Jim Nolan's Blog

Buffalo Bolt Co. Wooden Boxes for Sale

Nice boxes for sale on craigslist, spotted by Adam Gibson. Adam remembered that I had spotted some earlier at a farmer's market. They were nice and sturdy. 

Final Christmas Post: Dec. 11-12, 1938 State Teachers College Nativity Play Booklet

 

I know, it's a little late, but I just got this and thought I'd post it. Maybe some Buffalo, NY readers may recognize a name or two in it. My father plays a Boy (Monday night) and Jared, a hostler (also Monday night). Dad was a student at the School of Practice there. Click to enlarge.

Radio City Music Hall Marquee 2014, George Segal "Cinema" Marquee 1963

Photo: Jim Nolan

Photo: Fred W. McDarrah, Albright-Knox Collection

The terrific shot above is of George Segal working on his wonderful "Cinema" sculpture, taken by Fred McDarrah in 1964. "Cinema" is one of the many amazing works from the 1960s in the Albright-Knox. Both the photo and the sculpture were given to the gallery by, who else, Seymour H. Knox, Jr. 

Hand Warmer Muff, 1920s

My grandmother Isabel Curry Nolan, fashionably keeping her hands warm in Buffalo. My friend Jon Ward informs me that this was also known as a "snood."

The Class of 1912 Graduates. 103 Year Later, So Does George.

 Buffalo's Central High School Class of 1912. My grandfather, the Class Poet, is in the top row, 6th from the right. And my younger son, George, graduated yesterday. The Class Poet's son, George's grandfather, was there to watch.

 

Click here to listen to To The Class Of 2010, from the Class of 1912

Trent Gibson at the Buffalo Fire Museum

Photo credit: Adam Gibson

Adam Gibson reports on a recent Buffalo outing with his son Trent:

"I am not sure if you have ever had the opportunity to visit the Buffalo Fire Museum but it is really something you should consider on one of your trips home. I meant to tell you weeks ago when we were there that I ran into some older gentle souls that volunteer there that used to work for Buffalo Forge. Most of the tour guides are retired fireman and like I mentioned the one guy I spoke with had some amazing Buffalo forge stories to tell me. Here are a few pics from the visit. The museum is located in the Love Joy district."

Thanks, Adam. If you get a chance, check it out. The address is: 1850 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14206. The phone number is (716) 892-8400. 

Howie Mook's Hand-Powered Buffalo Forge Drill Press Bites Through Steel Like Butter

 

Thank you Howie for this demo of your restored BF drill press going through angle iron. What a beautiful and ingenious machine. 

My Brother Tom with Rusting Buffalo Forge Grill

Spring in Buffalo, 1968. That's the rusting grill in the top right corner. To hear the history of the BFG as described by expert Matt Georger, click here.

Dick Grapes, Buffalo Barbershop Quartet Legend, Passes Away at 90

Screenshot from the Niagara Gazette.

In North Tonawanda, NY, Dick Grapes was a respected citizen and long-time announcer of the high school football games. In Barbershop circles, he was world famous as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Below you can listen to the interview he was kind enough to give me in December, 2010. What an amazing life he led. And what a voice.

The Original Fab Four

It was also cold in 1932.

Dad in March, 1932. All Buffalonians are expert with a shovel, because we start early. Photo taken in front of the Nolan-Moran house on Granger Place.

Shovel Ready