An Odd Book Launch

I just returned from Gallipolis, Ohio, where I had the privilege of launching “An Odd Book: How the First Modern Pop Culture Reporter Conquered New York” in the hometown of O. O. McIntyre.

After spending several years researching Odd and Maybelle McIntyre, it was meaningful to finally share their story with the people who know Gallipolis best. The weekend felt less like a traditional book launch and more like returning a story to the community that gave it life.

On Saturday afternoon, Seth Argabrite hosted a conversation about Odd and the book at the historic Ariel Opera House. I enjoyed answering questions, signing books and meeting people who brought their own stories and memories of the McIntyre family.

That evening, the Ohio Valley Symphony presented a remarkable concert featuring Gallia County native Philip Armstrong. The program included Meredith Willson’s “O.O. McIntyre Suite,” which had not been performed or even heard in decades.

The performance was especially meaningful because Ariel Opera House Executive Director Lora Lynn Snow had spent nearly 25 years searching for the music. Watching the orchestra perform the suite before a packed audience was one of those rare occasions when history, music and community pride came together perfectly.

I am especially grateful to Lora Lynn for her persistence and for making the entire weekend possible. I also appreciate Seth, Philip, the musicians of the Ohio Valley Symphony, the staff and volunteers at the Ariel Opera House and everyone who attended the presentation or concert.

During my visit, I also had the opportunity to talk with Marianne Campbell, who shared her memories of Maybelle McIntyre and stories about Gallipolis. Conversations like that remind me that historical research is never truly finished. There is always another story waiting to be discovered.

Odd spent much of his life writing about New York, Hollywood and some of the most famous people of his generation. Yet he never stopped writing affectionately about the small Ohio River town where he grew up.

After the welcome I received this weekend, I understand that affection even better. Thank you, Gallipolis, for welcoming me, supporting “An Odd Book” and helping keep the remarkable story of Odd and Maybelle McIntyre alive.