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by Lois Bolin good old days

A toast to the

Old Naples Historian
A t the stroke of midnight on December 31, the world will once

again be joined in a universal commonality when we all begin to
sing “Auld Lang Syne,” the poem by Robert Burns that is widely
regarded as “one of the world’s most popular songs that no one knows the
lyrics to.” The tune can stop (well, you never really stop a Scotsman) even
the wildest of ye’ Highlanders for a moment of reflection to honor a time
long, long gone.
More idiomatically, “auld lang syne” translates to “old long ago” or
“days gone by” — or simply, “the good old days.”
While most Scotsmen believe they invented most things — and
according to the book, “How Scots Invented the Modern World: The True
Story of How Western Europe’s Poorest Nation Created Our World and
Almost Everything in It,” they did — they did not create the tradition
of singing (miming is more like it) “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight on
December 31. Bandleader Guy Lombardo gets the credit for that.
Mr. Lombardo apparently first heard the song in his hometown of
staff put their luggage on a cart that rolls on a set of rail tracks to
London, Ontario, sung by (no surprise here) Scottish immigrants. When
the hotel, with perhaps a child or two on top getting the ride of
he and his brothers and their Royal Canadians dance band settled in New
their lives.
York City and caused a stir between the two top radio networks, CBS and
Imagine the captain, who’s also the town postmaster,
NBC, who were vying to get Mr. Lombardo on their airwaves. THE YOU’VE ALWAYS UNDERSTOOD THE VALUE OF HEALTHY LIVING. SO WHEN PLANNING
stopping at the post office at the foot of the pier to drop off
At midnight December 31, 1929, at The Roosevelt Hotel, Mr. YOUR NEXT MOVE, GO WITH A CHOICE THAT IS PREPARED TO PERFECTION.
the mail before walking over to bring his employer, Walter
Lombardo signed off on CBS, concluding the first half of his New Year’s BEST
Haldeman, the latest news.
Eve celebration, and then immediately signed on with NBC to broadcast Our expansive, new resort retirement community offers luxurious independent living options,
This is where it all began — the traditions, the culture, the
the second half of the festivities. The tradition of New Year’s Eve with next quality amenities and exceptional continuing care including assisted living, memory support,
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As we move into 2017, let's tap into an ancient tradition that thing
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Lombardo “failed to play ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ the American public would
past, plan ahead, and start the New Year square with every ‘man’.
not believe that the new year had really arrived.” (For non Scotsman, see
the words to the song to the right.) SEE THE BEST NEXT THING TODAY.
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NEW YEAR’S EVE, NAPLES STYLE Should auld acquaintance be forgot, www.arlingtonnaples.org
The center of Naples’ New Year’s Eve celebrations has long been at one And never brought to mind?
of the town’s most beloved treasure — the Naples Pier. This December Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
31, we can relive a moment in time, although there will probably be more And auld lang syne?
people on the beach at 7:30 p.m. watching the city fireworks display than For auld lang syne, my dear,
there were in all of Naples back when the tradition began. For auld lang syne,
Afterward, walk up 12th Avenue South, the first Main Street in We’ll tak a cup of kindness yet,
Naples, and show your family the Norris Gardens and Palm Cottage For auld lang syne!
(stop and note the name on the gate), continue past Beardy Banyan, the And there’s a hand my trusty fiere,
oldest banyan tree in the city. As you cross Gordon Drive and enter the And gie’s a hand o thine,
parking lot behind Tommy Bahama, stop and reflect that, “This is where And we’ll tak a right guid-willie waught,
it all began.” For auld lang syne
Imagine a time in 1919, long before Guy Lombardo landed in New For auld lang syne, my dear,
York, and envision Capt. Stewart waving his lantern as the Bon Temps, For auld lang syne,
Naples’ first transportation service, approaches the pier. Picture guests We’ll tak a cup of kindness yet,
walking down the street from the pier toward The Naples Hotel as hotel For auld lang syne!
The Arlington of Naples welcomes people of all faiths, beliefs and traditions. A Lutheran Life Community–serving seniors and
their families for more than a century. Lutheran Life Communities: Empowering vibrant, grace-filled living across all generations.
82 Life in Naples | January 2017