Jerry Summers
With due deference to David Cook and Jay Greeson who have jointly asked to stick the proverbial literary needle into the eye of the public that was handled for 30 years in three columns a week in the Chattanooga Times by the late Bill Casteel this article is dedicated.
Bill provided the wit, sarcasm and often practical wisdom to a current issue of both large and minute proportions.
As previously mentioned in a column on the history, origin and purpose of the Cotton Ball (1933-2020), and one on its spoof, the Kudzu Ball (1981-1989), Bill would have had the unique ability to make fun of Chattanooga’s debutante ball created by the late Zella Armstrong in 1933 and ruled over until her death on April 12, 1965 as the “coming out” event of young ladies in the area.
While the current trend to make all things racial in an effort to eliminate or minimize history such as statutes, plaques and any recognition rages on, one can only wonder what Bill would have to say about the removal of the word “Cotton” from Miss Armstrong’s lifetime mission and passion.
He might point out that all of the attention now given to the statute of General A.P. Stewart on the south end of the Hamilton County Courthouse lawn really has not been very offensive to many citizens because the doors have been locked since the 9/11 disaster and no one is allowed to use that exit.
Hence no one travels in that area unless they might want to avoid the metal detectors in the basement of the old courthouse.
Where was all of the uproar several years ago when the African American daughter of a former municipal judge was presented as a “Cotton Ball” debutante based on her achievements as a young lady who had graduated from Chattanooga’s prestigious all girls high school?
The Kudzu Ball came into existence in 1981 through the creative minds of Bill, Sam Darras, Flop Fuller, Colonel John Popham and many others as a non-malicious spoof on the now banned use of the word “Cotton”.
More importantly it was designed to raise funds for the Chattanooga Birth Defects Center from a $5 admission fee onto the palatial decorum of the parking lot of the Town and Country Shopping Center on North Market Street.
From 1981-1989 it provided humorous (and often comical) entertainment for a good purpose.
During its existence not a single person complained about the obnoxious weed tasteful to only goats with an iron digestive tract, or being racist or discriminating towards any person, sect, religious or political groups.
Bill with his acid pen and common sense talent could address the issue more directly.
What creative name would he suggest for both events that would not be offensive? (Good luck!)
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Jerry Summers
(If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact Mr. Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com)