Chapter One- SOMETHING GOOD
Good. Sometimes we spend our day searching, hoping, wishing, maybe even praying that something will enter our life that even minimally, creates an upswing in our mood. A gesture, an event, a slice of pizza, good news in the mail, our team continuing their double digit winning streak- anything that lessens the monotony, the scrutiny, the anger or the pressure that another day has brought us.
Many times in life the key to unlocking the bitterness that holds us captive and makes us forgetful and possibly blind to anything that might contain the key of releasing our pain is a simple smile.
It can be as elementary as a wordless acknowledgement or as complete as an accompanying hug and a mountain of kind words, thrilling as the birth of a child.
That grin, thin or wide, can come from a co-worker, a waitress, a fellow worker, a family member, or a small child.
Jody Wolcott was born in 1950 and died in 1961 of complications from rheumatoid arthritis. He was a little boy who, in the words of his older brother, Jeff, "touched the whole town. He encapsulated the spirit of his time."
This is Jody's story.
Chapter Two- THE WOLCOTT FAMILY.
Margaret (Cawley) Wolcott and Joseph Wolcott were married on June 22, 1946 in St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Eldred.
Margaret was born in Eldred in 1918 and was a 1935 graduate of Eldred High School. She received her education degree from Seton Hill College in 1939.
She first taught in the Leechburg schools, eventually continuing her teaching career at Eldred High School until it closed in 1958. She then made the move to the new, consolidated Otto-Eldred High School where she was employed in the science and home economics department, retiring in 1978.
Joe was born on May 11, 1918 in Eldred, also graduating from Eldred High School and later the Peddie Prepatory School and received his degree from Saint Bonaventure University in 1941.
Joe followed a similar path as his wife of 67 years; beginning his teaching career at Eldred High School and later transitioning to Otto-Eldred where he was a history and social studies instructor, retiring in 1980.
The almost inseparable pair resided in their South Main Street House since 1946. Joe passed away at the age of 94 in April of 2013. Margaret died seven months later at the age of 95.
The couple had three children. The oldest, Jeff, graduated from Otto-Eldred in 1965, Jody was the middle child, and the youngest, Jerome graduated in 1973.
Jane McClean Larson said, "I didn't know Jody. I did have the pleasure of writing an article and taking a photo for one of his parents' wedding anniversaries-thinking it was in the early 80's. They were lovely people....well loved in the Otto-Eldred area."
The Wolcotts and Cawleys were staples of the town of Eldred. Unless a person is a relative newcomer to Eldred or a stranger to the surrounding communities of Rixford and Duke Center, there's a fairly good chance that someone in the household is familiar with at least one of the Wolcott parents or children.
Sports played an integral role in Joe and Margaret's life with their three boys. Floyd Joseph Wolcott (Joe), the same birth name as Jody, was an outstanding baseball pitcher at Saint Bonventure University (1938-1941)
He had a professional tryout with the Philadelphia Athletics and once talked about having a humorous conversation with Athletics' star outfielder, Al Simmons. It's a very common exchange when an Eldred resident attempts to explain where he calls home. The roundabout talk has probably stayed in the same realm for a century or more.
Simmons asked Joe where he was from and Joe answered, "Northern Pennsylvania."
"Where exactly?" Simmons asked.
"South of Buffalo," Joe replied.
"Well, what's the name of the town?" The major leaguer quizzed.
Joe, as countless Eldred citizens still do, figuring Simmons never had heard of Eldred, said, "a couple of hours from Erie, Pennsylvania."
Simmons, probably tired of the 20 questions game, finally demanded that Joe tell him the name of his hometown.
The young, small town pitcher finally uttered the name, "Eldred."
Simmons laughed and said, "I know where Eldred is. I've been there. I have a hunting camp in Potter County."
Joe Wolcott didn't win a spot on the Philadelphia A's roster, but his success in baseball had taken only a brief pause. He was instrumental in starting the Eldred Little League program and coached both basketball at Eldred High and the Little League team until 1965.
Many area residents and their elders still remember Joe as one of the coaches who led the Potter-McKean Little League team to the state championship in 1951 and eventually to P-M's first and only trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport. That team's lineup consisted of three Eldred boys; Fred Howell, Terry Shields and Paul Ferris.
The team lost their opening game to a squad from Stamford Connecticut. Stamford, eventually won the championship with their closest game in the tournament being a 4-2 win over the Potter-McKean squad.
Jeff (1965) and Jerome (1973) were the leading scorers of their respective O-E- high school squads with Jerome becoming one of less than a handful of players to score over a 1,000 points in his high school career. He later went on to play four years at Elmira College.
Jody's love of sports was well-known and eventually brought together a host of tributes from countless sports figures, both local and national. Much of this will be documented later in this piece, but there is no doubt his love of athletics brought him periods of peace and enjoyment throughout the span of his too short life.
Chapter Three- A Day in the Life
Becky Cawley-Beno was Jody's cousin and Joe and Margaret's godchild.
Jody's brothers both stated that it was Becky who would have loads of information about her younger cousin because of all the time the pair spent together, both at the Wolcott home and navigating the streets of Eldred.
It was Becky who was seen continually pushing Jody down the sidewalks of town in his wheelchair and a transportation mode she called "the gray buggy."
Becky's slight hesitancy in contributing her recollections of Jody came simply from the feeling of accompanying contrasts of love and some of the moments of sadness as she recalled her adventures with her young friend and constant companion.
"I have great memories of him, but I believe I blacked out a lot of it at times. I just wouldn't think about it because of some of the sadness. There was so much sickness and pain at times," Becky remembered.
Jody contracted rheumatoid arthritis when he two years old. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling and deformity. As the tissue that lines your joints become inflamed and thickened, fluid builds up and joints erode and degrade. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder.
"We were always going and doing in the late spring and summer months. We hit the trail by 9:00 almost every morning," Becky said.
"The Park was usually our first stop. Uncle Joe was usually mowing and preparing the baseball field for practice. Jody was very, very aware of sports and was definitely sports-minded. During the games, he would sit in his wheelchair beside his dad."
Becky continued, "We always looked for bottles underneath the bleachers. I remember going up Mechanic Street and eventually down to the post office. We always went in. My dad (Jim Cawley) was the postmaster. We'd go down past the hotel, always searching for bottles to collect.
After turning in our bottles, we continued making our rounds. We were out in the community as often as possible. People talked to us everyday. Everybody paid attention to him. They loved him so much. He was so humble and friendly. He never acted special. He never sulked or was boisterous. He was just so nice.
It seemed like we were all over town through the course of the day.
Grandma Mabel lived across the street from Uncle Joe and Aunt Margaret and we had lunch there almost every day. Grandma Mabel used to stay with Jeff and Jerome often when his mom and dad had to take Jody down to Saint Francis Hospital in Olean."
Becky said firmly, "It's important to express the importance of our grandparents. All three grandparents were very involved in Jody's life. We were across the street of one grandma and just down the street of our others. They were a very big part of his life."
"Nancy Cawley Walsh came to Eldred almost every Sunday. All his cousins loved him, but she spent a lot of time with him. There was this camp in Allegany where the family and many relatives used to get together. I remember everyone seemed to circle around Jody. He was in the middle of everything. He was just so special to all of us."
"Uncle Joe had this station wagon and the wheel chair fit fine in there. He also needed that type of car for all the baseball equipment he had to carry during the summer."
Dick and Julia Crandall, as were many locals, were also frequent visitors to the Wolcott home. Becky recalled, "There seemed to be visitors almost daily, always some kind of action going on. It seemed to me that I talked to him every day of his life."
Jody's constant companion recalls, "There was a big dirt pile behind the house. Jody had bags and bags of cowboys and Indians and it seemed we played either inside or out with them every day for years. I remember I always had a pioneer woman, but Jody used to share everything with me."
Becky states clearly there was a distinct difference in Jody's health and condition depending on warm or cold weather.
"The winters took a toll on him physically. He would get terrible nosebleeds and you couldn't touch him, not even a kiss on the cheek. He was a tough guy, but sometimes the pain was horrible.
Despite the periods of sadness that would permeate the household, Becky still had thoughts of a "peaceful living room." Jody had a desk in front of the television and as time went by and his condition worsened he had to spend more and more time at home."
"Uncle Joe used to teach us how to keep score of the St. Bonaventure basketball games that were broadcast on the radio. I can remember trying to listen carefully so I could score the game correctly."
Becky had a final observations of her loving friend. "He was a lot like Uncle Joe. I think he would have grown up to be humble like Uncle Joe."
Chapter Four: CLASSMATES, FRIENDS AND ELDRED.
Charlotte Bennett Stoughton was Jody's classmate through his early years as an elementary student. She later graduated from Otto- Eldred High School and eventually became the school's librarian for 31 years. She later was instrumental several years ago in establishing the Eldred Area Free Library and Historical Association, located on Main Street.
"The school was almost directly across from the Wolcott home and my first memory of Jody in first grade was Mr. Wolcott carrying him to school. For some reason, I seem to remember Jody being wrapped in a plaid blanket that lay across his lap.
There was no parking at the old school or a cafeteria and if I remember correctly the students all went home for lunch. I think the teachers probably stayed. Mrs. Shields was our first grade teacher and Jody sat up front. He was very bright and had excellent handwriting," Charlotte recalled.
Mary Shields also tutored Jody at the Wolcott home when he was unable to attend school.
Charlotte said, "I drew his name for Christmas in second grade and I was so thrilled. I went down to McFall's Store and bought him a windup stagecoach.
It seemed the older he got the less time he spent in school and eventually his illness forced him out of school more than he attended," Charlotte added.
A sorrowful, but remarkable incident occurred immediately after Jody's death that is just one of the many indications of the impact this young boy and his family had in the community.
Charlotte shared this memory. "Mr Harrington, our sixth grade teacher, took all of our class (over 35 children) and we walked to Frame's Funeral Home for Jody's visitation."
Charlotte recently displayed her GPS-like recall of how Eldred looked during this time period, taking this writer down one side of the street and across the other. She named businesses that operated for short or long periods of time, stores that re-located or were taken over by new management, restaurants, bars, clothing stores- a list that was viable proof how much, not only Eldred and the community, but Potter, McKean and neighboring counties have changed since the middle of the 20th century.
While researching a biography on the life and major league baseball career of Austin's Mark Corey, I researched 40 towns within an hour's drive of the Eldred area. I took the 2010 census and compared it to the current day population of a specific town and in every circumstance the number of citizens had decreased, some dramatically.
Eldred's population in 1950 was nearly 1,200 and 1960's total listed 1,107. The census in 2010 saw 865 residents and the consensus is that today's total is probably less than that.
Eldred and similar towns of like size of the 50's and 60's, have a distinctly different look in 2019. The following is just a sample of some of the establishments and properties in the Eldred town limits during those earlier years. It's impossible to make a list with any length without non-purposely omitting names. Just a sample:
1) The Oddfellows Building
2) Market Basket - Jack Sennett with Ditty as the cashier
3) McFall's
4) Drugstore and soda shop
5) Bank
NOTE- A stop light on the corner of Edson and Main.
6) Todd's (John)
7) Sandwich Shop/ Sugar Bowl
8) Pool Hall ??
9) Liquor Store
10) Texaco
11) Bowling Alley
12) Walker Machine Shop
13) Petruzzi and Marrone Dealership
14) Debocks'
15) Burr's Garage
16) Close's Feed Store
17) Dolly's
18) Theater
19) Barber Shop
20) Whitehawk Beef
21) Eldred Eagle
22) Slavin's Restaurant and Bar (Russ)
23) Slavin's Furniture Store (Spike)
24) The Gold Eagle
25) The Western Auto
26) Rhodes
Charlotte's list was much longer and more precise than this abbreviated one. It should also be noted that the 1972 flood caused extensive damage to the community and local businesses. The
Ferris Annex Building, Eldred Eagle Newspaper office and the old Marsh Furniture building were all razed as a result of flood damages. Over 45 businesses were affected by the flood.
Becky and Jody's escapades through the streets of Eldred and greetings with business owners and customers was nearly a full-time job for the young adventurers and they almost assuredly loved every minute of it.
Coleen O'Brien Silvis, a local resident, looks back. "I remember my brother, Tom O'Brien, was a friend of Jody's and he would take him around town. I remember going to the Bonnies' basketball game and I will always remember Jody's smile."
John Baldoni grew up in a home almost directly behind the baseball backstop at the Eldred Park. John recalled his time spent with Jody.
"My recollections of Jody relate to what I believe was the summer before his demise. Jody was in a wheelchair and that summer was mostly at home. I didn't know him and my mother suggested that I go visit him, which turned out to be a suggestion that impacted me. I ended up spending a lot of that summer with him. His disease was such that he was very fragile and any movement was painful for him. Yet, he didn't want to just stay in the house, so we explored."
John continued, "A frequent stopping point was Gustafson's Drug Store, which at that time had a soda fountain. A few times a week we would go there. Jody always had a chocolate milkshake. I remember the first time I took him there it struck me how much pain he endured. To get into the store required a step up to the stoop and then a smaller step onto the store.
Going in to the store was no issue required as you would pull the wheelchair backward slowly over each step. However, going out required careful control of the wheelchair. Every jarring would cause him pain. I think it was Mrs. Walker, who worked the counter and she was always generous with her portions to Jody. Unfortunately, due to my driving ability, some of the shake inevitably ended up on Jody."
John finished his memories of his new friend. "A final recollection of that summer was a photo with the Little League team. Joe was one of the coaches and the team photo included Jody. If my memory is correct, he got in to at least one game. I think he walked. He had a very narrow strike zone in that wheelchair. I have the photo some place at home. I recall seeing it when I was looking for something when I was in college."
Chris McGonnell was reminded how "I lost a spitting contest to him one summer at a Little League game. Saint Bonaventure's basketball team really loved him."
Marilyn Kahle said, "I was blessed to have Jody in my care as a patient at St. Francis Hospital in 1959 and 1960. Very sweet boy with a very painful disease, but always gave a smile to us caretakers."
There were many more surfacing thoughts to come in praise of Eldred's celebrity-to-be.
Chapter five- JODY'S SPECIAL SUPPER
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives issued the following Proclamation on the seventh day of June 1960:
Whereas, Jody Wolcott of Eldred in McKean County, who has been confined to a wheelchair since he was five years old, has shown a great fighting spirit in rising above his handicap, and
Whereas, Jody Wolcott's enthusiasm for the sports he is unable to play himself has helped him in his determination to live a normal, healthy boy's life; and
Resolved, That the citizens of Eldred who arranged the testimonial dinner in honor of Jody be congratulated for giving so much pleasure to Jody and the members of his family.
The letter from the House went on to state that June 13 would be designated Jody Wolcott Day and was signed by Joseph Ominsky, Chief Clerk, House of Representatives.
More than 300 were on hand on a Monday evening in the elementary school gym for the testimonial.
The dinner and award ceremony capped off Jody Wolcott Day that began with a mass, an all-star Little League game in the afternoon, and a visit by screen actor, Gabby Hayes, who was born in the tiny hamlet of Stannards, New York, just on the outskirts of Wellsville, New York. He worked with John Wayne, Roy Rogers and Randolph Scott.
But the real EVENT of the evening was the interchange between the young boy and Saint Bonaventure basketball coach, Eddie Donavan. Donavan, who later became the general manager of the New York Knicks, handed over the basketball which had been used in the Bonnies' triple overtime win over Providence College that February.
Donavan said, "This is yours, Jody, for your wonderful interest in sports." Two season tickets to the Bonnies' 1960-61 home basketball games. The ball had also been autographed by the Saint Bonaventure squad.
The Bonnies' mentor was keenly aware of Jody and his entire family's interest in Bonnies' basketball and especially Jody's desire to know "who, what, where" of coaching strategy.
Donavan said, "We'll bring the team up, next season, Jody. You can handle one squad and I'll coach the other squad. We'll see who wins."
That scrimmage game actually took place at Otto-Eldred High School on November 17, 1960. The game, held 58 years ago, was still remembered by some, but details of the contest were sketchy to say the least. The Times Herald's, Mike Abdo, wrote several articles about Jody's testimonial dinner and some pre-game information, but game details are probably buried in some microfiche in the Times building or possibly the Olean library
Everybody who remembers attending the game mentions one unforgettable detail; Bonnies' sophomore star, Fred Crawford, broke one of the school's backboards. That season, Crawford led the Bonnies to the NCAA tournament and a record of 24-4.
Another major occurrence of the day's festivities was a telegram to Jody from Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer, Ted Williams. Mr. Wolcott and of course, all the boys, were huge Boston fans, a number one rooting interest.
As a young man, Joe's favorite major leaguer was slugger Jimmie Foxx, who began his career with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1925 and later was traded to the Red Sox, where he played from 1936-1942. His playing career ended in 1945 with Philadelphia and eventually was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
It was a special time in the Wolcott household when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 after an 85 year old drought and then again in 2007.
Jody's night also included wires from former Bonnies' football coach, Joe Bach, Canisius and Niagara basketball coaches, Bob MacKinnon and Taps Gallagher and Buffalo sportscasters Chuck Healey, Stan Barron and Bill Mazur.
Francis (Spike) Slavin was the toastmaster and the area high school coaches were well represented with the presence of Coudersport's Buzz Shirey and Lou Schaub, Bolivar's Bob Cawley, Port Allegany's Cy Dann and Frank Rackish and O-E's Hal Hanson and Bill Wilcox.
It was an amazing night, giving Jody a chance to listen and bask in the constant mention of his two favorite teams, the Red Sox and the Bonnies. It also allowed Jody's hometown an opportunity to show their respect for him and the entire family for their strength and dignity.
Clearly evident in the photos, a young boy's constant smile that melted hearts and gave glimpses of hope to all those who were on the other end.
Chapter Six- THE JODY WOLCOTT AWARD
As previously stated, Jody coached a Bonnies' team in November of 1960, but his physical condition continued to worsen. His joints were bent and atrophied and during a surgerical procedure in Erie, Pennsylvania, Eldred's youngest ambassador passed away.
Otto-Eldred High School's head basketball coach, Hal Hanson, brought the entire varsity and junior varsity squads to the visitation.
Despite his age and his debilitating health, he displayed the traits that people of all ages and careers respected and saw a daily example of what a person blessed with a family of love and dedication can create.
Eventually, he missed attending school on a regular basis, yet continued his studies and continued to learn. His love of sports never floundered although he could never participate like most of his peers. Most importantly, as a youngster who never reached even his teenage years, he had learned the value of being a true gentleman, something that many of us spend decades trying to obtain.
He followed the path of his parents and became a teacher. He taught all those who had contact with him how to be a good person no matter where or how your path has been directed and how many roadblocks have been cast in your way.
"Shadows are falling and I'm running out of breath
Keep me in your heart for a while
If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for a while." (Zevon)
The first Jody Wolcott Award was presented in 1962. It honored the top male athlete in the Otto-Eldred senior class who represented the categories that Jody carried with him; student, athlete and gentleman.
Unfortunately, we had difficulties finding the recipient of the award in several years, but as this writing is done in a blog format, I would encourage readers to please comment if they have anything to add, correct, or have moments they would like to have presented. We can include or make changes at anytime. I apologize for any unintentional exclusions-I will do my best to correct any errors.
Jody Wolcott Memorial Award Winners.
1962- Max Milliron
1963- Bob Smith
1964- Harris Blauser
1965- Bill Pransky
Bill Pransky and his younger brother. Bill stated, "It was really important to me. It was a tremendous honor."
1966- Jim Miller -
"What I remember most about receiving the Jody Wolcott trophy in 1966 is the gut feeling that I was not worthy of it. I was nervous when my name was eventually announced. To be elevated to the same level of O-E "royalty" as those who preceded me was both appreciated and humbling.
I keep the trophy right on my desk as a memento of the good, old days on the basketball floor and the football field and as a monument to Jody's courage and spirit. His love of life was perpetuated by his amazing parents and is still obvious in his just-as-amazing brothers.
Steve Hepfer, Tom Hilliard and Rob Merry were all worthy of the award. That being said, the trophy was carried from the podium to the bleachers by the '66 graduate who most deserved it. Due to an infected toe, I was on crutches and my best friend, Larry Silvis, accompanied me and held-much too briefly- "his" award. And. sadly, life itself. Larry succumbed to cancer in 2012. Rest in peace, my friend." (Writer's Note- Jim "Lefty" Miller has always been a tremendously modest person, but there is no doubt he meant every word he wrote. He did neglect to mention that he was an excellent baseball player, one of the better pitchers in the area)
1967- Bob Crowley- "Jody was my second cousin, and although I knew his brother Jeff very well and still communicate with him today, I didn't get to know Jody.
I do know because of the special relationship with Joe, Margaret and Jeff, that the Jody trophy meant a lot to me and to this day, I treasure being a recipient. Joe was an all-star pitcher for the Saint Bonaventure University Baseball Team from 1938-1941 and when the university recently refurbished its outdoor athletic field complex, I made a contribution in memory of Joe."
1968- Bob Krall-
Doctor Robert Krall's mother and father both passed in 2015. Even today, many Eldred citizens can remember Bob's father, "Doc" Krall making house call after house call, carrying his black bag and his mere presence making you feel that everything was going to be okay.
Bob remembers Jody as, "a good kid who was friendly. He had to miss a lot of school because of his illness. And, he loved the Bonnies!"
He recalls Eldred as "a great place to grow up." 1968 had exceptional meaning to the Wolcotts because that would have been Jody's graduation year. Bob recalls, "Receiving the award was a real thrill. It was very prestigious and my parents were very proud. I remember Mrs. Wolcott taking me aside and saying how happy she was for me because I was Jody's classmate, and it was a special year for them."(Note- and Bob still looks good in his original O-E varsity jacket)
1969- Don Kockler
1970- Steve Gross
1971- Joe Kahle
1972- Bill Kaluza
1973- Kerry Snow
1973 recipient, Kerry Snow, on the right. His nephew and 2001 winner, Kyle Milliron, is on his left.
1974- Steve Barrett
1975- Richard Green
1976- Steve Farr
1977- Jeff Miller
1978- Scott Cavagnaro
1979- Gary Rankin
1980- Mike Beebe
1981- Ed Windsor
1982- Doug Cochran
1982 was the first year of the Harrington Memorial Award given in memory of Mary and Jennifer Harrington. The two youngest daughters of Edward and Lorraine Harrington were tragically killed in a car accident on December 27, 1981.
Ed was the Superintendent of Schools in the Otto-Eldred School District for a number of years and like Joe Wolcott, served as a youth baseball coach in Eldred for many years.
16) Close's Feed Store
17) Dolly's
18) Theater
19) Barber Shop
20) Whitehawk Beef
21) Eldred Eagle
22) Slavin's Restaurant and Bar (Russ)
23) Slavin's Furniture Store (Spike)
24) The Gold Eagle
25) The Western Auto
26) Rhodes
Charlotte's list was much longer and more precise than this abbreviated one. It should also be noted that the 1972 flood caused extensive damage to the community and local businesses. The
Ferris Annex Building, Eldred Eagle Newspaper office and the old Marsh Furniture building were all razed as a result of flood damages. Over 45 businesses were affected by the flood.
Becky and Jody's escapades through the streets of Eldred and greetings with business owners and customers was nearly a full-time job for the young adventurers and they almost assuredly loved every minute of it.
Coleen O'Brien Silvis, a local resident, looks back. "I remember my brother, Tom O'Brien, was a friend of Jody's and he would take him around town. I remember going to the Bonnies' basketball game and I will always remember Jody's smile."
John Baldoni grew up in a home almost directly behind the baseball backstop at the Eldred Park. John recalled his time spent with Jody.
"My recollections of Jody relate to what I believe was the summer before his demise. Jody was in a wheelchair and that summer was mostly at home. I didn't know him and my mother suggested that I go visit him, which turned out to be a suggestion that impacted me. I ended up spending a lot of that summer with him. His disease was such that he was very fragile and any movement was painful for him. Yet, he didn't want to just stay in the house, so we explored."
John continued, "A frequent stopping point was Gustafson's Drug Store, which at that time had a soda fountain. A few times a week we would go there. Jody always had a chocolate milkshake. I remember the first time I took him there it struck me how much pain he endured. To get into the store required a step up to the stoop and then a smaller step onto the store.
Going in to the store was no issue required as you would pull the wheelchair backward slowly over each step. However, going out required careful control of the wheelchair. Every jarring would cause him pain. I think it was Mrs. Walker, who worked the counter and she was always generous with her portions to Jody. Unfortunately, due to my driving ability, some of the shake inevitably ended up on Jody."
John finished his memories of his new friend. "A final recollection of that summer was a photo with the Little League team. Joe was one of the coaches and the team photo included Jody. If my memory is correct, he got in to at least one game. I think he walked. He had a very narrow strike zone in that wheelchair. I have the photo some place at home. I recall seeing it when I was looking for something when I was in college."
Chris McGonnell was reminded how "I lost a spitting contest to him one summer at a Little League game. Saint Bonaventure's basketball team really loved him."
Marilyn Kahle said, "I was blessed to have Jody in my care as a patient at St. Francis Hospital in 1959 and 1960. Very sweet boy with a very painful disease, but always gave a smile to us caretakers."
There were many more surfacing thoughts to come in praise of Eldred's celebrity-to-be.
Chapter five- JODY'S SPECIAL SUPPER
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives issued the following Proclamation on the seventh day of June 1960:
Whereas, Jody Wolcott of Eldred in McKean County, who has been confined to a wheelchair since he was five years old, has shown a great fighting spirit in rising above his handicap, and
Whereas, Jody Wolcott's enthusiasm for the sports he is unable to play himself has helped him in his determination to live a normal, healthy boy's life; and
Resolved, That the citizens of Eldred who arranged the testimonial dinner in honor of Jody be congratulated for giving so much pleasure to Jody and the members of his family.
The letter from the House went on to state that June 13 would be designated Jody Wolcott Day and was signed by Joseph Ominsky, Chief Clerk, House of Representatives.
More than 300 were on hand on a Monday evening in the elementary school gym for the testimonial.
The dinner and award ceremony capped off Jody Wolcott Day that began with a mass, an all-star Little League game in the afternoon, and a visit by screen actor, Gabby Hayes, who was born in the tiny hamlet of Stannards, New York, just on the outskirts of Wellsville, New York. He worked with John Wayne, Roy Rogers and Randolph Scott.
But the real EVENT of the evening was the interchange between the young boy and Saint Bonaventure basketball coach, Eddie Donavan. Donavan, who later became the general manager of the New York Knicks, handed over the basketball which had been used in the Bonnies' triple overtime win over Providence College that February.
Donavan said, "This is yours, Jody, for your wonderful interest in sports." Two season tickets to the Bonnies' 1960-61 home basketball games. The ball had also been autographed by the Saint Bonaventure squad.
Donavan said, "We'll bring the team up, next season, Jody. You can handle one squad and I'll coach the other squad. We'll see who wins."
That scrimmage game actually took place at Otto-Eldred High School on November 17, 1960. The game, held 58 years ago, was still remembered by some, but details of the contest were sketchy to say the least. The Times Herald's, Mike Abdo, wrote several articles about Jody's testimonial dinner and some pre-game information, but game details are probably buried in some microfiche in the Times building or possibly the Olean library
Everybody who remembers attending the game mentions one unforgettable detail; Bonnies' sophomore star, Fred Crawford, broke one of the school's backboards. That season, Crawford led the Bonnies to the NCAA tournament and a record of 24-4.
Another major occurrence of the day's festivities was a telegram to Jody from Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer, Ted Williams. Mr. Wolcott and of course, all the boys, were huge Boston fans, a number one rooting interest.
As a young man, Joe's favorite major leaguer was slugger Jimmie Foxx, who began his career with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1925 and later was traded to the Red Sox, where he played from 1936-1942. His playing career ended in 1945 with Philadelphia and eventually was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
It was a special time in the Wolcott household when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 after an 85 year old drought and then again in 2007.
Jody's night also included wires from former Bonnies' football coach, Joe Bach, Canisius and Niagara basketball coaches, Bob MacKinnon and Taps Gallagher and Buffalo sportscasters Chuck Healey, Stan Barron and Bill Mazur.
Francis (Spike) Slavin was the toastmaster and the area high school coaches were well represented with the presence of Coudersport's Buzz Shirey and Lou Schaub, Bolivar's Bob Cawley, Port Allegany's Cy Dann and Frank Rackish and O-E's Hal Hanson and Bill Wilcox.
It was an amazing night, giving Jody a chance to listen and bask in the constant mention of his two favorite teams, the Red Sox and the Bonnies. It also allowed Jody's hometown an opportunity to show their respect for him and the entire family for their strength and dignity.
Clearly evident in the photos, a young boy's constant smile that melted hearts and gave glimpses of hope to all those who were on the other end.
As previously stated, Jody coached a Bonnies' team in November of 1960, but his physical condition continued to worsen. His joints were bent and atrophied and during a surgerical procedure in Erie, Pennsylvania, Eldred's youngest ambassador passed away.
Otto-Eldred High School's head basketball coach, Hal Hanson, brought the entire varsity and junior varsity squads to the visitation.
Despite his age and his debilitating health, he displayed the traits that people of all ages and careers respected and saw a daily example of what a person blessed with a family of love and dedication can create.
Eventually, he missed attending school on a regular basis, yet continued his studies and continued to learn. His love of sports never floundered although he could never participate like most of his peers. Most importantly, as a youngster who never reached even his teenage years, he had learned the value of being a true gentleman, something that many of us spend decades trying to obtain.
He followed the path of his parents and became a teacher. He taught all those who had contact with him how to be a good person no matter where or how your path has been directed and how many roadblocks have been cast in your way.
"Shadows are falling and I'm running out of breath
Keep me in your heart for a while
If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for a while." (Zevon)
The first Jody Wolcott Award was presented in 1962. It honored the top male athlete in the Otto-Eldred senior class who represented the categories that Jody carried with him; student, athlete and gentleman.
Unfortunately, we had difficulties finding the recipient of the award in several years, but as this writing is done in a blog format, I would encourage readers to please comment if they have anything to add, correct, or have moments they would like to have presented. We can include or make changes at anytime. I apologize for any unintentional exclusions-I will do my best to correct any errors.
Jody Wolcott Memorial Award Winners.
1962- Max Milliron
1963- Bob Smith
1964- Harris Blauser
1965- Bill Pransky
Bill Pransky and his younger brother. Bill stated, "It was really important to me. It was a tremendous honor."
1966- Jim Miller -
"What I remember most about receiving the Jody Wolcott trophy in 1966 is the gut feeling that I was not worthy of it. I was nervous when my name was eventually announced. To be elevated to the same level of O-E "royalty" as those who preceded me was both appreciated and humbling.
I keep the trophy right on my desk as a memento of the good, old days on the basketball floor and the football field and as a monument to Jody's courage and spirit. His love of life was perpetuated by his amazing parents and is still obvious in his just-as-amazing brothers.
Steve Hepfer, Tom Hilliard and Rob Merry were all worthy of the award. That being said, the trophy was carried from the podium to the bleachers by the '66 graduate who most deserved it. Due to an infected toe, I was on crutches and my best friend, Larry Silvis, accompanied me and held-much too briefly- "his" award. And. sadly, life itself. Larry succumbed to cancer in 2012. Rest in peace, my friend." (Writer's Note- Jim "Lefty" Miller has always been a tremendously modest person, but there is no doubt he meant every word he wrote. He did neglect to mention that he was an excellent baseball player, one of the better pitchers in the area)
1967- Bob Crowley- "Jody was my second cousin, and although I knew his brother Jeff very well and still communicate with him today, I didn't get to know Jody.
I do know because of the special relationship with Joe, Margaret and Jeff, that the Jody trophy meant a lot to me and to this day, I treasure being a recipient. Joe was an all-star pitcher for the Saint Bonaventure University Baseball Team from 1938-1941 and when the university recently refurbished its outdoor athletic field complex, I made a contribution in memory of Joe."
1968- Bob Krall-
Doctor Robert Krall's mother and father both passed in 2015. Even today, many Eldred citizens can remember Bob's father, "Doc" Krall making house call after house call, carrying his black bag and his mere presence making you feel that everything was going to be okay.
Bob remembers Jody as, "a good kid who was friendly. He had to miss a lot of school because of his illness. And, he loved the Bonnies!"
He recalls Eldred as "a great place to grow up." 1968 had exceptional meaning to the Wolcotts because that would have been Jody's graduation year. Bob recalls, "Receiving the award was a real thrill. It was very prestigious and my parents were very proud. I remember Mrs. Wolcott taking me aside and saying how happy she was for me because I was Jody's classmate, and it was a special year for them."(Note- and Bob still looks good in his original O-E varsity jacket)
1969- Don Kockler
1970- Steve Gross
1971- Joe Kahle
1972- Bill Kaluza
1973- Kerry Snow
1973 recipient, Kerry Snow, on the right. His nephew and 2001 winner, Kyle Milliron, is on his left.
1974- Steve Barrett
1975- Richard Green
1976- Steve Farr
1977- Jeff Miller
1978- Scott Cavagnaro
1979- Gary Rankin
1980- Mike Beebe
1981- Ed Windsor
1982- Doug Cochran
1982 was the first year of the Harrington Memorial Award given in memory of Mary and Jennifer Harrington. The two youngest daughters of Edward and Lorraine Harrington were tragically killed in a car accident on December 27, 1981.
Ed was the Superintendent of Schools in the Otto-Eldred School District for a number of years and like Joe Wolcott, served as a youth baseball coach in Eldred for many years.
The girls were excellent students at O-E and were very active in the band and marching band. Mary was a member of the National Honor Society and both she and her younger sister were active in the church choir and church youth groups. Like their parents, they displayed outstanding character and were truly dedicated to everything in which they participated.
1983- Jim Samartino
1984- Tony Barnish
1986-Steve Colbert
1987- Mike Jeanerette
1989- Steve Reese
1990- Jim Marrone-
1991- Steve Bell
1992- Steve Hepfer
1993- Matt Splain-
Matt is currently the Superintendent of Schools in the Otto-Eldred District. Both the Wolcott and Harrington Memorial Awards are now presented at the end of the school year during the Senior Awards Ceremony.
Matt stated, "One of my biggest joys during the year is presenting the Wolcott and Harrington awards at the end of the school year. Those awards have special meaning to me. I won in '93, but never really understood the magnitude of the award until I returned to O-E."
The pre-graduation event is sponsored by the Otto-Eldred Education Foundation. Many businesses, families and individuals present awards during "Scholarship and Awards Night."
1994- Philip LaBella
1995- Shane Stoughton
1997- Tim Burris
1998- Nick LaBella- brother of '94 winner, Philip. (Photo is Nick)
2001- Kyle Milliron
2002- Collin Hurley
2004- Keith Barrett
Keith Barrett's father, Steve, won the award in 1974.
2007- Christopher Bogenschultz
2009- Ben Jordan
2010- Cody Baxter
2011- Dakota Cornell
2012- Dvan Cornell
2013- Paul Miller
2014- Jacob Wheaton
2015- Joshua Tennies
2016- Quentin Claypool
2017- Seth Drummond
2018- Ethan Flexman
2020- Matt Murphy
Brothers and Friends
It's been more than a week since I heard about the passing of my family's friend, Jeff Wolcott.
I knew I wanted to write about a man who, together with his parents and brothers, have been a large part of my life for nearly 60 years.
It's not difficult to sit back in a recliner and let your mind just drift with memories of Jeff at different stages in his life and your own. A tear on a cheek is replaced by a huge grin is replaced by an 'Oh, I can't forget the time when he.........'
Admittingly, I have struggled for several days wondering how to structure a tribute to this good man. The respect and admiration I have for him flows easily and always will.
I've been paralyzed by a concern that I couldn't find the right format- worried that I might cause more sorrow or pain to his family and many friends. A husband, father, brother, son- a man who has left an everlasting legacy of love, caring, and sincerity deserves to be recognized in that same fashion.
I wrote Jody's story in January 2019. I've decided to "attach" Jeff's written monument because he and Jody were attached. Jeff, Jane and their children (Katherine, Joseph and Sarah), Jerome, Carol, Joe, Margaret, all other family members and friends are linked.
Jeff was 13 when Jody passed in 1961. He saw the impact that Jody had on so many people, young and old, during his tender life. I'm thinking and hoping that Jeff would tell me, "You know, Jimmy, I kind of like that idea of you writing about me and putting it together with Jody's."
My brother, Bill, and Jeff were best friends in high school. They were 1965 graduates of Otto-Eldred High School and basketball teammates.
Jeff's youngest brother, Jerome, was my basketball teammate and best friend. We were 1973 graduates.
Jeff was the leading scorer during his senior year at O-E and Jerome was not only our leading scorer, but is one of the top three in school history.
Jerome Wolcott and his lovely wife, Carol- July 19, 1985 (Thanks again Mom)
I've narrowed it down to three potential answers to the question, "When did you first meet Jeff?"
I was nine years old and often tagged along with my brother to his basketball practices. Many times, I carried a soft-covered scrapbook under my arm hoping I could get some O-E players' autographs.
I'm not sure if I embarrassed my brother, but his teammates were happy to not only sign, but most of them wrote a sentence or two wishing me good luck. I remember Jeff wrote that some day it would be me and "Rome" up on the varsity breaking records.
Another possible first sighting could have been at the Pransky house, located a couple miles south of the Wolcott home. I recall Bill, Jeff, Tom Emerson and another classmate or two playing cards seated at our kitchen table on a Friday or Saturday night. My mother kept them full with soda and snacks.
The third "maybe" was my summer little league practice. Joe was my first youth league coach and undoubtedly was the best coach a youngster could have. He was a teacher in the truest sense of the word. I loved playing ball and Mr. Wolcott allowed that emotion to blossom.
Whenever the exact date was that I initially met Jeff or any of the Wolcott family, it also became the day that I gained a second home.
My parents never needed a GPS to find me. If I wasn't at our home, Jerome and I were at the park or at his house. We played whiffle ball in the back yard, escaped rainy days watching ball games on television, and played dice baseball on the living room carpet.
I soon lost track of how many meals I had at the Wolcott residence. It's probably not the most courteous gesture to acknowledge, but it eventually reached the point of me just walking through the front door. No door bell, no knock, no previous notice-just walk in.
As stated in Jody's story, Joe and Margaret were long-time teachers at Otto-Eldred. Jeff taught in the Bolivar (N.Y.) School District for 39 years. His career path followed his dad's very closely- teaching history, coaching baseball and earning the appreciation and respect of hundreds of students and his teaching peers.
I was always impressed, sometimes amazed how much Jeff and Jerome knew about subjects that I had absolutely no knowledge of. Not trivia and not all sports-oriented, but so interesting it proved inspirational as it encouraged me to put down Sports Illustrated occasionally and read a textbook or watch the news instead of just the baseball scores.
Joe and Margaret would have the MacNeil- Lehrer Report on t.v. to catch the evening news. If someone had asked me earlier, I would have thought they were a rock duo like Simon and Garfunkel or Seals and Croft.
Jeff was intelligent, personable with a dry wit like his father, but he also had the ability to fill a room with humor that would literally make you laugh until your stomach hurt or it was difficult to catch your breath.
It was a few days after Christmas '71 and Jeff and Jerome came up to our house to visit, see my brother and hang with their little brothers, now high school sophomores.
One of my Christmas presents was one of the newest games on the market and on my wish list, "Talking Football." It was a small, red box-like device that could fit in one hand. It had a thin slot on top.
The competition was usually one on one or two versus two. The offensive team was given ten, slightly bigger than a 50 cent piece, disks that had plays inscribed on one side (short run, long pass, draw play, etc.)
After you placed the disk in the slot, your opponents could set a defense determined by one of the six names on the opposite side of that same disk. Based on the defense, the result of the play could be a quarterback sack if you picked a long pass and your opponent picked a blitz. You learned the result of your efforts as soon as you fully pushed the disk in to the machine and a voice came through the tiny speaker saying, "Four yard gain or "A thrilling touchdown," etc.
In the real world, the Kansas City Chiefs had a wide receiver named Elmo Wright. Wright became the first professional football player who began the practice of celebrating one of his touchdowns in the end zone. It was a high-stepping dance that would pale compared to today's antics, but in 1971 it was notable and unique.
We all burst in to laughter every time Jeff scored a touchdown and went in to his Elmo Wright routine. I can still see my parents in holiday delight as Jeff dominated the game and the post-touchdown action.
I know. Who would talk about Elmo Wright while writing a testimonial about the loss of a friend?
But that was Jeff. He could be so much to so many. A husband, father, son, brother, teacher, friend and giving all of himself to whatever was needed at the time.
He was an avid Saint Bonaventure basketball fan like so many of us who lived in the Olean area, both in New York and Pennsylvania. Jeff and his dad both were Bona graduates. Joe had been a pitcher for the college baseball team.
Jeff loved the Bonnies. But he lived the spirit and dynamics of the university. It was a site of basketball excitement, but a home of learning, kindness and reflection.
I remember riding in his red corvette that he graciously loaned to Jerome so two high school kids could drive around like we were Starsky and Hutch (different car, but same "cool" attitude.)
I can see his picture-perfect jump shot on the court at the high school or our Eldred park, a five minute walk from his house.
I recall Jerome and I babysitting for Jeff and Jane's first child, Katie.
I spoke to Jeff on the phone six weeks before his death. I knew he had gone through a series of injuries and now was facing a painful and potentially devastating illness.
Our conversation began with me asking about his current health and physical well-being. He spoke in encouraging terms, but also philosophically. We talked for 45 minutes on a variety of subjects and I have to admit that when our conversation ended, I was concerned, but not frightened.
I now realize that's how he wanted me to feel. He wasn't going to let Jimmy Pransky think his body was suffering.
I can feel terribly upset when I think about how many years it has been since I saw or talked to a friend (especially from back home), someone I've known for so long. The years burn, sometimes a decade, maybe even decades fall between sights or sounds.
The sorrow is lessened if you realize that the pain is a signal of the strength your friendship holds. Jeff and I, just like Jerome and I do, picked up right where we left off- as life-long buddies.
Every time I hear the Bonnies or the Boston Red Sox mentioned I will think of Jeff.
And by some strange quirk, if Elmo Wright's name is written or spoken, I will laugh uncontrollably.
Jeffrey M. Wolcott
1947-2021
