Last weekend, though, while rearranging some of my thousands of un-listened to tapes, I came across one which had the name "Bob Hopp" on it, as well as some extraneous information (above). Sure enough, it contained another in what may be a series of audio diaries (I did not find any others yet).
In this case, the tape dates from December, 1975 through May, 1977, and the contents are more varied than the first, giving a better picture of this Aurora man's life.
As to those variations: For one thing, there are multiple moments, during the holiday sections of the tape, where he is joined by his grandchildren, and he seems to enjoy them mightily. There are also some religious thoughts, points of view on life, and, near the beginning, some music recorded off the radio (All in the first portion of the tape).
I think I would have liked to have met Bob Hopp.
Download: Bob Hopp - Bob Hopp's Audio Diary, 1975-1977
Play:
And now, to something nearly undefinable. The following little snippet of tape - less than four minutes long - came housed on a large reel in a box full of tapes which (mostly) involved some branch(es) of the telephone company, way back when. I've shared parts of this collection before, including the training tape of handling difficult calls.
This tape is labeled "TASI Demonstration", and I'm guessing it has something to do with this definition of "TASI" You will hear two phone calls, twice each, first with both ends of the call, then one of the speakers, isolated. After those four items, there is a fifth call, which I'll let you experience without further comment.
THEN, for the last 45 seconds, there is an even odder little montage of sound, which I'll also let you experience without further comment.
Download: Unknown - TASI Demonstration
Play:
Here are two images for this tape, one of the label on the tape, and the other of the list inside the container:
I love to listen to this retired mailman from Aurora.
ReplyDeleteI downloaded this just after you posted it but just got around to listening to it, hence the late comment. Fascinating. He gave his address as 830 High street, and on the earlier tape he mentions he lives in Aurora IL. Putting two and two together, I found this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk_ay2nPsDY
ReplyDeleteI have two additional links:
Delete1) Search 'High Street' and you'll find a Robert F. Hopp with that address. https://publicrecords.directory/profiles/robert-hopp.2813345.html
2) In the 1990 tape, he mentions being 76, making his birth year 1914. This must be the same man: https://billiongraves.com/grave/ROBERT-F-HOPP/9621198
He must've been a lovely man.
Thanks Bob!
ReplyDeleteBob hopp was my mailman on solfisburg, he took pictures of our Lil solfisburg gang, in his truck with his hat on, then when we all turned 18, he sent us all a small album of our memories bless his soul, thanks Bob
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting that. I only looked it up because my brother, Jim, told my mom that her dad was online. I remember when he used to have a saying, and talking into the microphone. We used to have so much fun at his house. He was always happy. This just gave me such a better view of who he was. He passed when I was in middle school I think. I miss him!!! Oh…and I can’t believe my brother Ken screamed that much…I was actually theone who was more hyperactive!! Thanks again for the memories!
ReplyDeleteDiane (I was probably about 3 then…now 50)