So after almost 30 years Jerry finally retired. I am not a fan of one man band or polka music, but for the past 29 years that music and walking through the Camp Scholler gate signaled the official open of Oshkosh to me. I was sad to see an empty paved pad there every day I walked through. Much like the Bill Ricketts yodel at 7:00 AM, Jerry did not really have a defined need, but he was part of what makes Oshkosh, well Oshkosh. Like the Whistler, like the Flight line Safety Scholler parade, like the ornithopter complete with a wing walker, like fresh baked doughnuts. At times Oshkosh is a place that transports us all to a whimsical wonderland of flight, with pieces that only loosely relate.
This is an easy one to fix. Jerry has CD's. The pad is still there unoccupied. A small memorial with his music piped out of some speakers would fit the bill nicely. I never go out of my way to listen to one man band music, but for that week it is important. If funding is needed, I would gladly start a campaign. Paul invited Jerry to come to Oshkosh and play, and for 29 years he did just that. I think we owe it to Jerry and Paul to keep this tradition alive.
~Respectfully
Jim Buxton.
