Could everyone write one simple essay about something that once happened in Saltaire…that they saw or were a part of…and put it on one big website? Somebody should collect a lot of stories before we all forget. Otherwise it is like a line in “On The Beach” : The history of the war that now would never be written.” -(JO'H)

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Mel Brooks turning 100

 It's been 50 years, so I guess I can tell this story.  I don't remember when, where or how it all stated, but I spent an summer with his niece, Joann Wetzel.  I was still quite innocent, so I assume she initiated the relationship.  She had her way with me for the summer. I visited Mel's house in Robin's Rest with her, and we took a 'Role in the Hay' in his bed.  She returned to school in September, and I saw her once at Manhattanville College, but realized that I was just a summer toy, and she had moved on.  I was introduced to Ann Bancroft one day when she was sitting on the beach by the ocean.

I also ran into Dom DeLuise once.  It was a Monday, Labor Day weekend, the end of the rental season.  I was picking someone up at the Ocean Beach terminal in Bay Shore when a renter walking off the dock carrying four suitcases stopped in front of me, dropped all the suitcases, looked at me and said s**t.  It realized after he walked off it was Dom himself! 

Happy 100th Birthday, Mel. 

No comments: