suggested we hold a sympo- this accomplishment. spearheading an effort with the Il- sium at the University of Illinois at The second time I served as linois Humanities Council to pro- Urbana-Champaign, which we did president I knew our plan was to vide a speaker's bureau promoting in 2000. Mike, Kevin and Kaylie host the annual symposium at the Jones and his literature. suggested we hold a symposium American University in Paris. I Don Sackrider and his finance on Long Island, which we did in was serving as vice president and I committee members are devising 1999. Vanessa suggested we go to had over a year to help coordinate ways to increase our operating Paris, which we did in 2002. Tom and organize the Paris project. fund endowment, which is entirely suggested we go to the University But, I also knew that we were go- separate from the Wilkes Univer- of Texas in Austin, which we did ing to need a budget of $25,000.00 sity Foundation First Novel Fel- in 2003, and to Memphis, which to mount the Paris production. lowship fund. As our initiatives we will do in 2005. (Considering all who attended, we increase, so do our fixed costs and The first time I served as probably injected $250,000 into financial obligations. Their com- president, our organizational fi- the Paris economy that week.) petent work and proven track re- nances and operations were sup- Working with the financial plan- cord are very important to our suc- ported by Lincoln Trail College ning and fund raising for the Paris cess. and the LTC Foundation. We are project were Don Sackrider, Mike Richard King, technology all still very grateful for the help Lennon, Warren Mason and Kevin committee chairperson as well as that was provided by the LTC Heisler. Warren and I had some our web master, is upgrading and Foundation in the early years, but I sweaty palms but the money was refining our web site. can tell you that serving as presi- raised and the bills were paid and Several board members will be dent was often a complicated, con- the Paris project was a fabulous representing the Society at regional fusing and unsettling situation un- success. and national literature association der that arrangement. So, what is in store for you, conventions. After serving as president for and for me, in my third tenure as Tom Wood, archivist and one year I became the organiza- JJLS president? newsletter editor, has some excit- tion's treasurer. It was during this I think 2005 is going to be a ing plans for the newsletter content time that Ray Elliott, as president, fantastic year for The Society. We in the coming year. joined forces with a very skilled are teaming our energies with the Kim Cox, our organization's accountant named Ron Bailey, Jr. English Department of the Univer- attorney-in-residence, is reviewing The vision and intent was to secure sity of Memphis in sponsoring the our by-laws with his committee our own charter and autonomy. 15th Annual JJLS Symposium that members. And he is working with Within a year we were granted will be held at The Memphis Pea- probationary 501(c)3 status from body on Saturday, October 8. (continued on page 8)

James Jones Literary Society Newsletter Page 3 — Fall 2004 Excerpt from no tormenting clouds of mosqui- against him in their small, warm toes. bed. “The Trap” He carefully dropped a few He was close to falling asleep by John E. Smelcer more pieces of wood onto the fire, finally when he heard something in and for a few minutes the flames the distance. It was getting closer. Winner of the 2004 JJLS were happy and provided light and It sounded like breathing, like First Novel Fellowship. warmth. But no matter how good it panting. Then, it was closer, felt, the old man knew that there sounding like the panting of sled was not enough wood to burn such dogs after a long run. The old man “The Trap” has been accepted for a bright, hot fire all night. He had sat up slowly, without turning his publication by Henry Holt. to ration what firewood he had, so eyes from the approaching sound,

he curled into a tight ball, hugging and reached for his spear leaning himself to keep his body heat from beside him. t was getting late, later than I being swept out across the field He could see something com- the old man usually stayed awake, and into the clear, star-raddled ing from the far side of the field, but he and the night were restless. night. shadows loping and panting and Several times he rearranged his kicking up snow as they crossed. bed of green boughs, pulled the It was the wolves. strings tight on his fur-lined parka He could see them now. hood, turned on his side and tried He watched the danc- ing sky for a long time. There were five. Two were in the to sleep. But sleep did not come. lead and three more ran about a His body was restless and tense The shimmering waves of body length behind the next. They from sitting under the tree all day green and red light were were coming straight for the tree, with nothing to do but to worry beautiful. Words are use- straight for the man who did not and wonder. less. The borealis must be move or utter a sound. It was a perfectly clear night. experienced firsthand to A lone wolf is a timid crea- Frost-sharpened stars filled the be understood by the ture, nervous and unsure of itself. sky, a full moon lit the landscape heart. But a pack of hungry wolves is a so bright that he could see across Like love or the loss of dangerous thing, quick and cun- the wide valley, and on the horizon ning and deadly. The old man re- above the far white mountains the a child. membered how a pack of wolves, northern lights were shimmering scavenging along a great lake,

and dancing, pulsing across the once came upon a cabin with a But no matter how tightly he night sky in long, shifting ribbons. dozen sled dogs chained to their curled up his arms and legs, as if to Contrary to popular myth, they little wind-proof houses. The have them vanish entirely so that make no sound at all. Nothing. The wolves killed and ate several dogs the cold could not touch them, he only noise was the creaking of the before the trapper, hearing the began to shiver and tremble. When tree in the wind. He watched the howling ruckus, came out and he opened his eyes, he could see dancing sky for a long time. The drove the wolves away with his ri- the snowmobile and sled, where shimmering waves of green and fle. He had to put down his lead his sleeping bag lay inside a dark, red light were beautiful. Words are dog, which whimpered and trem- green waterproof bag. With his useless. The borealis must be ex- bled in pain from its wounds. foot caught as it was in the wolf perienced firsthand to be under- They stopped when they came trap, the machine might as well be stood by the heart. upon the snowmobile and its a hundred miles away. Like love or the loss of a hitched sled, sniffed around for "How different this night child. only a minute, until they found the would be curled up in that bag," he It was a beautiful, clear night, moose quarters. All five attacked thought. even though it was so cold now them, though the frozen meat was He closed his eyes again and that his boots and gloves barely not alive and did not move. They tried to sleep, tried to dream about kept the old man's hands and feet ripped them from the strings secur- home and his warm bed in his warm. If the temperature dropped ing them to the sled, dragged them cabin with its smell of wood much further, they would be use- onto the snow, and tore at them smoke and fish head soup. He tried less. If there was any consolation and growled and fought each other in the cold, it was that there were to dream about his old wife nestled

Page 4 – Fall 2004 James Jones Literary Society Newsletter until there was nothing left but the But on this day, on this win- would cut off their feet. They also heavy, stripped bones. tered field, five hungry wolves say that the hoot of an owl outside Then two of them, those that were only steps away from the old your window at night is a harbin- had come earlier, the old man man who stood up and shouted, ger of death. Such is the serious thought, turned their attention to holding his spear tight in both nature of the northland, grim and the huddled shadow crouched be- hands, his legs apart. He yelled and without humor. neath the tree. Cautiously, they waved the sharp-pointed spear Albert Least-Weasel sat down came closer, weaving from side to while the wolves growled and and did not listen to the owl. side, stopping to look and smell. bared their fangs and took quick “Go away,’ he shouted to the Curious. Wary. snapping bites out of the cold air darkness. “Tonight is not my time The others followed. and made terrible, clicking sounds to die.” This wasn’t the first time the with their teeth. Their ears were His mind began to wander to old man had been encircled by pulled back flat against their dark, warm places. He thought about the wolves. Once, long ago, when he shaggy heads, and their eyes small sauna behind his cabin. Once was still a boy, a pack of wolves seemed to glow in the moonlight. a week, he and his wife went out to followed him as he trudged home But no matter how loud the the sauna, sat inside it until their on snowshoes with a rucksack full man shouted and no matter how he sweat flowed from their bodies to of rabbits he had shot in the win- waved the long spear, they did not the plywood floor, where it gath- tered hills. He had been all day in retreat. The man's presence may ered into a river which emptied the field with his single-shot have frightened a lone wolf, or into a lake of salt water behind the twenty-two rifle. For over a mile even two, but he did not intimidate small wood stove that glowed red they followed him, weaving on and a pack of hungry wolves. hot--packed with dry, split spruce off the trail ahead and behind him. Still shouting and holding the or birch. Every so often, they At times, they loped along in the spear and without once moving his would step outside to cool down scraggly trees left or right of the eyes from the pack, the old man beneath the stars, steam rising off trail, hiding behind tree trunks or bent over slowly and reached for their naked, brown bodies. deadfalls, curious and determined. one of the long, thick spruce He wished he could be in the When he came upon a clear- boughs he used for his bed. When sauna with his wife now. ing, the pack circled him, snarling he found one, he stood up and But there was no warmth here and snapping at the cold air. He eased the bushy end into the fire. and no companionship, only a dry stood his ground with his rifle, Within seconds it was aflame. The wind singing over the snow. even though he knew he would entire end was engulfed in flames For the rest of the long, anx- only get off one shot before the and it seemed to light up the whole ious night, the old man did not pack would fall upon him. world. He waved the firebrand in sleep. He sat with his back to the But they didn’t. the faces of the ferocious animals tree with his arms folded across his Both sides stood their ground that, fearing fire more than the old chest and his knees tucked up close on that white field, yelling or man, turned and ran back into the against his folded arms. He waited growling, showing their power and night, into the trees and into the far like that, watching for shadows to menace. Finally, Albert realized hills. come down from the hill on the that it was the contents of his pack When he could no longer see other side of the wide, moonlit they wanted. They could smell the them, he placed the burning bough field. game. Slowly, without taking his on the fire and stood for a long But nothing came. The hours eyes off the wolves, he fumbled time, catching his breath and calm- and hours dragged on, and the with the drawstring, opened the ing his nerves. His body was night dragged on. Somewhere long bag, reached in and pulled out each warmed from the activity and the past midnight, the owl flew away, rabbit and flung them as far away rush of fear. and the great white world was as he could. While the hungry pack Somewhere nearby, in a tree quiet and empty again, so quiet the devoured their easy meal and across the field, an owl was calling old man could almost hear starfall fought over bits and pieces, the to him, speaking his name, its soft as he sat waiting for the onrush of young boy ran home as fast as his voice like a dull knife cutting sleep. snowshoes could carry him across through the night. the deep snow. In their culture, parents used to Copyright 2004, John E. Smelcer. The wolves did not follow, tell children who were talking at Used with permission. and he never saw them again. night instead of sleeping that owls

James Jones Literary Society Newsletter Page 5 — Fall 2004 Photographs from the 14th Annual James Jones Literary Society Symposium, Lincoln Trail College, Robinson, Illinois, October 23, 2004.

L- R: Kaylie Jones (daughter of James Jones), John Smelcer (winner of the 2004 First Novel Fellowship), Dave Nightingale (outgoing JJLS President), and Evan Inboden (winner of the 2004 James Jones Creative Writing Award).

JJLS Director Helen Howe and Shirley Kelly of Lawrenceville, Illinois. Howe was a friend of “Arkie” Ashby, and Kelly is his daughter. Ashby was the model for the character “Bama Dillert” in Jones’s novel Some Came Running.

Banner over Main Street in Robinson, Illinois, announcing the 2004 James Jones Literary Society Sym- posium.

Long-time Robinson residents Dr. Otto “Bud” Prier, Mary Fran Lewis Whittinghill, and Wilbur “Wib” Powden shared their reminiscences with the Symposium crowd.

James Jones Literary Society Newsletter Page 7 — Fall 2004

Where have we been… ‘Running’ to Robinson tional talks; extensive newspaper (continued from page 3) (continued from page 1) coverage in the area; and a never- before-attempted full page news- a committee to explore the possi- attendance at the seven previous paper advertisement.” bility of holding the 2006 sympo- Robinson symposia. That’s over- Society planners admitted that sium at Florida International Uni- whelmingly more than the atten- this symposium wasn’t really de- versity where Jones taught creative dance at the 2003 symposium in signed to draw attendees from far, writing when he and his family re- Austin, Texas. And that’s even far away. Still, “some came run- turned stateside from Paris. Kim somewhat more than attended the ning” from all directions—from has also been asked to serve as Society’s 1999 “all-star” sympo- California, Washington and Alaska Ray's vice president ... so our lead- sium in Southampton, New York, in the west; from Arizona, Texas, ership plan for the coming years is which featured such legendary New Mexico and Oklahoma in the in place. writers as Norman Mailer, William southwest; from New York, New Kaylie Jones (and where Styron. Budd Schulberg, Betty Hampshire, Florida and the Dis- would the organization be without Comden Kyle, Peter Matthiessen trict of Columbia in the east; from her cheerful, honest, heartfelt en- and the late Joseph Heller. nearby Indiana, Wisconsin, Ten- ergy and optimism?) continues to The 2004 crowd also led to nessee and Ohio—and even from work with publishers to reprint several new faces coming under Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Jones novels and to promote the the JJLS banner. “We increased The goal of the symposium literary works of our first novel our membership during sympo- was to inexorably tie the town of fellowship award winners. She sium week by a minimum of 10 Robinson to Jones’s Some Came and her committee members have per cent and we’re still awaiting Running novel, both in terms of only chosen deserving and truly ar- the results of a spin-off recruiting the physical and the personalities. tistic unpublished writers. drive from the event,” said Night- Three octogenarian panelists The JJLS is a one-of-a-kind ingale, who also is the Society with local roots—Wib Powden and organization. Our future is bright, membership chairman. Bud Prier of Robinson and Mary blindingly bright. 2005 is going to Why the huge attendance in- Fran Whittinghill of Winter Ha- be a year to remember. Thank you crease? According to Nightingale, ven, Florida—spent their stage for giving me the privilege to serve it was for two principal reasons. time discussing how the swinging as president again. During my 30 “First, our live cast was com- life in post-World War II Robinson years as a community college in- prised entirely of current or former certainly would have been able to structor or administrator, I have Robinson residents. And they have provide Jones with all of the nec- done many things. Being a part of a much greater drawing power essary ingredients for the plot of this organization is in the top tier than an outside speaker who— his novel. And author Ray Elliott of the list of personally rewarding although perhaps a titan in his or of Urbana, Illinois, another county experiences. her own particular field—is not native and former JJLS president, (And, thanks Helen Howe - well-known in a small commu- guided them through their paces as during my rookie years especially - nity,” he said. moderator. for introducing me to Jones's lit- “And second, because we were Society director Kim Cox of erature and for teaching me many able to concentrate all of our pro- San Diego, California, tied the other things too.) motion in one specific small physical points of the novel’s area—Robinson and surrounding mythical “Parkman” and “Cray Have you moved? Crawford County—we were able County” to physical points in to- to put on the most intense advertis- day’s Robinson community and Planning to move? ing campaign in symposium his- Crawford County. tory. It included banners over Main Flashes of glitz came from a Send your change of address to: Street, a mayoral ‘James Jones panel discussion about Robinson Week’ proclamation, merchant gambler “Arkie” Ashby, the proto- James Jones Literary Society window flyers, broad distribution type for Some Came Running’s P.O. Box 68 of JJLS newsletters that had a 100 Bama Dillert character. Panelists Robinson, IL 62454 per cent symposium editorial con- were Robinson’s Helen Howe, a tent; television and radio promo- long time friend of Ashby’s, and

Page 8 – Fall 2004 James Jones Literary Society Newsletter Gail Martin Downey (by speaker- However, it did not begin to rectors for a three-year term, re- phone from Toluca Lake, Califor- cover the more than $1,000 con- placing Dr. Robert Klaus of Chi- nia), the daughter of the late Dean tributed in the form of services cago, who resigned due the press Martin, who portrayed Dillert in provided by co-sponsor Lincoln of medical duties….Dr. Ed Seidel the film version of the novel. Trail College of Robinson, such as of Washington, D.C., also was (Parenthetically, a member of rent-free use of the LTC audito- named to the board to fill the final the audience—Ashby’s daughter, rium and the services of the men year of the term of Southern Illi- Shirley Kelly from nearby Law- who handled the stage technology nois University instructor Tony renceville—gave her solid stamp and clean-up. Nor did it cover Williams, who resigned because of of approval to the discussion.) more than 500 hours of volunteer family commitments….Dr. Seidel The body of the presentation work by members of the 2004 is the grandson of late Robinson was held together by the introduc- symposium steering committee. judge Bill McCarty, who was iden- tory remarks of Society chairman “But one other unique set of tified as the prototype for “Judge Nightingale and by a segment in symposium financial figures will Deacon” in Some Came Running. which he matched real local names remain with me for the longest to the faces of the novel’s charac- time,” said Nightingale. “We spent Minutes of the ters. an average of $5 a head in promo- The symposium closed with a tion to attract the crowd that we James Jones Literary showing of the motion picture did, a crowd that didn’t have to Society Board of Some Came Running, starring pay a cent to attend. Now, I grant Directors Meeting, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and you, that doesn’t sound very good Friday, October 22, 2004 Shirley MacLaine. in a business sense—so maybe But perhaps the real eye- that’s why we don’t have any trou- The James Jones Literary Society grabber was one of the convoca- ble retaining our not-for-profit Board of Directors met on October tion’s opening numbers. That was status. 22, 2004, at the home of Maxine a 12-minute Edward R. Murrow “But we certainly wouldn’t Zwermann, Robinson, IL. “Person to Person” video clip from have been able to purchase a full President Dave Nightingale January, 1958, with the television page newspaper ad without the fi- called the meeting to order at 3:15 personality interviewing James nancial assistance of the Illinois p.m. Board Members present Jones and his wife Gloria on the Humanities Council and without a were: Jerry Bayne, Cullom Davis, day the novel Some Came Running program that was relatively inex- Dwight Connelly, Kathy Stillwell, went to press in New York. This pensive, because we didn’t have to Thomas Wood, Judy Everson, Ray was followed by an on-stage fund large amounts of travel costs Elliott, Kim Cox, Kaylie Jones, commentary from Jones’s novelist and honoraria for the participants.” Helen Howe, Richard King, Jua- daughter Kaylie of New York City, nita Martin, Mike Mullen, Diane and that combination really SYMPOSIUM SIDE NOTES— Reed, Jon Shirota and Maxine seemed to energize the audience Bayne moved up to president Zwermann. and to serve as the keynote for the of the JJLS for the next two years, Jerry Bayne moved, seconded day’s program. after serving as vice-president and by Kim Cox, that the minutes of The final highlight of the day? treasurer in 2004. He replaced the 2003 Board meeting be ac- The artistic was replaced by the fi- Nightingale, who will become the cepted. Motion carried. nancial. treasurer in 2005. Former president It was moved by Kim Cox, The Society realized $2,000 in Elliott was chosen the new vice- seconded by David Nightingale, to the form of a grant to the sympo- president, while Kathy Stillwell of accept the Treasurer’s Report as sium from the Illinois Humanities Knoxville, Tennessee, retained her presented by Jerry Bayne. Motion Council, $1,050 from outright gifts secretary’s position and Tom carried. to JJLS operating coffers during Wood of the University of Illinois symposium week and $750 from at Springfield library remained as Committee Reports: new membership dues. Society archivist-historian and

That cash total almost equaled newsletter editor….Eastern Illinois 2004 Symposium Committee the out-of-pocket money spent on University instructor Doug David Nightingale reported no the production by the JJLS, which Lawhead, a former Robinson Daily unforeseen problems. Kinks in the is chartered as a not-for-profit or- News photographer, has been video tape have been remedied for ganization in the state of Illinois. added to the Society board of di-

James Jones Literary Society Newsletter Page 9 — Fall 2004 Saturday’s presentation. Nightin- and heartwarming. Kaylie Jones letter. He will publish the text of gale mentioned his appreciation of approved her website link to be in- William Styron’s presentation at the cooperation he received from cluded, as it encourages participa- the 1999 Symposium. He is also Lincoln Trail College. The dedi- tion in the JJLS. Point of fact: five considering using Dr. Morris Dick- cated assistance of LTC president persons at this year’s Symposium stein’s address from the 2003 Dr. Carl Heilman and of Zwer- are attending because of informa- Symposium. mann Arts Center manager Dan tion gleaned from the website.. Bruneau, were invaluable to the King thanked Mike Mullen and Publicity Committee success of the Symposium’s pres- Tom Wood for their cooperation in Chair Dave Nightingale was entation and is noted to be well the frequently asked questions sec- pleased to report a greater amount appreciated by Nightingale and the tion of the site. Vincennes Univer- of promotion for the 2004 sympo- Society. The overhead banners at sity continues to be happy to pro- sium because we were able to use the East and West entrances to vide free web service to the Soci- a narrower market scope. He util- Robinson were provided by Pepsi ety. ized overhead banners at both East through Hellman and Lincoln Trail and West entrances to Robinson as . George Hendrick Research well as more than 100 window- First Novel Fellowship Award Award Committee picture flyers placed in merchants’ Committee Chair Judy Everson reported storefronts, 400 newsletter copies Kaylie Jones reported that there that she and Mike Lennon had dis- distributed locally, two area TV were 593 entries this year. The cussed the Award in August of this appearances, one local radio show, readers -- including Kaylie, Mike year. They were not aware of any- a full page ad in the Robinson Lennon, Patricia Heaman, her thing being appropriate for consid- Daily News and other regional pa- graduate students in the MFA pro- eration at that time. Subsequently pers. Nightingale zeroed in on gram at Wilkes -- narrowed the no nominees were presented. Ever- town and county print media. manuscripts to 60, and then further son was hopeful that next year to six finalists. The winner was scholarly interest in the distribu- 2005 Symposium Steering Native American John Smelcer of tion and republication of Jones’s Committee Chugiak, Alaska for his novel novel The Merry Month of May Chair Jerry Bayne reported "The Trap.” Jones reported that would produce a suitable work for that his committee will be making nine of twelve past winners have consideration. a formal presentation at the Sun- been published. Two novels re- day board meeting. He related that main unfinished and one author re- Membership Committee the faculty of the University of fused suggested changes and re- Chair Dave Nightingale re- Memphis’ Department of English mains unpublished. The 1999 win- ported that as of October, 2003, is eager to participate. A tentative ner has just recently been pub- there are 216 members. In 2004 date has been set for Saturday, Oc- lished. The JJLS First Novel Fel- there was an increase to 221 with tober 8, 2005. lowship award, which will be 83 lifetime memberships. There $10,000 beginning in 2005, is well were a total of seven memberships Old Business respected in the literary world with given as gifts amounting to $105. David Nightingale said he has only one other award at that level. Delinquent members total 33. Six joined the American Literary As- Jones did not recommend raising of these will get their last newslet- sociation, as an unofficial repre- the entry fee at this time. ter this year. Delinquent members sentative of the JJLS, to give the are given a one year grace period Society a foot in the door of that Technology Committee then terminated. Sample newsletter organization. The membership fee Chair Richard King reported will be available at the registration is nominal. We might also consider that the web site is running table on Saturday along with forms sending a representative to the smoothly to date. It continues to to join the Society with a listing of ALA national meeting in 2005. have steady traffic, with over names and addresses. Creative Writing Award winner 45,000 "hits" over the last six to announced by Diane Reed was seven years. He complemented the Newsletter Committee Evan Inboden, a graduate of Lin- information sent to him as useful Chair Tom Wood reported coln Trail College. There were and informative. He recommended that he will continue to use Preston eight entries in this year’s contest. we all take a look at the “Love Let- Mathews of the Wayne County ters” link as it is very worthwhile Press for publication of the news-

Page 10 – Fall 2004 James Jones Literary Society Newsletter New Business Board of Directors for office in Judy Everson moved, sec- Jerry Bayne announced the 2004-2005: Jerry Bayne, President; onded by David Nightingale, that 2005 Symposium Steering Com- Ray Elliott, Vice-President; Dave the George Hendrick Research mittee to include: Jerry Bayne, Nightingale, Treasurer; Kathryn Award Committee place an ad in Chair, Ray Elliott, Judith Everson, Stillwell, Secretary; and Tom the Chronicle of Higher Education Don Sackrider, Kathy Stillwell, Wood, Archivist-Historian. Motion announcing the award with a cash Juanita Martin and Kaylie Jones. carried. prize to be offered. The amount of Jerry Bayne moved, seconded Jerry Bayne suggested Florida the prize would be determined by Kim Cox that the following International University, where later. Motion carried. nominees for the Board of Direc- Jones taught creative writing, be Kim Cox suggested an in- tors be elected for three year terms considered as a symposium site in crease in the monetary award for (2004 - 2007): Dwight Connelly, 2006. As the incoming president, the runner-up in the First Novel Juanita Martin, Ray Elliott, Dave Bayne asked Warren Mason, Dave Fellowship Award be recom- Nightingale, Kaylie Jones, Mike Nightingale, Kim Cox, Don Sack- mended to Mike Lennon with the Lennon, Tom Wood and Don rider and Kaylie Jones to serve on determination of the amount to be Sackrider. Motion carried. the 2006 steering committee and to decided by Wilkes University. It was moved by Judy Ever- explore FIU as a possible sympo- son, seconded by Cullom Davis, sium site. Viet Nam was men- --Respectfully submitted, that the following candidates be tioned by Kaylie Jones as another Kathy Stillwell offered to the membership by the possible future symposium site. JJLS Secretary

2005 James Jones Literary Society Board of Directors

James Barham Kevin Heisler Warren Mason Jon Shirota Champaign, IL New York, NY Meredith, NH Hacienda Heights, CA [email protected] [email protected] amason@mail [email protected] .moultonborough.k12.nh.us Jerry Bayne (President) Barbara Jones Ed Seidel Mt. Carmel, IL Middletown, CT Jack Morris Washington, DC [email protected] [email protected] Robinson, IL [email protected] [email protected] Dwight Connelly Kaylie Jones Kathy Stillwell (Secretary) Martinsville, IL New York, NY Michael Mullen Knoxville, TN [email protected] [email protected] Vincennes, IN [email protected] [email protected] Kim Cox Richard King Jim Turner San Diego, CA Vincennes, IN Hugh Mulligan Terre Haute, IN [email protected] [email protected] Ridgefield, CT [email protected] [email protected] Cullom Davis Doug Lawhead Tom Wood Springfield, IL Ashmore, IL Dave Nightingale (Treasurer) Springfield, IL [email protected] [email protected] Robinson, IL [email protected] [email protected] Ray Elliott (Vice-President) Michael Lennon Maxine Zwermann Urbana, IL Shavertown, PA Diane Reed Robinson, IL [email protected] [email protected] Robinson, IL [email protected] Judith Everson Juanita Martin Springfield, IL Yale, IL Don Sackrider jmartin2@psbnewton .com Key Biscayne, FL [email protected]

James Jones Literary Society Newsletter Page 11 — Fall 2004