Frank Norris Remembered

25. Benjamin Weed

25 / Benjamin Weed With a common interest in literature generally and drama in particular, Benjamin Weed (1869–1941) and Norris could easily have been natural college comrades. Yet such was not the case. Although Weed was not one of Norris’s intimates, both served as class officers during their junior year, Weed as president and Norris as historian, both worked with The Berke­leyan—Weed was its first editor and Norris drew its sec­ ond cover—both were members of Skull and Keys, and both were on the staff of the 1894 Blue and Gold, Weed as assistant editor and Norris as artist. Thus Weed’s memories of Norris’s involvement in college dramatics is important, though his own essay, “The Genesis of the Greek Theater,” a kind of introduction to the student plays collected in California Play and Pageant (1913), which included Norris’s own effort, “Two Pair,” belies his hazy recollection in his interview with Walker that Norris possibly had “some connection” with “Veh­ me­ gericht,” the first play performed where the Greek Theatre at Berke­ ley now stands, a spot Weed himself selected for the play’s performance. Source. Benjamin Weed. Interview notes by Franklin D. Walker, March 21, 1930, Franklin Dickerson Walker Papers, BANC MSS C-­ H 79, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berke­ ley. Weed’s memories of his college days were not very vivid and, although Norris remained in his mind as a person, he could add few details to the picture. Of professors of the time Gayley was most interesting in his reading of poetry, Lange a good scholar,109 Bradley of the old school. “Uncle Joe” Le Conte was the favorite and the most influential man on the campus. His two courses were “Geology ” and “Reproduction.” Therewaslittleliterarylifeonthecampusandpracticallynodiscussion.Norris’ interest in Zola must have been entirely personal. Norris probably took military in senior year to make up for cuts.110 It was looked upon as a bore as it is today. His failure to graduate was reputed to be due to inadequacy in math. Harry Wright coached him. 104 / Frank Norris Remembered Personal appearance. Slender, dark hair, slight mustache & side-­burns, marked sallow complexion with pitted effect, immaculately dressed. He was a good mixer, open & sincere, almost “gushy.” Foreign air partly due to careful dress. Thoroughly at home in society. Remembers his saying that he preferred a well dressed woman to a beautiful one. He was fond of dogs. He always impressed one as being a man with a purpose, clear headed, and one who knew the world and had interest in literature as well as being able to write. Yvernelle was not read on the campus. Norris loaned him his copy. Little sympathy for the Occident.111 Remembers little about Bourdon, Smiles, Junior Farce, “Vehmegericht.” Under the impression that Norris was connected with “Vehmegericht.” Maida Castelhun would know. Skull & Keys. Oedipus in Plumptre translation to be produced. Meeting with G. M. Richardson, Kellogg, Clapp, Loring. Thought Norris was to play Creon.112 Fell through. Norris may have taken part in one of Skull & Keys plays. Friends. Frank Todd Gelett Burgess Jessica Peixotto “Dusty” Rhodes (hiking trips?)113 Dr. Houston Harvey Corbett Charles Keeler114 Ralph Hathorn (Michigan fishing trip—see cards) Harry Wright William Denman He met Norris after return from S. Africa. They had been in the “Louvre.”115 Noticed his hair had become white. He was not much interested in women in college days. He possibly contributed to The Wasp.116 Morse Stephens gave a memorial dinner at which Todd & Weed spoke.117 Held in Bohemian Club. ...