This Movie is Rated G – for G. Oliver Riggs

Dad and I are still basking in the glow of Wednesday’s emotionally rewarding event.  I gave my presentation, “G. Oliver Riggs, St. Cloud’s Music Man,” to a full house at the Stearns History Museum.

Most people in the crowd appeared to be breakfast club meeting regulars; they come every month to hear talks on a variety of historical topics while munching on doughnuts and other breakfast treats.  We also had a few attend people because of this specific topic, including 88-year-old Francis Schellinger, who played in G. Oliver’s band in the 1930s.

Seeing Francis again made my day.  I met him in June 2008 when we celebrated G. Oliver Riggs Day at the museum, and I interviewed him two months later at his Avon, Minn., home about his experiences in the St. Cloud Municipal Boys’ band.  I hadn’t talked to him since then, and I wasn’t sure how his health was.  Turns out, he had a stroke a few months ago, but he still remembered me.

When I told him he looked great, he told me that I hadn’t aged a day and that I looked “vivacious.”  You can see why he’s one of my favorite people.

Me with Francis Schellinger, one of G. Oliver’s former band boys.

Thanks to the efforts of my mom, Anne, we have a video of yesterday’s 50-minute presentation.  I don’t think she expected to be called upon to be my videographer, but she’s a woman of action, a marathon runner and a kayaker, and I knew she’d be up for the challenge.

For those of you who couldn’t attend yesterday but wanted to hear my presentation, pop some popcorn and find a comfortable seat.  You can keep your cell phone turned on, if you’d like.

St. Cloud’s Music Man, Part 1: How and why the project began

Part 2: G. Oliver’s early years, and his move to St. Cloud

Part 3: The Pride of St. Cloud – the boys in the band



Part 4: G. Oliver’s final years, and concluding thoughts