Hoss in College

I confess that I am not sure if this story should be classified as fiction or nonfiction. As you can see, I call it nonfiction.

I remember a couple of years ago, two Fanstory members, Roy Owen and Humpwhistle, commented on fiction and nonfiction to me.

Roy suggested that most nonfiction has elements of fiction. It is not that the writer intentionally misleads the reader, but sometimes faulty memories or misheard facts are simply wrong. That's a fair point.

Humpwhistle, who in my opinion is the best fiction short story writer I’ve read, said something like, “Good fiction is a big lie; great fiction is a bigger lie.”    

In truth, Hump’s observation was written more elegantly than my words. But it underscores the point. The line between fiction and nonfiction can become blurred.

I can tell you that most of this story is true. But I don't know for sure. It happened in 1946, the year I was born.

Dan Blocker was a true Texan. He was born in Texas, grew up in Texas, went to college in Texas, and then headed west, where he would find fame as Hoss Cartwright on Bonanza.   

In 1946, he attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. The six-foot-four-inch, two-hundred-seventy-plus-pounder played football for the HSU Cowboys and was also a “Cut Up” on campus.

He transferred to Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, where he became a star footballer and graduated with a degree in Speech and Drama. He also earned a master's degree and taught speech and drama before moving to California to seek a career as an actor.

This story is about a time in Abilene. HSU is a small (1500 students) Baptist-affiliated university. In those days, Chapel services were held several times a week. The services were required for all students and faculty. The subjects discussed were usually Baptist devotionals presented by faculty members or guest pastors.  

Many times, the services were conducted by the University President, Rupert Richardson, Ph. D.

Dr. Richardson graduated from HSU in 1917. He lived to be ninety-nine, spending most of his life in Abilene and serving in several capacities at the university. He was considered the leading Texas historian in his day.

I graduated from Hardin Simmons in 1968. Dr. Richardson was the President Emeritus at the time and taught one course, Texas History. I took his course my senior year. He was a great lecturer and tough on grading. The semester I enrolled, he gave one A and two Bs. I got one of the Bs.

Dr. Richardson also wrote extensively about the university. This story about Dan Blocker became a legend at our school. Some of this story is mentioned in one of Dr. Richarson’s books, Famous Are Thy Halls.

I was a speech and political science major, and this is how I heard the details from a speech professor.

Dan was a freshman in 1946. One day, at the start of chapel, Dr. Richardson took the podium to deliver the message. But before he said a word, Dan Blocker ran down the auditorium isle yelling, “It’s gone, it’s gone!”

One of his buddies from the football team yelled, “What’s gone, Dan?” No doubt Dan had prompted him.

“Dr. Richadson’s hair, it’s gone!”

Laughter sprinkled through the attendees.

Dan stopped in his tracks and looked at the stage.

Dr. Richardson stared for a moment. “Mr. Blocker, nothing gives me more joy than to see one of our students display creativity, enthusiasm, and wit. You have certainly displayed wit.”

Patting his bald head, Dr. Richardson said, “You are correct, it is indeed gone!”

Dr. Richadson then began to clap his hands, “Well done.”

The student body and faculty began to laugh and applaud.

Dr. Richardson continued. “Mr. Blocker, please take your seat.”

Dan sat.

Dr. Richardson was a tall man well over six feet, thin, wearing glasses, and bald. His commanding presence, born through education and experience, captured the attention of his audience.

“Mr. Blocker, thank you for giving me a subject to discuss in chapel this morning. I must admit, I didn’t have a good idea, until now.

“I do want our students to be creative, spontaneous, enthusiastic, courageous, and curious. I want our faculty to not only educate you but also inspire you.

“I must hasten to say that all the students over my years at this university have also educated me and inspired me countless times. Ours is a synergetic partnership that makes us all better.

“Mr. Blocker, I would ask you to consider one thing I didn’t mention. Respect. There are times when spontaneity, enthusiasm, and wit are wonderful. There are also times when they cross the line of respect.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m not suggesting Mr. Blocker crossed the line of respect this morning. But I am asking him and you to think about it. Decide for yourself. Where is the line when enthusiasm and wit become offensive to others?”

Chapel has been a tradition at HSU for over a hundred years. During my time at HSU, I mostly skipped Chapel, but dang, I wish I had been there the day Hoss tried to embarrass Dr. Richardson.  

Is this fiction or nonfiction? The event happened. Are the words written here the exact words said? Extremly unlikely.

So, dear reader, what say you—nonfiction or fiction?