The One And Only

Screaming out its bright orange background and black lettering, the new Harley Field sign is now in place at Columbus, Ohio’s East High School football stadium for future generations to enjoy and be reminded of what the name Harley stands for.

A formal unveiling was conducted in pre-game ceremonies Friday night, Oct. 30. Athletic Director Greg Reamsnider ordered the installation of the 21-ft. long sign a few days earlier. This writer, Todd Wessell, great nephew of football legend Charles W. “Chic” Harley, arranged to have the sign cutstom-made to fit on the school’s elevated press box and then to have it shipped from Chicago to Columbus. A group of Chic Harley enthusiasts, that included myself, came up with sign idea after learning that the East High School football field was undergoing major renovation this year. Several years ago I noticed that a small Harley Field sign that had been in place at the location had fallen into disrepair. When a group of us visited Harley Field in April, there was no sign at all. That’s when the decision was made to have a whole new, large sign made and outfitted in the school’s colors. The sign was manufactured in Chicago and shipped to the high school a few months ago. 

Accompanying me to view the sign for the first time early Thursday evening, Oct. 29 was Reamsnider, who activated the football field lights, my wife Carolyn and fellow worker and big Chic supporter Mary Alice Wenzl. When we first gazed our eyes upon the sign we were amazed at its neat and perfectly placed appearance. It glowed and was sized just right so people sitting in the visitors bleachers across the field could easily read its lettering. As far as we know the only Harley Field sign currently in existence is a small directional street sign mounted on a traffic light about a half-mile away.

The importance of the Harley Field sign cannot be overstated. It is the first of what we hope and believe will be more than one fitting tribute to Uncle Chic, the man who lit up not only East High School’s gridiron in the seasons of 1912, ‘13 and ‘14, but the entire football and sports program at nearby Ohio State University and even professional football as a member of the Decatur Staleys, which are now known as the Chicago Bears.

Everyone who has purchased a copy of my 300-page biography, “The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete”, contributed to its creation and mounting on the East High School press box. Proceeds from the sale of the book were used to pay for the sign and its shipping. 

So to all our you, thanks and congratulations!

Now we move on to other fitting tributes to Chic. Hopefully the good folks at Ohio State—and its fans and alumni—will realize that something needs to be done to better recognize what Harley has done for OSU and all of college football.

As we’ve suggested before, a statue of Chic standing in front of Ohio Stadium’s grand entrance—or naming the gridiron Harley Field—would be perfect and worthy tributes.

So far, no one has stepped up to the plate, though some interest has been expressed.

—-Todd Wessell

A whirlwind week came to a close late Saturday night as we pulled into our driveway in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.

We succeeded in what we set out to accomplish on Monday, October 19 with a speaking engagement before members of the Franklin County chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness. Three days later, we were back on I-65 and I-70 heading toward Columbus for three book signings and a meet and greet of thousands of Buckeye and Chic Harley fans outside Ohio Stadium before the game against Minnesota. In the process we opened three more outlets where Columbus area residents can purchase The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete. Look on our website in the days ahead for an updated listing of retail outlets in and around Columbus and Chicago. Also look for some special promotions for the book. Just this week we were included in the Columbus Dispatch’s Readers Rewards program for newspaper subscribers. 

Meanwhile, we will be returning to Columbus once again this Thursday to meet with the real people of Columbus and the Ohio State community. That night at 6 p.m. we’ll be hosting a Chic Harley program at East High School, where Chic set the world on fire with his football heroics from 1912 to 1914. Our visit is all part of our overall effort to properly honor Uncle Chic–something Ohio State has done to a degree, but has failed to go far enough. Our program is free and open to the public–not an invitation only event. East High School, meanwhile, is thrilled at having the chance to honor the man who lit up its gridiron and the man whom the prep football field was named after in 1929. On Friday a new orange and black Harley Field sign will adorn the press box area. We commissioned the sign earlier this year as a reminder to everyone who attends future football games at East that Chic Harley was one of the school’s most famous alums. 

Look for photos of our visits–both last week and this week–to soon appear on this website.

And, if you’re interested in joining our effort to persuade Ohio State to properly recognize Harley for all he did for the university, please email us a note expressing your desire to become involved. Just last week, a longtime Columbus resident pledge his support in getting a statue or some other kind of tribute to Chic in place.

If you or your group is interested in learning more about Chic Harley, let us know.
We plan to be in Columbus several times between now and the end of the year. Speaking arrangements could easily be made.
Here’s an opportunity to learn about the man who put Ohio State on the map from one who knew him well.
Email us if you would like to set up a presentation or call us at 847-561-3382 or 847-299-5511. Ask for Todd or Mary Alice.

A full house of about 65 people attended the Annual Meeting of the Franklin County (Ohio) chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Monday night, Oct. 19 in Columbus. It was a wonderful event full of some of the nicest people you would ever want to meet.
I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker of the evening. Accompanying me were my brother Bob and co-worker Mary Alice Wenzl. The subject of the presentation, that included two videos and slides, was, of course, the great Chic Harley and his nearly lifelong struggle with mental illness. For the hour-long talk, the audience seemed intently interested in learning about a man who they all had heard of, but knew relatively little about. By the comments received after the talk had concluded, people seemed to be truly amazed and interested in keeping the flame and memory of Chic alive. Several people expressed strong interest in doing what they could to work with Ohio State University and the community in moving forward with the idea of a fitting memorial in Chic’s honor.
That’s one or our main goals!!
More will be said about our visit and future plans in the days ahead.

If you want ot join in our effort to come up with a plan to properly honor Chic, email us with you thoughts and ideas or give a call at 847-561-3382.
And on a related note, this coming weekend is Homecoming Week at Ohio State. I plan to be there at three book signings. Two Friday starting at noon at Conrad’s Gifts and later at Sports Collectibles. Then on Saturday morning at about 9 a.m. at SBX Books on High Street. Stop by and say hi. We’ll have life-size cut-outs of Chic. Get your picture taken with him!
There may be more to announce in a day or two.

—Todd Wessell

Nearly a dozen new locations where Ohio State fans can purchase The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete were opened last week throughout the Columbus region during a whirlwind visit. (See list on home page). The response from everyone in Columbus and the OSU campus to the The One And Only was spectacular. Despite rainy conditions, our group of three Chic enthusiasts got around to all the local bookstore hot spots where fresh copies of The One And Only were perched in ideal positions for shoppers to see.
If your’re heading to Columbus and have to pass through the airport you may spot a book display on one of many hotel countertops.
Keep an eye peeled for upcoming book signings.

As some football enthusiasts interested in the history of college and Ohio State football come to realize that there was life before Archie, Eddie, Woody and Hopalong, we’re glad to call to their attention the real and full story of the greatest of the greats, Charles W. “Chic” Harley. We’re glad to report to all who are interested, that only a handful of relatives of Chic’s remain who knew him as a friend and uncle. And that, my friends, is the real story of this remarkable man as told in The One And Only. Harley’s exploits on the football gridiron are well-known: He was a fantastic football player. But what The One And Only adds beyond that is depth of character. Chic was much, much more than a great football player. His life consisted of remarkable ups and downs which few people are aware of today because—except for a few people–no one remains alive who actually knew him.
I knew Chic very well as did my five brothers and sisters. Their recollections of Uncle Chic is the fabric that makes The One And Only stand out above and beyond anything that has ever been or will ever be written or produced about him.

Many people have asked me the question: What was it like to write a biography on your great uncle, Chic Harley?”
The answer is undoubtedly complex and detailed, but I’ll start explaining it now and will add details in the weeks ahead.
First of all, the naming of the book on Chic titled “The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete” did not come about by accident. “The One And Only” was actually a nickname given to Chic by members of the Columbus media during and after his playing days. He was also referred to as “The Immortal”. To attract those names, Chic had to be really something special.
Before the first word of the book was written, I knew there had to be strong reasons why a book on Chic Harley was needed. The main reason, as I write about in the book, was to make sure that he never be forgotten as the individual who propelled Ohio State University into the national limelight. Chic Harley was not just another very good athlete. He truly was the greatest of the greats that Ohio State has produced. His heroics on the field not only got people so whipped up about football throughout campus, Columbus and Ohio, but they became more interested than ever in their community. It helped establish a solid alumni base and following for OSU that lasted lifetimes that remain as strong as ever to this day. That interest transformed Ohio State into a fairly small college of about 6,000 students into one of the leading institutions of higher learning in the world. Millions and millions of dollars were generated from grads and supporters of the school who freely contribute not only during their lives, but after their lives through endowments. Their children and their children’s children followed suit. Those donations financed the hiring of more and better coaches and teachers and attracted hundreds of thousands of students gladly willing to pay tuition and other costs to earn a strong education in every field imaginable such as Law, Medicine and Business. Scholarships to deserving students who had much to give to their community and country were and continue to be given out.
Chic Harley’s contribution to Ohio State stands out far and above that of any other Ohio State athlete, and arguably former, past and present students. And for that, we firmly believe that his place in the hearts and minds of the university, community and state should also stand out as well.
As we say in the book, Ohio State has done well to recognized scores of people who have made important contributions such as Jack Nicklaus, Jesse Owens and Woody Hayes. They all deserve those accolades. Add to that list the beautiful, newly refurbished library named after former school President William Thompson who served during the Harley era. Nothing like that, however, exists for Harley other than his jersey number being retired a few years back and a rock located on High Street called “The Harley Rock”.
Isn’t it time to right this wrong?

We’ll have more on the writing of “The One And Only” in the weeks ahead.

—Todd Wessell

With the new East High School Harley Field sign enroute from Chicago to Columbus, Ohio, the date has been set for its official dedication at the newly-renovated stadium where Chic Harley played in 1912, ‘13 and ‘14.
A pre-game ceremony will be held on Friday, Oct. 9 at Harley Field at around 7 p.m. At that time, the official unveiling will take place of the new 20-ft. long orange and black sign. A wooden sign that had been at Harley Field disappeared years ago. Todd Wessell, author of the new book on Harley that was recently released and called “The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete”, will be accompanied by many family members and friends at the event. Everyone is invited to pay tribute to Harley who later became Ohio State University’s first and greatest football star and four-sport letterman.
On Thursday night, Oct. 8 a slideshow/video program in honor of Harley and in connection with a book signing for “The One And Only” will be held inside the school gymnasium. There people view rarely seen photos and film of Chic and purchase a copy of the book. Wessell is using proceeds form book sales to pay for the new Harley Field sign.

For those of you who have been following our efforts to assist with the renovation of East High School in Columbus, Ohio, we have some good news to report. Work on the new 20-ft. long “Harley Field” sign that will soon adorn the facade of the East football field’s press box is completed and will soon be shipped to Columbus. There, at a football game within the next month or so, a formal re-dedication of the improved football facilities will be dedicated and the orange and black sign unveiled.
It was at East High School that Charles W. “Chic” Harley worked his sports magic chalking up 269 points in his three years of play. He was so good that in the late 1920s, the school named the gridiron Harley Field”. A sign had hung on the stadium for many years, but eventually fell into disrepair and eventually disappeared. We are now bringing back the sign and the name Harley Field.

Want a Chic Harley t-shirt? Call me at 847-561-3382 by Friday, Sept. 4 and we’ll mail you one.

—Todd Wessell

It was a wonderful day and a half in Columbus last Thursday and Friday, Aug. 13 and 14 as we met with top East High School athletic department officials, members of the local media and bookstore owners.
This writer and brother Bob sped off for Columbus from Chicago at about 12:30 p.m. Thursday. About seven hours later, we were inside the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe dropping off a few copies of the new book “The One And Only: Chic Harley - America’s Great Athlete.” The next morning, following a meeting at the Columbus Dispatch newspaper, we made our way to the Eddie George Grille across from Ohio State where we met with reporters to unveil plans for a new Harley Field sign at East High School. That’s where Chic attended high school from 1912 to 1915. He scored 269 points by himself during three years on varsity setting the stage for a glorious college career at Ohio State.
East High School Athletic Director Greg Reamsnider and head football coach Mike White attended the press briefing. As of today, the new 20-ft. long Orange and Black sign has been ordered and will be ready to be mounted on the stadium’s press box facade by mid-September.
Our thanks to Russ Finneran who provide morale support during our stay and to Nick, day manager at the Grille. Also, we were delighted to see that several book stores around the OSU campus are already carrying copies of “The One And Only.” One such place is Long’s Barnes & Noble Bookstore on High Street. We’ll post a complete, up-to-date list soon.
We plan to return to Columbus and Ohio State sometime between mid-September and early October.
Stay tuned. One of our upcoming announcements will give details of a big event coming up where a presentation of the Chic Harley story will be available to everyone in central Ohio.
And, I’d like to add, the first two people who see this blog entry and call my cell phone at 847-561-3382, I’ll send you a complimentary, autographed copy of “The One And Only”.

—Todd Wessell

In just a couple of days we’ll be heading for Columbus to host a press conference where we will inform the entire community of our efforts to properly recognize Chic. In 1929, East High School did just that when they named its football field Harley Field. East is where Chic attended high school. In recent years the Harley Field sign has crumbled and today is no longer there. We intend to do something to rectify that. I can’t say enough about the cooperation of professionalism displayed by the find folks at East High School. They said they are honored to work with us on this project, the details of which will be announced Friday at the Eddie George Grille.
From there, we will announce and plan for other events in and around Columbus this summer and fall to call attention to the fact that if it wasn’t for Harley much of what we know today about Ohio State, professional football and even Columbus itself could be much different.
That is why the full length biography of Chic Harley called “The One And Only: Chic Harley: America’s Great Athlete” was written. It was written to honor Harley and to make sure that he is never forgotten. We wanted people to know the full, complete and true story about Chic.
With that being said, we will see how much interest the Columbus media has in East High School and Chic Harley at Friday’s conference. We have already several confirmed attendees. Either way, we intend to push forward.
If you want to join the Harley bandwagon, email us and we’ll sign you up. Or, call author Todd Wessell at 847-299-5511

Well, we did it. The annual National Sports Collectors Convention is now history and we had a whale of a time visiting with vendors, sports buffs and people interested in knowing more about Chic. We sold lots of The One And Only biography books on the great Harley. Free t-shirts and DVDs of Chic information were given out to every book purchaser. Some of the more interesting people we talked with included a teacher at Youngstown State who knew Jim Tressel way back when, one of Ohio State’s best known and knowledgeable football team bloggers, and many folks who knew something about Harley but wanted to know more. We had a great booth location—right across from the autograph pavillion where sports greats Archie Griffin, Eddie George Hop Cassady and others signed autographs for a price. We had a great booth display with life-size Chic cut-outs and historical photos catching the eyes of convention-goers. Many thanks to Bob Wessell and Mary Alice Wenzl for their hard work. Look on our website–chicharley.com–for several photos we will post in the days ahead.
Our next stop: Columbus. Check in in a few days to learn of details and our quest to get a fitting memorial for Chic in place on or around the OSU campus. If you want to join in the crusade. let us know
1

Well, we’re off to Cleveland for the annual National Sports Collectors Convention where four “Chic people” will be meeting with thousands of sports and football fans telling them about Ohio State great Chic Harley. It’s all part of getting the word out about a new book about the life of Harley called “The One And Only.” We expect to meet with thousands of sport fans many of whom hold a place near and dear in their heart for Ohio State’s first, first team and first three-time All American. We expect to also make a special presentation to Hopalong Cassady who will be there signing books.
If any of you stop by our booth and mention that you read this blog, I’ll give you a free Chic t-shirt.

So now, it’s off heading east on I-94 toward the home of the Rock N roll Hall of Fame. It’s time to rock!

—Todd Wessell

What a weekend it was at the College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.
Lou Holtz, Troy Aikman and John Cooper were all there. Cooper attended our Chic Harley slide and video program in the Bucks & Blue Room that pays tribute to the great Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. We tossed Hall of Famer inductee Randall McDaniel a Chic Harley t-shirt. He said he would make sure everyone from Ohio State who were in the autograph room knew that Chic t-shirts were available. So many people expressed strong interest in the Harley story for a variety of reasons. Most people said that while they had heard of Chic they really didn’t know his story until hearing from us.
Stay tuned for more on our weekend stay in South Bend, Ind. We’ll soon be posting photos and some video!

A huge crowd is expected at this weekend’s College Hall of Fame Enshrinement festivities in South Bend, Ind. We’ll be there, too, presenting two stirring programs on Ohio State football great Chic Harley. We’ll also be stationed all day Friday and Saturday in the museum’s bookstore selling the full length biography on Chic called “The One And Only”. There will be free t-shirts and DVDs full of pictures, comments and videos on the great Harley.
A key chapter in The One And Only delves into the game that put Ohio State over the top—the 13-3 drubbing of Michigan on Oct. 25, 1919. It was OSU’s first victory over the boys in blue and one which kicked off the rivalry many regard as the greatest in American sport.