Wherever you are today, resolve to give some random human being a big New Year's hug and say to that person, "Congratulations on making it one fifth the way through the physical and psychological matrix of the 21st Century." That is no small accomplishment. And for those of you who might consider yourself in my squad of life-sloggers, it's time to make a bucket list if you haven't already done so. Remember, Marilyn Monroe is no longer with us. I'm making a suggestion for your list that you might find appealing because of the sheer audacity of the event that is known in the environs of Grants Pass, Oregon, as Harvey's Hundred-year Leap.
It occurred in 1988 as a part of the celebration of Grants Pass High School's 100 years of service to Grants Pass and Josephine County since starting with four students in 1888. The high school has always been a uniquely special institution for the community and the weeklong celebration reflected the community's love for their school. The most dramatic event was the Saturday parade through the city with class floats, some with elaborate decorations, that carried the classmates of that graduation year. The last float was actually an open convertible draped with a banner proclaiming the class of 1912 and carrying a lone 94-year-old survivor waving to the crowds lining the street..
The parade ended at the fairgrounds, where the closing ceremony would be held. The entrance pavilion held a huge one layer birthday cake that covered four tables and occupied the center of the room. Georgann and I were near the cake when we heard something behind us that sounded like chanting and rhythmic hand clapping. It seemed to build in volume: "Harvey, Harvey, Harvey, Harvey, Harvey,Harvey..and suddenly here came Harvey, slicing his way through the crowd, passing us, running toward the cake and then, with a mighty leap, hurling himself face down, arms outspread like wings, into the center of the cake.
Now that's a hard act to follow, so nobody did. Realists acknowledged that the cake had been there for a number of days and probably had few prime cuts while many other celebrants were less charitable. But Harvey had his 15 minutes of fame and you can still view his take-off spot today although there is no memorial plaque.
Put Harvey's historic launch on your bucket list and then go see the Oregon Caves.
