On the Boulevard: A Shecky Memory

Bob Rind loves to laugh, and he knows a good comic when he sees one. A recent column on Shecky Greene's return to Las Vegas reminded Rind of the first time he saw the legendary standup storyteller in person a mere 56 years ago.

“I enjoyed your story about Shecky as I've been a fan of his since Labor Day weekend in 1952.

“My wife and I just married the previous June went to the Nevele Hotel in Ellenville N.Y. up in the Borscht Circuit. It was a heavy raining night, and after the opening act was over we were waiting for the next act. While waiting I asked a band member who was coming.

“He said some probably unfunny comic. Well nevertheless to say it was Shecky.

“He was on a good 2 hours of ‘pee in your pants’ laughter. I've been a fan since, and have seen him many times since, and still laugh heartily. The band members, by the way, laughed that night with tears in their eyes.”