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Showing posts from November, 2022

Dr. Bob, the Addicus Finch of Iowa Falls, Iowa

Every small town in America has one, their own version of Addicus Finch, as portrayed by the legendary actor, Gregory Peck in Harper Lee's monumental book, "To Kill a Mocking Bird." In Iowa Falls, Iowa, our Addicus Finch was not a lawyer but a mountain of a man, both in physical appearance and social importance to his town. Dr. Robert Johnson. Or just plain, old Dr. Bob.  The man that welcomed every new born from mulitple generations into this world. He was the center and core of Iowa Falls' life force and existence. To visualize and imagine his respect and presence, all you need do is to remember that classic scene in Mel Brooks' "Blazin' Saddles" where the good folks of Rock Ridge solemnly and humbly respond to the mere mention of his name,  like "Randolf Scott." He was worshipped by the entire town with one exception. A tiny yet powerfully built, fearless man who was never impressed by Dr. Bob's status and saw him only as his neighbo...