I used to read CAR and DRIVER, my dad being a Formula I lover and car enthusiast in general, passions that did not longer with me, save that if I saw an issue, I'd pick it up for McCall alone. But Simcoe-- somehow that name rings a bell. Is it known for anything other than McC?
May 15, 2023·edited May 15, 2023Liked by Douglas Glover
I knew Bruce McCall slightly when I worked for Ziff-Davis magazines, my first job there with Car and Driver under Brock Yates and David E. Davis, Jr. I knew Bruce's sister, Chris, better. She was managing editor of C&D before marrying John Jerome. Your story, Douglas, has brought me home to my writing youth. I knew you, Sydney, at VCFA, later in my writing life.
I remember you better than you might think, Sally. I remember your move to Victoria, say, and your disenchantment. ("It's one of those 'lifestyle' places.") I also remember altering the lyrics of Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally" when our band, the famous Unreliabe Narrators, performed it, so that instead of his refrain ("Ride, Slally, Ride") I sang "Write, Sally, Write.") Good to hear from you!
Oh, Syd. You made my day! Thank you. Phyllis still calls me Mustang Sally. You remain one of my heroes. Did I really say that about Vancouver? Yes, it was hard to move from New England to British Columbia, but I eventually had a chance to teach at Simon Fraser University there and spend a summer traveling on our little boat to Alaska--both exceptional experiences. Still, I will always miss Cornish, NH--and those inspiring times in Montpelier.
Sally, That's a nice coincidence. I'm really glad you left this comment. Would love to sit and talk about those days some time. Probably not to be, but a pleasant thought.
You read McCall that far back in his career! Nice to know. Simcoe, as in Lord Simcoe, John Grave Simcoe, a British general in the Revolutionary War, and lieutenant-general of Upper Canada (what became Ontario) at the end of the 18th century. He abolished slavery and founded York (which became Toronto), otherwise a not particularly interesting man. Lots of places were named after him. Simcoe, the town, is not otherwise notable, not in a way that I would have thought had come across your radar.
To have Adam Gopnik write one's obituary: wow! I remember Bruce McCall from Car and Driver magazine, back in the 70s, both his hilarious columns and his marvelous illustrations. He was in great company at C&D, with writers like Brock Yates, Jean Shepherd, and P. J. O'Rourke, edited by David E Davis: irreverent, anti-establishment, gonzo madmen all. As a working-class kid from the east end of Sault Ste Marie, obsessed with cars, it was Car & Driver as much as anything that gave me a glimpse of what one could do with writing, that made me want to be a writer. I don't think I even knew he was Canadian (let alone your cousin-far-removed). RIP Mr McCall.
Rick, Thanks for this. I am surprised at these three comments, all focused on Car and Driver. I had no idea it was such an exciting read at the time. And Sally's comment re McCall's sister! So many threads drawn together.
Me, a hero? Thanks, Sally. You made MY day!
Just because I have an MFA in fiction doesn't mean I don't tell the truth. Yes, hero. Thank you, Syd.
Nice one, thanks!
I used to read CAR and DRIVER, my dad being a Formula I lover and car enthusiast in general, passions that did not longer with me, save that if I saw an issue, I'd pick it up for McCall alone. But Simcoe-- somehow that name rings a bell. Is it known for anything other than McC?
I knew Bruce McCall slightly when I worked for Ziff-Davis magazines, my first job there with Car and Driver under Brock Yates and David E. Davis, Jr. I knew Bruce's sister, Chris, better. She was managing editor of C&D before marrying John Jerome. Your story, Douglas, has brought me home to my writing youth. I knew you, Sydney, at VCFA, later in my writing life.
I remember you better than you might think, Sally. I remember your move to Victoria, say, and your disenchantment. ("It's one of those 'lifestyle' places.") I also remember altering the lyrics of Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally" when our band, the famous Unreliabe Narrators, performed it, so that instead of his refrain ("Ride, Slally, Ride") I sang "Write, Sally, Write.") Good to hear from you!
Oh, Syd. You made my day! Thank you. Phyllis still calls me Mustang Sally. You remain one of my heroes. Did I really say that about Vancouver? Yes, it was hard to move from New England to British Columbia, but I eventually had a chance to teach at Simon Fraser University there and spend a summer traveling on our little boat to Alaska--both exceptional experiences. Still, I will always miss Cornish, NH--and those inspiring times in Montpelier.
Sally, That's a nice coincidence. I'm really glad you left this comment. Would love to sit and talk about those days some time. Probably not to be, but a pleasant thought.
You read McCall that far back in his career! Nice to know. Simcoe, as in Lord Simcoe, John Grave Simcoe, a British general in the Revolutionary War, and lieutenant-general of Upper Canada (what became Ontario) at the end of the 18th century. He abolished slavery and founded York (which became Toronto), otherwise a not particularly interesting man. Lots of places were named after him. Simcoe, the town, is not otherwise notable, not in a way that I would have thought had come across your radar.
To have Adam Gopnik write one's obituary: wow! I remember Bruce McCall from Car and Driver magazine, back in the 70s, both his hilarious columns and his marvelous illustrations. He was in great company at C&D, with writers like Brock Yates, Jean Shepherd, and P. J. O'Rourke, edited by David E Davis: irreverent, anti-establishment, gonzo madmen all. As a working-class kid from the east end of Sault Ste Marie, obsessed with cars, it was Car & Driver as much as anything that gave me a glimpse of what one could do with writing, that made me want to be a writer. I don't think I even knew he was Canadian (let alone your cousin-far-removed). RIP Mr McCall.
Rick, Thanks for this. I am surprised at these three comments, all focused on Car and Driver. I had no idea it was such an exciting read at the time. And Sally's comment re McCall's sister! So many threads drawn together.
Much appreciated, Ken.