More random thoughts. How can each conference seem to surpass the previous one? I'd like to add my voice to those saying how enriching and encouraging it was to have a lively contingent of Japanese Twain scholars participating in the conference, but I'd also like to say that I found the presence of so many international scholars a great boon. Scholars from England, India, France, Germany, and Hong Kong immediately come to mind. Retired folks, independent scholars, editors, young up-and-coming scholars--what a rich mix, and all so welcoming. Many legacies, indeed. Linda Morris On Aug 8, 2013, at 2:08 PM, Harold Hellwig <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > I found the conference exhilarating, enjoyable, and wonderful. My thanks > to the folks at Elmira College for the food, for the hospitality, for the > opportunity to meet with Twain scholars who I’ve met only by way of print, > and for the chance to meet with those I know. > > Let’s get my story of being locked out at Meier Hall out of the way. The > first night I arrived late, and had a helpful escort by Campus Security to > the building. I made his acquaintance again, however, after I had settled > in, stepped out into the hallway in my pajamas and heard the mechanical > click of the door lock behind me, just then realizing that the key was > still inside, along with my cell phone. I, with some awkwardness and > sinking feeling, knocked on my neighbor’s door; she understood the > situation without my having to say very much (well, my pajamas are sporty > but obvious). A noted scholar from Japan, she rescued me by going > downstairs and retrieving Campus Security. I’ve rarely felt that stupid > and vulnerable, standing in the hallway with just the shorts on, admiring > the woodwork on the floor. The same Campus Security officer who had let me > in earlier now let me in without too much of a grin, and cheerfully > observed that “the kids do this all the time.” And my new-found friend > from Japan taught me a trick with the door mechanism that would keep the > door unlocked—if I needed that—and I used her trick to keep myself from > that mistake again. > > She proved to be for the next few days a wonderful neighbor; we didn’t say > much but I always welcomed her ready and cheerful greetings. > > I met some new Twain scholars, some that I knew, and some new to > scholarship. I found my Mary Fairbanks for the conference, and she made > sure that I mingled and talked with everyone; I am ever so grateful for her > presence and charm. I met someone relatively new to the field working on > material I thought I kind of knew until I heard her talk; I met someone > seasoned who apparently could read my mind on material I ought to pursue. I > met so many fine folks and I am energized. The panels were thoughtfully > organized, and I wish I could have gone to all of them. I am overwhelmed > by the courtesy, amiability, and generosity of spirit shown by Barb, Mark, > Tim, and Abbey. Twainians are charming, approachable, and interesting, > and I had quite a few conversations, not always about Twain. And I feel > welcomed by that community. Thank you for Quarry Farm, for the > conversations, for the food, and for the sense of shared purpose and spirit. > > > > Harold Hellwig or “Hal” > > Department of English and Philosophy > > Idaho State University > > > > > On Mon, Aug 5, 2013 at 7:18 AM, Hal Bush <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > >> I invite all participants to record here you initial thoughts about Elmira >> 2013... as a mean of processing our collective experience. For me: >> >> --Many thanks to Barb and all the staff for a great event. >> >> --I'm blown away by the vigor and commitment of the Japanese Twain >> community. Many of them traveled up to 18 hours or more to be in NY for >> the show. My thanks for their diligence and contributions to the fine >> program. In addition: I felt like the memorial for Prof. Nagawara (whom I >> called the Henry Nash Smith of Twain studies in Japan and mentor to many of >> our colleagues) was one of the poignant highlights of our gathering. >> Nagawara-sensei's story is compelling: he miraculously survived the >> Hiroshima attack, in which many in his immediate family were killed, and >> yet went on to become an advocate and huge fan of one of our great American >> authors. What an amazing life! >> >> --Sunset on the porch at Quarry Farm on Saturday = priceless. >> >> --Mainly, it's about seeing old friends; but that's just me. (There were >> some good papers, too!) >> >> Cheers (and Otsukare-sama deshita!), --Hal B. >> >> >> >> -- >> Prof. Harold K. Bush >> Professor of English >> 3800 Lindell >> Saint Louis University >> St. Louis, MO 63108 >> 314-977-3616 (w); 314-771-6795 (h) >> <www.slu.edu/x23809.xml> >>