"Bawlmer, Merlyn - Home of the HONS" - A Synopsis By: Tom Hyland - Email: poesyco@bigfoot.com Copyright: April 29, 2003 Each and every life on this planet is unique. Sure, we all may have had similar experiences, but very few that are identical. Thus, my partial autobiography starts just before World War II, and covers a period of approximately twenty-five years. In editing this, my first book, I found it necessary to break it into two distinct parts, from Birth to age seven (the shorter period) and from there, through the teen-age years, to the Age of Majority, or adulthood. As I was growing up, so was Baltimore, Maryland. In these memoirs, an attempt was made to capture some of our quaint practices, customs, eating habits, and even wonders, like the Ocean. While the stories, events, and mishaps are being unfolded through the eyes of a Balti-MORON, as some kindly refer to us, very similar events, thoughts, ideas, happy times, and even remorseful ones were also experienced elsewhere, across this Great Nation. Accordingly, just about every "blue-blooded" male will be able to empathize throughout these "growing pains" no matter where he was born and bred. Likewise, many local females will hopefully reminisce with a smile or two, whether they are now: Mothers, Sisters, Nieces, Cousins, or even old girl-friends, or neighbors. From nineteen-forty to nineteen sixty-five, many many changes occurred in our society: technology, medicine, music, sports, and every other aspect under the sun. For those of us "pre- during- and post-" Baby Boomers it was a happy time, full of adventures, new experiences, and yes, even growth - both emotionally, as well as physically. Bawlmer Boyhood in essence, is probably no different from similar tales that could be told by a guy from Chicago, or New York, or maybe even Los Angeles - because the threads used to ravel the creation may very well be universal - AH - but, the final tapestry's beauty, or lack thereof, shall depend on the weaver's care and expertise. Was I witty? Truthful? Believable? Mainly people from Bawlmer, Merlyn will know the answers to these questions. Oh, hopefully some "fur-ners" may appreciate the efforts made therein, also. But, my friend, only time and exposure to the public can make the decision. As an author, do I show any talent as a possible Wordsmith? Or does my creation as a writer merely jumble up a whole bunch of already over-used words? As I understand it, a writer's job is not to create new words (as in coining), but rather to manipulate words already available, in such a fashion as to communicate - to pass on an idea, or invoke a giggle, maybe even an out-loud "Belly-laugh", or cause a tear to run down someone's cheek, or sometimes just to inform - for someone to sit back and honestly say: "Gee, I didn't know that!" Finally, I must raise the uestion, "Why would anyone want to read such drivel?" That's easy, in a word, this work is HEART-FELT. It was written because I CARE! It was written because I HAD to write it! Whether or not John Waters will ever make the movie, here in Baltimore, "The Hollywood of the East" is doubtful - but anything is POSSIBLE! Thanks for reading. Tom.   Excerpt "...The seat itself was spring-loaded, and "stood at attention" in its normal position. Although it was a bit tough for a little tyke to wrestle the seat down, and gingerly climb upon it with an anxious little bare bottom - it was ours - and it was private - and it didn't stink to the high heavens 'cause it had "plumbing!" In fact, the seat was somehow connected to the water supply line, so that it functioned as the on/off valve. As long as the seat was down, in a horizontal position, the cold water flowed constantly --- yep, all the while you were "doing your business."

Professional Reviews
REVIEW BY LAUREL @ MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
Subject: REVIEW BY LAUREL @ MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
Date: Apr 23, 2006 1:25 PM

"Bawlmer, Merlyn: Home of the HONS"
Thomas K. Hyland, Jr.

PublishAmerica
P.O. Box 151, Frederick MD 21705

www.publishamerica.com
ISBN: 141377704X, $16.95, 109 pages

At first sight of the cover, I wondered what on earth a book entitled Bawlmer, Merlyn could be about. I soon learned it stood for Baltimore, Maryland and is the phonetic pronunciation utilized by fast-speaking natives. This is the author's memoir, and a funny, sweet, nostalgic reminiscence of the Baltimore he knew as boy and man. Hyland's writing style is chatty and personable, which added a pleasing dimension to his memories.

Thomas K. Hyland, Jr. was born in Baltimore in 1940. Times were simpler in his boyhood, despite a World War raging in Europe and the Pacific, followed soon by the Korean War. Life went on as usual for children of his era. War seemed very far away unless family friends or relatives were killed or came home injured. Dads worked, moms stayed home and took care of their families, and kids went to school or played. Families got by just fine without excessive luxuries. Kids entertained themselves by using their imaginations or building cars out of orange crates cadged from the
corner grocery. Like other boys his age, Hyland earned a few bucks for movies or candy by delivering newspapers. Life was an adventure for Tom in Baltimore, riding his bike in heavy fog near the bay and camping with his Boy Scout troop.

But every boy grows up. Hyland shares the universal joy and trepidation associated with his first dance in the early years of rock and roll, first kiss, first beer, first car. And then came the reality shock of college as experienced by the teenager who got straight A's in High School, followed by the even greater shock of Army life. By his mid-twenties Tom is married to the love of his life, starting a family and buying a house. The carefree boy has finally settled down and become a man.

Bawlmer, Merlyn is a fascinating history of Baltimore, shared from one man's experience. Hyland tells his story with charming humor and warm hearted style. Readers in Baltimore, especially, should find this book intriguing.


REVIEW BY ELIZABETH LUCAS-TAYLOR
Title: Bawlmer, Merlyn
Home of the Hons

Author: Thomas K. Hyland, Jr.
ISBN 1 41277704X Soft Cover $16.95 (109 pgs)
Publish America http://www.publishamerica.com


At one time, personal journals were the de’rigor for anyone growing up, traveling to unknown and unexplored shores, or for chronicling day to day events, or perhaps recording family history. Today, journaling is experiencing a re-growth.

With his first book, “BAWLMER, MERLYN, Home of the Hons” writer Thomas K. Hyland, Jr., brings this revived art of “self” journaling, as he writes of his boyhood and adult life on the east coast of the United States. With this tiny book of 109 pages, Mr. Hyland has given the reader an intimate look at his life from the first day he entered, to the page he is on in the present.

Mr. Hyland has delightfully encapsulated his thoughts and feelings, and shows how he thinks, creates, and learned with humor… and gained wisdom along the way. Each segment of BAWLMER, MERLIN is a nurturing of the experiences he’s had at the most important times throughout his life, as well as an ability to laugh at himself and at the environment he found himself in. Especially endearing are his reminisces about his family's history and childhood memories, thoughts and experiences, those reflections on what took place in his formative years.

Throughout the book, with skill and with great humor, he expresses his emotions and understandings about his experiences: his first dance, his first love, his first child, his Army duty, and lastly, to his invitation to come visit his city.

Readers won’t be disappointed in this little gem of a book. It will bring back poignant memories for any reader of any age, and will surly encourage readers to grasp the importance of their own “journaling” journey, and to leave their own legacy.

This book is definitely a “must read”. On a scale of 1-10, it is an eleven.


Reviewed by:
Elizabeth Lucas-Taylor
Author-Writer-Poet
October, 2005

Reader Reviews for "Bawlmer, Merlyn - Home of The Hons"

Reviewed by juanita jones (Reader)	8/30/2004
As I read your story,I was taken back in time! I was a little girl again. who said you can't turn back the clock!I remember those days of "outhouses" and "parlors" and drawing water from a well. Those were the happy days we all need to remember, from time to time. THANKS! JUANITA JONES
Reviewed by E. Lucas-Taylor	10/14/2003
You are an excellent writer !!!

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