The wonder of the machine. One steaming cup was delivered without a bribe or tantrum. These are extraordinary times and should be enjoyed to the fullest. A big gulp of the memory fluid brings to mind the clock. The clock is set for February 17th, 1924. The location is Miami Beach, Florida. The duration is two hours. The plunger is activated.
We arrive at the Miami Beach aquatic arena just in time to learn that today, Johnny Weissmuller shattered the world record in the 100-yard freestyle swim, clocking an astonishing time of 52.4 seconds. This feat, set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties, was not merely a testament to Weissmuller’s physical capabilities but also a symbol of the era’s burgeoning obsession with sport, celebrity, and the breaking of human limits. (Newspaper quote from 1924)
Johnny is not available for a photograph as he is surrounded byby hundreds of fans seeking his autograph. As we know,, Johnny became a star in the Tarzan movies. In addition to that he earned five Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal, 52 United States national championships, and set 67 world records. He was the first man to swim the 100-meter freestyle under one minute and the 440-yard freestyle under five minutes. He never lost a race and retired with an unbeaten amateur record. (Wikipedia)
While standing in line for a photograph the alarm goes off and a head dive into the couch is my reward.
My text tone tells me Linda Hill has sent this week’s prompt. The text reads.Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “photograph.” Use it as a noun or a verb or both. Have fun!
If you would like to see what other bloggers have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2024/02/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-17-2024/
Photograph by John W. Howell © 2024
“Well you snuck in the prompt.”
“I was desperate.”
“It showed. You are covered in flop sweat.”
“Do you know how little is written about where Johnny Weismuller’s records were established.”
“I think the cities are well known.”
“But I mean what pool?”
“Huh?”
“Yeah he broke the 100 yard freestyle record in a 25 yard pool but where was the pool?”
“You said the Aquatic Center in Miami Beach.”
“It was in Miami Beach for sure but it could have been in anybody’s pool.”
“No kidding. Yur research doesn’t say?”
“No. I made up the Aquatic Center cause in those days every place had an aquatic center.”
“Um. Now the truth comes out.”
“I need a Voo Doo Ranger.”
“Let me take a photograph of you saying that.”
“Very funny. Just call Uber.”
“Already did.”
“What horse drawn vehicle do we have today?”
“Aw cone on. Look over there.”
“You are pulling my leg.”
“No it has bells and everything.”
“Where did you get that idea?”
“Elizabeth Gauffreau gave it to me. It was a request.”
“Okay then I won’t complain about the limited seating.”
“Think of the Good Humor bar.”
“Paired with Voo Doo Ranger?”
“Well, maybe after.”
“Let’s go.”
Fiction Favorites 
Hi John, an interesting visit this week. I’d not heard of these records. Nice of Liz to help you out with a vehicle.
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Thank you, Robbie. What is interesting too is, all of his records have fallen to faster modern swimmers.
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That is interesting.
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Liz had a great idea for your Uber ride! I remember Johnny from movies and TV, but sadly missed meeting him despite the fact that he lived around the corner from my parents in Hallandale in the early ’70’s.
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He hung out at the Swimmer’s Hall of Fame a lot too. I think meeting him would have been a thrill.
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Agreed!!
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I remember the Tarzan movies, and trying to duplicate his signature yell. Good times.
Pay attention to those signs, John. Look first, especially on the way home.
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Good advice, Dan. Thanks.
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I think Carol Burnett did the yell best.
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HA! I do remember that, Liz.
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Yes she did.
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Johnny Weissmuller was an accomplished athlete but I only knew him as Tarzan! I would love to go back in time and meet him. I love your ride this week!
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He sounded like a very nice person.
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Sounds like some things are simply lost to history.
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So true.
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While Weissmuller’s swimming record has long been broken, the record for how long people will be enjoying coffee, ice cream and beer is yet to be broken.
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So true, Mary. Very profound as well. 😊
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Great post, John, and informative for me. I didn’t know Weissmuller was such an accomplished athlete. Did riding in the ice cream truck to the pub take a long time, or did the driver not stop for kids wanting ice cream?
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We kept on going. This generation had no idea about an ice cream truck. There were quite a few grandparents on the curb, though.
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😊👏
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😊
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I wonder how much ice cream someone would have to sell these days to customize a modern pickup like that one? Probably different in Saskatchewan than it is in San Diego.
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There were over 2000 of those vans on the road in the heyday.
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I loved watching the old Tarzan movies with Johnny Weismuller on Saturdays. He was such an amazing athlete.
I would totally be game to ride in a car like that. Liz made a good choice! 😀
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I like the idea of the bells. And being able to grab a good humor ice cream.
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An adult beverage to go with a kid treat…sounds like everyone can celebrate the accomplishment of Johnny W’s swimming prowess. P.S. To date myself, he was always my favorite Tarzan. 😉
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Mine too and I’m older than you.
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The ice cream truck, hurray! I’ll have the Chocolate Eclair, although the Strawberry Shortcake is mighty good, too.
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One Eclair coming up. 😁
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Thank you, my good man!
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Often amazes me how much information is left out of history. But then, why should that surprise me?
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Yeah someone decided the no one will care what pool the record was broken in. Then along comes John. 😳
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It was always an exciting day when the ice cream truck would drive through the neighborhood. My sister would send me out to stop it while she found some money. 🙂 Interesting history tidbit today.
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Thank you, Jan. I love history and am having fun showcasing 100 years ago
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I’ll have a yard’s worth of Voodoo, por favor.
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I remember Johnny Weissmuller from my childhood. Tarzan! I always thought he was the cliff diver for the Timex commercials. Love the Good Humor Uber- thanks, Liz.
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😊
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Forget the ride, I’ll eat the ice cream. The current record for the 100 free is something like 46 seconds.
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None of his records are still standing. Athletes got stronger and faster.
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So…John,
I’m loving the history trips. I do know who Johnny Weissmuller was, but now I know more. Wow!
Thank you for that!
As far as Voodoo’s and transport goes, Liz supplied a good ride.
🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂
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Yes she did. I’m glad you know more about Johnny Weissmuller
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Me too!
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😁X
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(sent a mail)
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Got it. Answered
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TY! I got your reply. I’m excited. It’s kinda like being a guest on your blog….sort of! OX
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Yes it is. Sort of. ⭕️❌
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⭕️❌
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Don’t you love that one? ⭕️❌
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Ya! ⭕️❌
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😊X
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I read the name Weismuller and all I could think of was Tarzan. I had no idea he was such a decorated athlete!
That is quite the rig Liz suggested!
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yes it is. thanks, Dale.
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🙂
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Oh, I loved the old black-and-white Tarzan movies as a kid. I wanted to live with apes and swing on vines sooo badly. Lol. And fun wheels, John. I could head to pub in that without a problem. 🙂 A fun post.
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Glad you enjoyed it Diana. 😁
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Great reminder about Johnny W, an American icon…as is Tarzan.
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He was quite a guy. Thanks, Steve.
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