The key to Yuba.This tremendous honor has only been bestowed upon one other individual in Yuba's history - Star Trek: The Next Generation cast member and Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton, who received the key in 1994. The key was later rescinded (in fact, Burton hadn't even picked it up) when it was discovered that Burton had no connection to Yuba whatsoever and was only given the key as part of a failed bribe to allow the mayor's children to tape Reading Rainbow Book Reviews.
LeVar Burton... but you don't have to take my word for it.(in case you never watched the show, that was a Reading Rainbow reference)
(Of course, if you never watched the show, you probably never learned to read and therefore can't understand this)
This time around, the Village Council insists that no such scandals will result. Hemingway was chosen due to his close association, both locally and globally, with the town of Yuba. Hemingway's adventures in Yuba have been well documented, from his arrival in town one day in 1919 to his eventual departure just a few minutes later. As the legend goes, a nineteen-year-old Hemingway stopped his automobile on Yuba Road and asked the Yuba Trading Post clerk directions to Walloon Lake. Witnesses say he then surveyed the landscape and gave a "subtle, approving nod" as if to imply that "Yuba was one of the best places on Earth," before returning to his vehicle and driving off never to return again. This world famous exchange is quoted on a commemorative plaque inside the old Yuba schoolhouse:
Giving Hemingway the key to Yuba is a symbolic gesture of the town's gratitude for his civic contributions. It is also a practical gift, as the key opens the gate to Sayler Park and allows Hemingway unrestricted access to the facilities; providing, of course, he obeys all park rules and reserves picnic shelters at least three days in advance. The author will be presented with the key during a five-hour ceremony inside the park. The ceremony is tentatively scheduled for this Saturday, though Hemingway has yet to confirm whether or not this date works for him. In fact, the Village Council sends word that if anyone knows how to reach Hemingway that information would be greatly appreciated - and it just might get you your own key to Yuba someday! (but probably not)
Giving Hemingway the key to Yuba is a symbolic gesture of the town's gratitude for his civic contributions. It is also a practical gift, as the key opens the gate to Sayler Park and allows Hemingway unrestricted access to the facilities; providing, of course, he obeys all park rules and reserves picnic shelters at least three days in advance. The author will be presented with the key during a five-hour ceremony inside the park. The ceremony is tentatively scheduled for this Saturday, though Hemingway has yet to confirm whether or not this date works for him. In fact, the Village Council sends word that if anyone knows how to reach Hemingway that information would be greatly appreciated - and it just might get you your own key to Yuba someday! (but probably not)
Hemingway in 1958, looking for approval from his cat Sprinkles. 
4 comments:
...he named his cat after Angela's on THE OFFICE!
From the Sun Also Rises, 'nest Hemmingway: " Brett and I went and had a drink at the bar; Drinking, drunk, alcohol, booze, hootch. Later we went back and had more beer and wine, abstinthe, at my apartment. I looked at the ceiling; booze and alcohol. Next day, invited Cohen for drink, spirits."
Greetings from HEMINGWAY ON STAGE. I am pleased to inform you that I will accept the YUBA Hemingway award but I must ask you to delay the presentation until March, 2008. I will be in Grand Haven on March 12 and Whitehall on March 13 presenting HEMINGWAY ON STAGE: THE STORIES OF ERNEST HEMINGWAY for the Great Michigan Read and would be pleased to come in person to Yuba. I can be contacted via my alter ego at www.briangordonsinclair.com
What the hell? That's not Ernest Hemingway. That's Brian Gordon Sinclair!
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