Childhood memories of Armand

Dear Armand:

I understand you celebrated your 89th birthday in August so I want to take this opportunity to wish you a belated Happy Birthday and tell you that I plan to be there to help you celebrate your 100th in August 2018.

I remember when I was a freckled face, skinny, young high school kid and wanted to learn about sports writing and reporting. You took the time to advise and show me the basic fundamentals of the newspaper business and I will always appreciate your efforts and most of all treasure our lasting friendship. I did not venture into the newspaper business but what I learned from you certainly helped me in any success I might have attained in life. I consider you a great friend and very important mentor.

I recall the many H&D baseball games I sat with you in the press box learning the intricate details of scoring keeping. Today as I watch ball games on TV I question some of the decisions scorekeepers make and tell my friends they did not have the good fortune of being taught by the master himself, Armand F. Wigglesworth.

It seems not that long ago I watched you play basketball with Dannie Seaman, Mac Bowers, Reg Wigglesworth, and other local lads in the old barn at the top of Gorham Street we called a gymnasium; sat with you in the shack behind your Church Street home listening to you communicate with people all over the world on your ham radio; listening in on your baseball conversations in Dannie Seaman’s confectionary store between you, Dannie, Len Pottie, Peaches Ruven, John Fortunato and others; watched you perform in many local musical shows and plays in the Astor Theatre; and lately had the opportunity to own and read your six volumes of Anecdotes of Queens County.

Armand my friend you have accomplished many great things in your 89 years and received many deserving rewards but I believe the contribution you have made to the history of Queens County is something that will be remembered and enjoyed for many generations. A very special thank you for that.

May you enjoy good health and happiness my friend and please keep on writing.

Sincerely

Alan Kelso