A lighthearted and loving look back at the glory days of the Shady Dell, the historic haven for teenagers in York, PA, and the magnanimous couple that created it, John & Helen Ettline.
CLOSE YOUR EYES. TAKE A DEEP BREATH. OPEN YOUR HEART.
SHADY DEL KNIGHT, ADMINISTRATOR
High School Yearbook Photo
"More than a place, the Shady Dell was and will forever remain a state of mind." - Shady Del Knight
HELLO STRANGER ... IT SEEMS LIKE A MIGHTY LONG TIME!
Monday, June 1, 2015
Battle of the Blands
BLAND #1
READ MY LIPS...
NO NEW TAXES!
JUST TO MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR, THIS IS THE FIRST COMPETING SONG
IN TODAY'S BATTLE OF THE BLANDS.
BLAND #2
JUST TO MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR, THIS IS THE SECOND COMPETING SONG
IN TODAY'S BATTLE OF THE BLANDS.
JUST TO MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR, I WANT YOU TO LIST 10 WAYS
THOSE TWO SONGS ARE SIMILAR TO EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
...in theaters this Christmas
Her name was Magill, and she called herself Lil,
But everyone knew her as Nancy.
"Sadie" the world famous diving horse
at
Atlantic City's Steel Pier circa 1967
WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY POST?
I'M SURE YOU'RE DYING TO TELL ME.
PICK THE ANSWER THAT MOST CLOSELY
MATCHES YOUR OPINION:
A. Too confusing
B. Too many songs (it got confusing - see "A")
C. Too different (me no likey different)
D. Did not follow the BOTB rules and regulations established by the founding fathers and handed down through the millennia.
E. Needs more Debby Boone
F. Did I mention confusing? (Oh yeah, I did.)
G. All of the above
H. None of the above
I. Scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream
Allow myself to introduce...(long pause)...myself.
I'm Austin Powers...super secret spy,
international man of mystery, bon vivant,
swinging playboy and irresistible babe magnet.
London is my home, shag is my bag,
planet earth is my playground and
danger is my middle name, baby.
Maybe I should change that.
Confusion is my middle name.
How's that luv?
Your regular host, Shady, couldn't make it today.
He's in the slammer. Seems he was pulled over last night
during a routine traffic stop and wrestled to the ground
when deputies found one of those Swedish-made pump
thingies on the passenger seat of his Nash Rambler.
They slapped Shady with additional charges when
he insisted on demonstrating the device.
Uh...Shady... I'm trying to do what you asked and list the 10 ways those two songs are similar to the 3 pictures and the 3 captions. I thought of 9 ways so far but I can't seem to figure out the 10th. Can you give me any clues?
Hi, Alex! You got that right, my friend. If I never heard these two songs again it would be too soon. :) Hey, I'm happy to see you here today, Alex. I've been looking for your BOTBs all along and happy to see that you are participating in this one. I'll be over to your site shortly and I hope you'll join me here again soon. Thanks, Alex, and have a great day!
Goodness me, Shady. I saw the two song choices and almost (almost) got nauseated. I really don't like either song. They were simply played to death in my part o the world. And I chose the answer 'I'... scream, scream, we all scream for ice scream... and less Debbie Boone!
So, you're slammed and it involves a Swedish pump? Better than a Swedish pimp, dear. Looking forward to the comments on this battle! Take care of yourself, and those Swedish meatballs, (ooh).
Hi, dear Dixie! I'm still home at this hour but preparing to leave soon for a full day and evening of travel. I'm glad I had time to visit your blog before I left and to reply to your comment here. Thanks for coming!
Yessum, this one's just a gag because I don't have very much time to devote to blogging today. I picked two recordings that appear on lists of the most annoying of all time. :)
Thank you again for coming, dear friend Dixie. I am eager to check out the other comments on your post as well. Take care!
"Feelings" is a song I never hear played anywhere anymore. I do occasionally hear "You Light Up My Life" now and then.
There is indeed a certain blandness to these cuts I suppose, but actually listening again I think these are both pretty decent songs that have gotten a bad rap over the years. Part of it comes from overplay and over covering. I think The Gong Show played a big part in turning "Feelings" into a trivialized cliche of a song. It was funny, but that show and others made it so people couldn't listen to it with straight face.
It makes me sad to hear these songs again and to think they've been kind of trash heaped since to me they are very listenable tunes.
As to which of these recordings is best is a tough choice for me. "Feelings" has beautiful orchestration, it's sung well, and the song itself is a passionate plaint that kind of tears at my heart.
Overall though I'm going to have to go with "You Light Up My Life". I like the song better as well as prefer Debbie Boone. She gets my vote.
Everything else in your post gave me a chuckle but I ain't got no answers.
Interesting Battle that evoked memories of the past and brought a new perspective to a couple of oldies and not so baddies.
Hi, Lee! Well, I can't argue with you on the point you made about these two recordings being trashed over the years, perhaps unfairly. There is value in all types of music if you keep an open mind and try to feel what the songwriter was feeling. You had that same experience with "Cherish," didn't you?
As noted in the Austin Powers tag, Battle of the Blands is not a real Battle of the Bands. It was my way of lightening things up and poking fun at myself and others involved in the 120 comment fiasco that resulted from my previous BOTB post. Since this post is only a gag designed to keep you company while I'm away on another trip, I will not be counting votes and there will be no follow-up post announcing a winner. I do have important announcements coming up in my next post, June 5, and I know they will interest you.
Thank you very much for taking time to visit today, Lee, and for offering a new way for us to regard these syrupy songs that so many people love to hate. Take care, good buddy!
What are the odds of you and I both mentioning the song Feelings in the same day? I had not seen your post but I was responding to your comment. Truthfully, I know my friends from childhood read the posts, too, and I knew they'd laugh out loud because they know the backstory to my dislike of that song.
Feelings is a song I despise. Not because it was overdone (and it was), but because of the number of lounge lizard locals I saw overdo it and cruise ship wannabees. AHHHHHH!!!!
True story: I was in a touring choir and the director announced that we'd be doing a choral version of Feelings. I went home and cried; I did not want anyone to see me on a stage singing that song. I got over it and was forced to do it over and over and over...which just adds to my dislike of the song to an exponential degree.
The song - I hate. Love you, though!! It balances out.
Hello, dear Cherdo! I just returned home after a long and grueling day of travel and family functions across the state including my granddaughter's high school graduation in one city, having dinner with her in another city and visiting my new baby grandson in a third city. What a pleasure it is to get back off the road, log on and find this wonderful comment of yours. Knowing how busy you are with multiple hops and all your other obligations, a comment of this quality is very much appreciated. Thank you!!!
Yessum, I noticed first thing this morning that you mentioned "Feelings" on your blog. At the time I assumed it was because you had already taken a sneak peek at my post. Seems you and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to that song.
You were forced to sing "Feelings" over and over again? And here I thought waterboarding was cruel and unusual punishment! :)
Thank you again for the gifts of your time and your bloggy love, dear friend Cherdo. I'll see you tomorrow!
Yessum, it was a big day for me, first watching graduation ceremonies with thousands of other people inside a domed major league baseball stadium, then having dinner across the bay at a nice restaurant, then driving back across the bay again to visit our two week old grandson. He has a cold but will be going to the doctor tomorrow. Hopefully it's not a major concern and he will be fine.
Zzzzzz. . . Zzzzzz. . . Oh Sorry, Shady a , I mean, Austin! Hearing those songs makes me wanna catch some Z's! You asked so, here's my list, I do try to comply! 1. Both a snore and a bore 2.dull 3.irritating 4. drab 5. humdrum 6. a drag 7. ho hum 8. monotonous 9. annoying 10.sedating After my short nap, I did get a good laugh!!!! You sure did spell it all out so COMPLETELY there were no mistakes, no errors, NO CONFUSION. I completely understood thanks to, Austin, Yeah, Baby! I must admit the "You light up my light" was my father/daughter dance song at my wedding! Thanks for making me LOL today! Toni Deroche
Hi, dear Toni! Thank you very much for dropping in to see what condition my condition was in!
You wrote:
<< You sure did spell it all out so COMPLETELY there were no mistakes, no errors, NO CONFUSION >>
...and NO NEW TAXES! :)
You wrote:
<< "You light up my light" was my father/daughter dance song at my wedding! >>
Really? Well, I'm sure yours wasn't the only wedding that used one or both of these syrupy songs. It was okay when they were first released, but after hearing them the first million times most of us got downright tired of them. Let's put it this way. There are two kinds of people in the world - the ones who hate songs like these... and the ones who REALLY REALLY hate songs like these. :)
Thank you for getting into the spirit of the proceedings and leaving a very entertaining comment, dear friend Toni. I hope you enjoy the rest of your week!
My answer if D. you naughty BOTB'er you. You had so many things I don't like (Debby Boone, soft vocals of Feelings, which was better done in CATS, the musical, and Austin Powers. Sheesh. I am confused.
Hi, D.G.! I'm delighted to see you, my Vancouver friend! Yes, I'm a naughty BOTB'er for violating so many rules and regulations in a single post. Ironically, the two founders of the BOTB already unfriended me long before this baby ran! :) I'm glad I managed to present so many things you don't like. Mission accomplished! (I had also planned to read The Great Gatsby aloud from cover to cover. :)
Thank you very much for your visit and witty comment, D.G. I hope you will visit SDMM again soon. Until then, take care!
What a gas! Okay, I vote "G for all the above" & "I Scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream" I'm never too confused for ice cream, except for maybe the flavor of ice cream that I want. Now, why on earth did you have to bring up ice cream? I mean, I'm trying to be a good girl in staying away from sweets and then you throw a little power of persuasion my way causing me to crumble like chocolate doughnut. BTW, I like these mushy songs no matter what anyone else says. Thanks for the laughs and for your visit. Now, enjoy your time away. I want to read the rest of the comments. :D
Hi, dear Cathy! Thank you very much for coming by and experiencing my Battle of the Blands. You say you actually like these two ditties? You are not alone. Arlee found something to like in them as well. To each his own. We are here to celebrate, not only our similarities, but also our differences, because they make us unique and interesting.
I'm glad I gave you a chuckle with this one, dear Cathy, and once again I thank you for making time for me. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Hi, Chris! I think I saw something on your blog about you liking "Feelings" and I knew you'd probably speak up in defense of the song. That's AOK. partner. So did Arlee and Cathy. Cherdo? Not so much! :)
I say what the world needs now is
Mo Debby Mo Debby Mo Debby
C'mon chant it with me! :)
Thank you very much for your visit and comment, good buddy Chris. I'll be seeing you again soon.
LMAO! Put me down for "H" - NONE OF THE ABOVE. I loved your facetious post, but must admit, the music SUCKS with a capitol SUCKS. ☺ That said, I did perform a credible rendition of "You Light Up My Life" at a party once. Carry on......
Hi, dear Debbie the Doglady! Thank you very much for dropping by to sample these saccharine smoothies. Yessum, I picked both recordings on the basis of their suckability, but don't tell that to Arlee, Cathy and Chris. Their ears detect greatness in recordings that drive most people up the wall.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the humor, dear friend Debbie, and I am very grateful to have you as a new follower. See you soon!
It's so kind of you to fill in for Shady. I actually wrote out the lyrics to You Light Up My Life and gave them to my first serious boyfriend. I would feel quite stupid about that if I weren't 56 years old and almost totally over him.
Please tell Sir Shady I miss him. If I were going to vote in the Battle of the Blands, I really would vote for Debby.
Hi, dear Janie! The good news is that I've been released from the slammer. The bad news is that authorities confiscated my Swedish-made pump thingy and it's now locked away in the evidence room. (A lot of good it'll do me there! :)
You say you are "almost" over your first serious boyfriend? Cheer up. I'm still pining away over my first serious boyfriend, too. :) I wrote out the lyrics to "I'm Too Sexy For My Shirt" and gave them to him. The cad used the paper to line his gerbil cage.
I'm so glad you didn't vote for Debby Boone even though you would if you could, because you can't. House rules - no voting is allowed in a bogus band battle.
Thank you very much for coming out to play with me tonight, dear friend Janie. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Hi, dear YaYa! You're in a perfectly festive mood tonight, dear friend, and that makes me very happy. I hope you got a chuckle or two from the post and I thank you very much for having a look and a listen. Please take good care of yourself, dear friend YaYa, and enjoy the rest of your week!
Oh that brings back many variety show specials that these 2 songs were played and lip synched over and over again. I go with bland #1 even though he is as lively as 2 snails getting it on. I go for ice cream as long as it's chocolate
Hi, dear BB! I'm back off the road and burning the midnight oil writing replies to all these lovely comments. You're right. I remember watching various performers on music variety television programs covering these two songs ad nauseam year after year.
There's no voting in this gag BOTB post but it is nevertheless fascinating to find out which of the songs people do prefer (or hate the least). Three or four of the people who commented actually like one or both songs!
Thank you again for coming down to experience my humor, dear friend Birgit. I hope your week is off to a great start!
Neither of the songs are my cup of tea, Shady. I must admit, though, that I miss the old variety shows. Humour back then was cleaner and yet people thoroughly enjoyed it! (as did I) :)
Hi, dear Linda! Welcome back, my special Canadian friend! I'm glad these songs aren't you cup of tea. I cherry picked them because they appear on lists of the most annoying recordings ever made.
My parents and I watched a lot of television together, another practice that now seems close to obsolete. We loved music variety shows like Ed Sullivan, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Red Skelton and Andy Williams. Do you remember any of those? Did you watch them? Red Skelton was my dad's favorite. You couldn't beat Red's show for good clean fun suitable for the whole family.
Thank you very much for coming by and expressing yourself, dear friend Linda. I'll see you in the morning!
Hi, Mike! LOL, great comments, good buddy! I wonder if that rooster knows Sheryl Crow. :)
Hey Mike, I promise I will head over to your BOTB in the morning, listen and vote. I've had a long day of traveling and just got home a little while ago and now I'm too bushed to do justice to your post. I'll listen to your tuneage in the morning when I'm fresh, okay?
Thanks again, Mike, and enjoy the rest of your week!
Hi, dear Rita (and Kitty Kat Karma)! Thank you very much for coming over, dear friends! Well, first of all, thank you for not voting. :) I hope this post gave you something to smile about today and hope you are feeling better by the hour. Thank you again for joining me today, dear friend Rita, and please take good care of yourself until we meet again.
Very funny post! This is the first time I've heard 'Feelings' in years. It was okay, but neither of these were a favorite of mine then or now.
Try going to a big university graduation with tons of graduates and your sister's last name starts with a 'Y'. It took awhile! Glad you are hone safe and sound.
Hi, dear Belle! Thank you for coming down this evening, dear friend! You're right. The line of grads filing up on stage to collect their diplomas seemed endless. We were sitting on hard, uncomfortable seats in a major league baseball stadium and I was already getting weary of it by the time they reached the B's! (LOL) The whole process took more than an hour, plus there were at least half a dozen speeches. :)
I'm glad I gave you a laugh with my fake battle of the bands post, dear friend Belle. I am always happy to see you and hope you and your whole family are doing well.
Hi, dear Jo-Anne! Both songs sounded a lot alike to me, too - like fingernails scratching a blackboard! (LOL) I hope I gave you a smile or a laugh with this one, dear friend, and I thank you very much for coming all the way from Australia. Enjoy the rest of your day!
“Words and photographs could never do those dancers justice because you had to be there - in a club with great music, like minded people and loads of atmosphere.” David Meikle of Glasgow, Scotland wrote those words in an article remembering the Twisted Wheel, the legendary northern soul club in Manchester, England. Yet, Mr. Meikle could just as easily have been describing the scene at my favorite "in" spot of the 1960s, the Shady Dell in York (Pennsylvania, not England).
THE SHADY DELL
YORK, PENNSYLVANIA
The Shady Dell: Part of York County's Colorful History
What began as a home based restaurant and bakery in 1945 evolved over the next two decades into the hottest teen nightspot in York county complete with indoor and outdoor dance floors. It went beyond that. Shady Dell owner John Ettline and his wife Helen put out the welcome mat offering hospitality, comfort, support, and encouragement to generations of young people. During its impressive 45-year life span the Dell became a home away from home for countless area youth from a variety of backgrounds.
At the height of its popularity in the early and mid 60s the Dell, located on the southern outskirts of the White Rose city, was as widely known as North York’s White Oak Park ("the Oaks"), Harrisburg's Raven club or any other youth-oriented venue in central Pennsylvania. The Dell attracted crowds from all over the region. It brought together under one roof kids from middle class families and kids from working class families - city kids, suburban kids, small town kids and farm kids.
The diverse cast of characters that constituted the Shady Dell family was a potentially volatile mix. Each of us had to find a way to fit in and get along (or risk being voted off the island). In the end, in spite of our differences, most of us learned to dance together without stepping on each other’s toes.
Shady Dell regulars were nicknamed Dell rats and we had at least two things in common: a love of the music that played on the Dell’s jukebox and a genuine respect for John and Helen Ettline who graciously made their home our home.
GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS
The Dell was a unique, magical coming of age experience - a proving ground - a secluded hideaway where adolescents could develop social skills, learn to handle responsibility and test the waters of adulthood free from the hassles of ubiquitous adult micromanagement.
SHOCKING TRUE CONFESSION: I WAS A TEENAGE DELL RAT! by Shady Del Knight
I became a Dell rat in 1965 at the age of fifteen. Disparaging rumors about the place had been circulating for years. If you were to believe the gossip the Dell was a snake pit where bad boys and bad girls went to do bad things. Some people, including my mother, referred to the Dell as a “den of iniquity.” Intrigued by the horror stories, I was determined to get there and see for myself what all the fuss was about.
In preparation for my grand entrance, I subjected myself to weeks of rigorous training at a Shady Dell boot camp of my own devise. I grew my hair longer and took up the smoking habit. I practiced in front of a mirror until I was convinced that my stance, walk, and dancing style were all cool.
To complete my extreme makeover, I went shopping for my 'uniform' which consisted of a tapered shirt from the Hub, slacks by H.I.S. and two wardrobe essentials: a pair of blue Jack Purcell sneakers and the all-important Baracuta jacket "Made in England." Wearing my 'Cuta' made me feel so terribly, terribly British, you know. Spot on for us bird watchin' blokes, right gov'na?
'JACKS'
AN ABSOLUTE MUST...FOR DANCIN' ON DELL DUST!
THE CLASSIC NATURAL COLOUR BARACUTA
STRICTLY CONTINENTAL, MATE!
Moment of Truth: Boy Meets Dell
Too young to drive, I made my first Dell visit happen by bumming a ride one night with my college-age cousin and two of his buddies. Clearly, none of the above was thrilled to be babysitting.
As we drove past York Hospital on South George and headed toward Violet Hill, what began as giddy anticipation was turning to apprehension. Fear of the unknown started creeping into my brain. What if the rumors turned out to be true? Would I soon be sharing a needle with a gang of rowdy bikers?
At Violet Hill, we made a dogleg turn to the right and began to climb the narrow, winding, bumpy Starcross Road. By this time my breathing had become labored and I felt queasy. It was as if, on a foolish dare, I had agreed to spend the night with Vincent Price in his House on Haunted Hill. Was it too late to leap from the car and bolt?
"I See the Lights... I See the Party Lights..."
We rounded a bend and I caught my first glimpse of her a short distance up the road. Perched on the hillside was a three-story brick house. Down to the left stood a barn. The festive glow of colored lights rose skyward from an area behind the house. As I would soon learn, the atmospheric illumination originated from strings of lanterns hanging above a patio rigged with remote speakers for outdoor dancing.
As we banked to make our final approach I detected the percussive beat of uptempo music emanating from the barn. We turned left into a gravel parking lot overflowing with vehicles. Here, in all of her rustic splendor, stood the infamous Shady Dell, my destination for the evening and my obsession for years to come!
I Found My Thrill on Violet Hill
My heart was thumping as we climbed the steps that led to the entrance and approached the admission booth. Following my cousin’s lead, I slid a quarter through the window and looked up to see a balding, bespectacled old man grinning back at me. Old? John Ettline would have been 59 at the time. I'm older than that now. Yikes!
“Good evening, gentlemen!” John delivered his cheerful salutation in a booming baritone. Immediately, my anxiety vanished. John’s warm welcome made me feel right at home. It made me feel like I belonged. I didn’t get it at the time but later came to realize that John’s presupposition that we were "gentlemen" was a clever and tactful way of admonishing us to behave accordingly.
Toto, I've a Feeling We're Not in Kansas Anymore!
From the moment I entered the compound I was hooked. The Shady Dell was a private playground for teenagers - a candy land - a fun factory - a safe haven where kids could congregate and blow off steam without having to worry about parents and teachers giving them the evil eye. Instantly I became intoxicated - not by alcohol - but by a sense of total freedom. The place gave off a vibe that was completely new to me – an exhilarating blend of romance, adventure and danger!
Instead of placing a ton of restrictions on their young patrons, John and Helen granted them the independence they craved. The Ettlines were willing to take a step back and trust our judgment. It was okay for us to party as long as things didn’t get out of hand. Most of us eagerly embraced that arrangement. If and when we screwed up, the Ettlines gave us another chance. John and Helen cut you plenty of slack, but if you disrespected them or trashed their establishment both were capable of unleashing a fiery temper.
Of Rats and Men
Contrary to popular belief, the Dell did not harbor gangs of juvenile delinquents eager to conceal their wicked deeds from law enforcement. Sorry, Mom - there weren’t any guns, switchblades or brass knuckles - no gangs, career criminals or prostitutes - just a bunch of ordinary teenagers who loved to meet, mix and mingle, dance and have fun.
Fights were few and far between. There was tacit agreement that it was our duty to preserve and protect the unique setting that the Ettlines had created for us. It required us to police ourselves to prevent incidents that would generate negative publicity or hassles with the law. Scuffles were settled quickly, often through John’s bold intervention. The first lesson a guy learned at the Dell was as follows. Don’t let the gray hair fool you. Nobody messes with John. He’s the boss!
A Special Welcome to All Incoming Freshmen!
I was punched in the face three times during my first year of matriculation on the campus of the Shady Dell School of Hard Knocks. Apparently a few of the guys were determined to teach me a lesson. Yet, getting socked in the kisser did not dampen my enthusiasm or scare me away from the place. In fact they had the opposite effect. They whet my appetite for more! As a Dell newbie desperate to break free of mom’s apron strings and earn respect and acceptance, I wasn’t about to let a bloody nose deter me. For the first time in my life I felt like a man instead of a boy and I loved it. Like Secret Agent Man I was living a life of danger. I was addicted to the rush!
Determined to create an image that would allow me to blend in, appeal to the ladies and avoid becoming a frequent target of the tribe's dominant males, I did a lot of posing, posturing and pretending. I decided that it would be advantageous for me to look tough even though I wasn't. Whenever I strolled into the dance hall, I made sure that my hair was messed up, my shirt tail was hanging out, a lit cigarette was dangling from my lips and my game face was on.
One afternoon before anybody else arrived, my best friend and I rolled around on the dance floor of the barn so that we could properly break-in our new Baracuta jackets by getting them coated with Dell dust. This drove my mother crazy. She kept asking me how I got my jacket so badly soiled. She was even more perplexed when I forbade her to get it cleaned. How could I explain to her that I didn’t want to risk weakening my status with the other guys by wearing a clean jacket?
In my mom’s day the ideal guy wore a white sport coat and a pink carnation. His hair was neatly cropped, oiled down and slicked back off his forehead. That look would have spelled social suicide at the Dell in the mid 60s. My goal was to look like I had just been in a fight at reform school, and if I got my uniform dirty or bloodied in combat, it was a GOOD thing.
Helen & John Ettline
Shady Dell Owners
Helen and John: Not Your Typical Mom and Pop
Even by mid 60s standards, John Ettline seemed part of a vanishing breed of men. John never called me by my first name. He always chose to address me as “Mr. Knight." John maintained that friendly formality through all the years I knew him. I’m very glad he did. John always made me feel important when he added the title “Mr.” to my name. Making insecure teenagers feel good about themselves was John’s greatest gift. He always treated young people with dignity and respect and that made them want to return it.
Along with his outstanding people skills, John possessed a photographic memory. He could always match a face with a name. He seemed to know a lot about anything or anybody that you happened to be discussing. John Ettline had a million stories to tell - all of them interesting.
Although old enough to be our grandparents, there was no generation gap between the Ettlines and their teenage guests. They seemed to remember better than other grown-ups what it was like to be young. John and Helen stayed in touch and in tune with the youth culture. Never was that more in evidence than one day at the York Fair in September, 1968. I was sitting in the grandstand awaiting the start of the James Brown concert. I turned around to search the crowd for familiar faces and there, a few rows behind me, sat Helen and John. In a year when racial tension was running high in York and elsewhere, it was remarkable to see a white couple in their 60s at a James Brown concert, chanting along with the rest of us, “Say It Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud!”
John and Helen were cool. Young people felt at ease talking with them. Unlike many adults, John and Helen listened to us. They cared without preaching or judging. The Ettlines treated their teen visitors like extended family. They believed in the potential of every young person, including troubled youth from broken homes. They spoke to us about the value of an education and honest hard work. They sponsored athletic programs and honored America’s armed forces. They shaped young lives by instilling a sense of pride and self esteem. John and Helen went out of their way to make all of their kids feel like somebody - even those whose families were telling them they were nobody.
The Dell Jukebox: ALL KILLER AND NO FILLER!
Upon arriving on the Dell scene I soon realized that the jukebox in the dance hall was loaded with the greatest, most danceable records to be found anywhere. There were quite a few songs that I had never heard before and would never hear anywhere else. The music mix that played nightly at the Dell was consistently better than what I was hearing on the radio. In the mid 60s the Dell's musical menu was an exciting blend of Motown, Chi-town, New York and Philly soul, Memphis, southern R&B, blue-eyed soul, Brit beat, sunshine pop, garage, psych and folk-rock plus a few do-wop favorites held over from the 50s.
Shady Dell regulars, the gang I now refer to as the Rodentia Intelligentsia, prided themselves on having radar for cool. Year in and year out they discovered and popularized songs that radio stations across the country overlooked. Records that lingered near the bottom of the national chart often became cherished classics at the Dell. Forgotten flips were elevated to mega-hit status by Dell rats unfettered by the limitations of radio play lists.
Certain songs resonated with the Dell crowd to such an extent that they stayed on the jukebox for years. The best example of this phenomenon is the record ranked #1 on my survey of the 200 Greatest Hits Of The Shady Dell. It remained one of the most popular jukebox selections a dozen years after its initial release in the 50s. That very special song, the greatest and longest lasting Shady Dell hit of all time, was "Close Your Eyes" by the Five Keys.
THE FIVE KEYS
"Close Your Eyes" Ranked #1
Del-Chords & Magnificent Men
Another mighty evergreen at the Shady Dell was "Everybody’s Gotta Lose Someday," an intense, power-packed r&b/soul ballad by the Del-Chords, a racially mixed group from York. Released in 1964, the record was still being played heavily two years later, jamming the floor with slow dancers several times a night. Dave Bupp and Buddy King, lead vocalists from the Del-Chords, eventually merged with band members of Harrisburg’s Endells to form a blue-eyed soul group called the Magnificent Men. The “Mag Men,” as we called them, were white guys who had a passion for black music and the vocal talent and musicianship to authentically perform it. Their inspiring ballad "Peace of Mind" was the first in an impressive string of Dell hits for our hometown heroes.
Magnificent Men
HEAVY HITTERS AT THE DELL!
The Emperors of Harrisburg
Records by the Emperors, another home-grown act, were also enormously popular with Dell dancers. A black group from the state capital, the Emperors were exponents of the “Harrisburg sound,” a blend of r&b, soul, garage and Latin influences. "Karate," the Emperors’ best known recording, was the first of eight raw, funky, organ-driven numbers to achieve hit status at the Dell in 1966 and 1967.
THE EMPERORS
DELL ROYALTY - THEY RULED!
End of an Era
Once addicted to the Dell, I pretty much lived there until the fall of 1967 when I left York to attend an institution of higher learning. Over the next four years I visited my Dell family whenever possible during holidays, spring breaks, and summer vacations. My stint as a Dell rat officially ended in 1971 when I found a job in another city and moved away from York for good.
My final visit to the Dell came in March of 1984 when my career took me out of state. My last piece of business before leaving was to drop in at the Dell and say a final goodbye. I entered the house to find John sitting on a stool at the lunch counter reading the newspaper. “Well, hello stranger!” John bellowed, rising to his feet and extending his hand. “Long time no see, Mr. Knight!" After shaking hands with John and exchanging a few pleasantries, I inquired about Helen. I was stunned to learn that she had passed away a few weeks earlier. I never got the news! John and I stood alone in Helen’s snack bar, reminiscing about the good old days and lamenting how much things had changed since the Dell’s golden era.
After a brief chat with John I excused myself and walked down the sidewalk to check out the barn. The old dance hall was dimly lit and nearly vacant. The only customers were two boys with shoulder length hair standing by the jukebox with a couple of girls. No music was playing. The place was dead or, more accurately, in the final lonely stages of life. If it had been twenty years earlier, the joint would have been jumpin’. The four young people eyed me suspiciously. Is this guy a narc? I put myself in their combat boots and realized that the sight of a stranger in his mid thirties was probably making this new generation of Dell rats uncomfortable. I promptly exited the barn and returned to the house to bid farewell to John.
That night marked the last time I ever saw John or entered the Shady Dell. I made one final pilgrimage in 1988 when I returned to Pennsylvania to visit my parents. I drove up to the Dell one afternoon with every intention of going inside. I’m sure I would have encountered a smiling John Ettline and that he would have immediately remembered my name. Yet, I never got out of the car. I chose not to enter because I didn’t want to further contaminate my memories by seeing how much older John looked and how much more dilapidated the Dell had become. All I could do was sit there in the parking lot gazing at the barn, the house, the bench and the steps to the admission booth where the whole journey started. My mind flooded with a thousand memories of the people, the place, and the time of my life.
John Ettline closed the Dell in the fall of 1991. He died at the beginning of 1993. John’s family auctioned off the restaurant equipment, signage and other Dell paraphernalia in the spring of that year.
(Mike Argento's 1993 article in the York Daily Record was used as a reference source for portions of this cover story.)
Uh...Shady... I'm trying to do what you asked and list the 10 ways those two songs are similar to the 3 pictures and the 3 captions. I thought of 9 ways so far but I can't seem to figure out the 10th. Can you give me any clues?
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I will tell you is, there’s a man...in a smiling bag.
DeleteSecond thing is, the owls are not what they seem.
Third thing is, without chemicals...he points.
Can't you find a better picture of me?
ReplyDeleteThat's not my good side!
I'll see what I can do, pussycat.
DeleteAll of the above?
ReplyDeleteI can list one way they are similar - both are way overplayed. (Or they were back in the day.)
Hi, Alex! You got that right, my friend. If I never heard these two songs again it would be too soon. :) Hey, I'm happy to see you here today, Alex. I've been looking for your BOTBs all along and happy to see that you are participating in this one. I'll be over to your site shortly and I hope you'll join me here again soon. Thanks, Alex, and have a great day!
DeleteGoodness me, Shady. I saw the two song choices and almost (almost) got nauseated. I really don't like either song. They were simply played to death in my part o the world. And I chose the answer 'I'... scream, scream, we all scream for ice scream... and less Debbie Boone!
ReplyDeleteSo, you're slammed and it involves a Swedish pump? Better than a Swedish pimp, dear. Looking forward to the comments on this battle! Take care of yourself, and those Swedish meatballs, (ooh).
Hi, dear Dixie! I'm still home at this hour but preparing to leave soon for a full day and evening of travel. I'm glad I had time to visit your blog before I left and to reply to your comment here. Thanks for coming!
DeleteYessum, this one's just a gag because I don't have very much time to devote to blogging today. I picked two recordings that appear on lists of the most annoying of all time. :)
Thank you again for coming, dear friend Dixie. I am eager to check out the other comments on your post as well. Take care!
"Feelings" is a song I never hear played anywhere anymore. I do occasionally hear "You Light Up My Life" now and then.
ReplyDeleteThere is indeed a certain blandness to these cuts I suppose, but actually listening again I think these are both pretty decent songs that have gotten a bad rap over the years. Part of it comes from overplay and over covering. I think The Gong Show played a big part in turning "Feelings" into a trivialized cliche of a song. It was funny, but that show and others made it so people couldn't listen to it with straight face.
It makes me sad to hear these songs again and to think they've been kind of trash heaped since to me they are very listenable tunes.
As to which of these recordings is best is a tough choice for me. "Feelings" has beautiful orchestration, it's sung well, and the song itself is a passionate plaint that kind of tears at my heart.
Overall though I'm going to have to go with "You Light Up My Life". I like the song better as well as prefer Debbie Boone. She gets my vote.
Everything else in your post gave me a chuckle but I ain't got no answers.
Interesting Battle that evoked memories of the past and brought a new perspective to a couple of oldies and not so baddies.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Hi, Lee! Well, I can't argue with you on the point you made about these two recordings being trashed over the years, perhaps unfairly. There is value in all types of music if you keep an open mind and try to feel what the songwriter was feeling. You had that same experience with "Cherish," didn't you?
DeleteAs noted in the Austin Powers tag, Battle of the Blands is not a real Battle of the Bands. It was my way of lightening things up and poking fun at myself and others involved in the 120 comment fiasco that resulted from my previous BOTB post. Since this post is only a gag designed to keep you company while I'm away on another trip, I will not be counting votes and there will be no follow-up post announcing a winner. I do have important announcements coming up in my next post, June 5, and I know they will interest you.
Thank you very much for taking time to visit today, Lee, and for offering a new way for us to regard these syrupy songs that so many people love to hate. Take care, good buddy!
What are the odds of you and I both mentioning the song Feelings in the same day? I had not seen your post but I was responding to your comment. Truthfully, I know my friends from childhood read the posts, too, and I knew they'd laugh out loud because they know the backstory to my dislike of that song.
ReplyDeleteFeelings is a song I despise. Not because it was overdone (and it was), but because of the number of lounge lizard locals I saw overdo it and cruise ship wannabees. AHHHHHH!!!!
True story: I was in a touring choir and the director announced that we'd be doing a choral version of Feelings. I went home and cried; I did not want anyone to see me on a stage singing that song. I got over it and was forced to do it over and over and over...which just adds to my dislike of the song to an exponential degree.
The song - I hate. Love you, though!! It balances out.
Dang spoilers, Cherdo! I hadn't made it to your post yet!
DeleteHello, dear Cherdo! I just returned home after a long and grueling day of travel and family functions across the state including my granddaughter's high school graduation in one city, having dinner with her in another city and visiting my new baby grandson in a third city. What a pleasure it is to get back off the road, log on and find this wonderful comment of yours. Knowing how busy you are with multiple hops and all your other obligations, a comment of this quality is very much appreciated. Thank you!!!
DeleteYessum, I noticed first thing this morning that you mentioned "Feelings" on your blog. At the time I assumed it was because you had already taken a sneak peek at my post. Seems you and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to that song.
You were forced to sing "Feelings" over and over again? And here I thought waterboarding was cruel and unusual punishment! :)
Thank you again for the gifts of your time and your bloggy love, dear friend Cherdo. I'll see you tomorrow!
Chris - Granny C. sends her love! :)
DeleteWhat a day for you, Shady. I would collapse. I am so sad for Cherdo and her hurt "Feelings."
DeleteYessum, it was a big day for me, first watching graduation ceremonies with thousands of other people inside a domed major league baseball stadium, then having dinner across the bay at a nice restaurant, then driving back across the bay again to visit our two week old grandson. He has a cold but will be going to the doctor tomorrow. Hopefully it's not a major concern and he will be fine.
DeleteThank you very much, dear Janie!
Zzzzzz. . . Zzzzzz. . . Oh Sorry, Shady a , I mean, Austin! Hearing those songs makes me wanna catch some Z's!
ReplyDeleteYou asked so, here's my list, I do try to comply!
1. Both a snore and a bore
2.dull
3.irritating
4. drab
5. humdrum
6. a drag
7. ho hum
8. monotonous
9. annoying
10.sedating
After my short nap, I did get a good laugh!!!! You sure did spell it all out so COMPLETELY there were no mistakes, no errors, NO CONFUSION. I completely understood thanks to, Austin, Yeah, Baby!
I must admit the "You light up my light" was my father/daughter dance song at my wedding!
Thanks for making me LOL today!
Toni Deroche
Hi, dear Toni! Thank you very much for dropping in to see what condition my condition was in!
DeleteYou wrote:
<< You sure did spell it all out so COMPLETELY there were no mistakes, no errors, NO CONFUSION >>
...and NO NEW TAXES! :)
You wrote:
<< "You light up my light" was my father/daughter dance song at my wedding! >>
Really? Well, I'm sure yours wasn't the only wedding that used one or both of these syrupy songs. It was okay when they were first released, but after hearing them the first million times most of us got downright tired of them. Let's put it this way. There are two kinds of people in the world - the ones who hate songs like these... and the ones who REALLY REALLY hate songs like these. :)
Thank you for getting into the spirit of the proceedings and leaving a very entertaining comment, dear friend Toni. I hope you enjoy the rest of your week!
My answer if D. you naughty BOTB'er you. You had so many things I don't like (Debby Boone, soft vocals of Feelings, which was better done in CATS, the musical, and Austin Powers. Sheesh. I am confused.
ReplyDeleteHi, D.G.! I'm delighted to see you, my Vancouver friend! Yes, I'm a naughty BOTB'er for violating so many rules and regulations in a single post. Ironically, the two founders of the BOTB already unfriended me long before this baby ran! :) I'm glad I managed to present so many things you don't like. Mission accomplished! (I had also planned to read The Great Gatsby aloud from cover to cover. :)
DeleteThank you very much for your visit and witty comment, D.G. I hope you will visit SDMM again soon. Until then, take care!
What a gas! Okay, I vote "G for all the above" & "I Scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream" I'm never too confused for ice cream, except for maybe the flavor of ice cream that I want. Now, why on earth did you have to bring up ice cream? I mean, I'm trying to be a good girl in staying away from sweets and then you throw a little power of persuasion my way causing me to crumble like chocolate doughnut. BTW, I like these mushy songs no matter what anyone else says. Thanks for the laughs and for your visit. Now, enjoy your time away. I want to read the rest of the comments. :D
ReplyDeleteMad World #BOTB
Hi, dear Cathy! Thank you very much for coming by and experiencing my Battle of the Blands. You say you actually like these two ditties? You are not alone. Arlee found something to like in them as well. To each his own. We are here to celebrate, not only our similarities, but also our differences, because they make us unique and interesting.
DeleteI'm glad I gave you a chuckle with this one, dear Cathy, and once again I thank you for making time for me. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Feelings still has a magic to me that the Gong Show couldn't erase. Debbie has not that advantage.
ReplyDeleteWith that, I shall retire to my room, only to find Gideon's Bible.
Hi, Chris! I think I saw something on your blog about you liking "Feelings" and I knew you'd probably speak up in defense of the song. That's AOK. partner. So did Arlee and Cathy. Cherdo? Not so much! :)
DeleteI say what the world needs now is
Mo Debby
Mo Debby
Mo Debby
C'mon chant it with me! :)
Thank you very much for your visit and comment, good buddy Chris. I'll be seeing you again soon.
Gideon checked out and he left it, no doubt, to help with Chris Martin's revival.
Delete(BA-DUM-BUMP)
DeleteD?
ReplyDeleteHi, Susie! You voted for D? That does it! That was the decisive blow!
DeleteD, the tribe has spoken. Grab your torch and leave the tribal council area immediately.
Thank you very much for your visit and comment, dear friend Susie. I hope you didn't wind up with carpal tunnel from typing so much. :)
LMAO! Put me down for "H" - NONE OF THE ABOVE. I loved your facetious post, but must admit, the music SUCKS with a capitol SUCKS. ☺ That said, I did perform a credible rendition of "You Light Up My Life" at a party once. Carry on......
ReplyDeleteHi, dear Debbie the Doglady! Thank you very much for dropping by to sample these saccharine smoothies. Yessum, I picked both recordings on the basis of their suckability, but don't tell that to Arlee, Cathy and Chris. Their ears detect greatness in recordings that drive most people up the wall.
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed the humor, dear friend Debbie, and I am very grateful to have you as a new follower. See you soon!
Dear Mr. Powers,
ReplyDeleteIt's so kind of you to fill in for Shady. I actually wrote out the lyrics to You Light Up My Life and gave them to my first serious boyfriend. I would feel quite stupid about that if I weren't 56 years old and almost totally over him.
Please tell Sir Shady I miss him. If I were going to vote in the Battle of the Blands, I really would vote for Debby.
Love,
Janie
Hi, dear Janie! The good news is that I've been released from the slammer. The bad news is that authorities confiscated my Swedish-made pump thingy and it's now locked away in the evidence room. (A lot of good it'll do me there! :)
DeleteYou say you are "almost" over your first serious boyfriend? Cheer up. I'm still pining away over my first serious boyfriend, too. :) I wrote out the lyrics to "I'm Too Sexy For My Shirt" and gave them to him. The cad used the paper to line his gerbil cage.
I'm so glad you didn't vote for Debby Boone even though you would if you could, because you can't. House rules - no voting is allowed in a bogus band battle.
Thank you very much for coming out to play with me tonight, dear friend Janie. Enjoy the rest of your week!
You made me laugh. You really are too sexy for your shirt.
DeleteThis is the Janie Junebug I know and love! :)
DeleteI scream, you scream, we all scream for icecream. Moola Moola Pepsicoola...I like chocolate, you like vanula...Happy June to you Tom!
ReplyDeleteHi, dear YaYa! You're in a perfectly festive mood tonight, dear friend, and that makes me very happy. I hope you got a chuckle or two from the post and I thank you very much for having a look and a listen. Please take good care of yourself, dear friend YaYa, and enjoy the rest of your week!
DeleteOh that brings back many variety show specials that these 2 songs were played and lip synched over and over again. I go with bland #1 even though he is as lively as 2 snails getting it on. I go for ice cream as long as it's chocolate
ReplyDeleteHi, dear BB! I'm back off the road and burning the midnight oil writing replies to all these lovely comments. You're right. I remember watching various performers on music variety television programs covering these two songs ad nauseam year after year.
DeleteThere's no voting in this gag BOTB post but it is nevertheless fascinating to find out which of the songs people do prefer (or hate the least). Three or four of the people who commented actually like one or both songs!
Thank you again for coming down to experience my humor, dear friend Birgit. I hope your week is off to a great start!
Neither of the songs are my cup of tea, Shady. I must admit, though, that I miss the old variety shows. Humour back then was cleaner and yet people thoroughly enjoyed it! (as did I) :)
ReplyDeleteHi, dear Linda! Welcome back, my special Canadian friend! I'm glad these songs aren't you cup of tea. I cherry picked them because they appear on lists of the most annoying recordings ever made.
DeleteMy parents and I watched a lot of television together, another practice that now seems close to obsolete. We loved music variety shows like Ed Sullivan, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Red Skelton and Andy Williams. Do you remember any of those? Did you watch them? Red Skelton was my dad's favorite. You couldn't beat Red's show for good clean fun suitable for the whole family.
Thank you very much for coming by and expressing yourself, dear friend Linda. I'll see you in the morning!
Great job selecting the only two songs Sheryl Crow hasn't covered. The rooster is actally awesome at karoake. I always scream for ice cream.
ReplyDeleteHi, Mike! LOL, great comments, good buddy! I wonder if that rooster knows Sheryl Crow. :)
DeleteHey Mike, I promise I will head over to your BOTB in the morning, listen and vote. I've had a long day of traveling and just got home a little while ago and now I'm too bushed to do justice to your post. I'll listen to your tuneage in the morning when I'm fresh, okay?
Thanks again, Mike, and enjoy the rest of your week!
Great job selecting the only two songs Sheryl Crow hasn't covered. The rooster is actally awesome at karoake. I always scream for ice cream.
ReplyDeleteJokes that good are worth repeating! :)
DeleteNone of the above. LOL!
ReplyDeleteWe all need a little silly now and again. The world would be a better place. ;)
Hi, dear Rita (and Kitty Kat Karma)! Thank you very much for coming over, dear friends! Well, first of all, thank you for not voting. :) I hope this post gave you something to smile about today and hope you are feeling better by the hour. Thank you again for joining me today, dear friend Rita, and please take good care of yourself until we meet again.
DeleteVery funny post! This is the first time I've heard 'Feelings' in years. It was okay, but neither of these were a favorite of mine then or now.
ReplyDeleteTry going to a big university graduation with tons of graduates and your sister's last name starts with a 'Y'. It took awhile! Glad you are hone safe and sound.
Hi, dear Belle! Thank you for coming down this evening, dear friend! You're right. The line of grads filing up on stage to collect their diplomas seemed endless. We were sitting on hard, uncomfortable seats in a major league baseball stadium and I was already getting weary of it by the time they reached the B's! (LOL) The whole process took more than an hour, plus there were at least half a dozen speeches. :)
DeleteI'm glad I gave you a laugh with my fake battle of the bands post, dear friend Belle. I am always happy to see you and hope you and your whole family are doing well.
God bless!
Damn these songs sounded a lot alike and I know both of them just saying.
ReplyDeleteHi, dear Jo-Anne! Both songs sounded a lot alike to me, too - like fingernails scratching a blackboard! (LOL) I hope I gave you a smile or a laugh with this one, dear friend, and I thank you very much for coming all the way from Australia. Enjoy the rest of your day!
Delete