Historic Treasure of the Week - September 13, 1992
By Alice Johnson
Vigo County Historical Society
Historic Treasure of the Week - September 13, 1992
By Alice Johnson
Vigo County Historical Society
Terre Haute poet "Hippie for His Time"
In the late 1960s, I fell in love with a poem I called the Hippie poem, "Desiderata."
It was then I was introduced to the writing of Max Ehrmann. He expressed an idea I always have harbored in my heart when he wrote in his journal, "At DePauw I contracted a disease which I have never shaken off. The disease was Idealism. I took it to Harvard with me where I studied philosophy. Because of it, I did the thing in life I wanted to do--writing."
Even though many have heard only of "Desiderata" and "A Prayer," Ehrmann’s other works included at least 22 books and pamphlets.
He wrote because he loved to write and in his writings he expressed a love for people and the world in which he lived. He offered encouragement to himself and this encouraged others.
He also spoke to another nook in my heart when he said: "I have nothing in common with the Catholic theology--no; nor Protestant nor Jewish theology." But after he dies, his widow said, "Max was noticeably unorthodox in his views, yet he was deeply religious."
Ehrmann was born in Terre Haute on Sept. 26, 1872. He now is considered a "Hippie for His Time." Little did he know that in 1972 "Desiderata"--which means things wanted and needed--would win the Grammy award as the "best spoken word recording."
Ehrmann’s writings always have touched young people, but I am sure women who read "The Wife of Marahius" immediately realize he was their poet laureate as he spoke to a woman’s need to be admired, not as a sex object, but for her mind and soul. I guess from that finding along, it is no wonder I revere Ehrmann.
Ehrmann graduated from DePauw University in 1894 and went from there to Harvard where he studied law and philosophy. He wrote many books and poems for years thereafter.
While browsing in the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, I found a small corner devoted to Ehrmann. The display includes poems, a photograph and a large bust of Ehrmann. These are things upon which one can glance, but take the time to read his words for they are for everyone.
Every autumn I am overcome with melancholy as the brisk winds begin to blow. I discovered Ehrmann’s feelings again reached the depth of my soul as he wrote:
Autumn
Golden moon,
The summer days are leaving
At evening chilly winds begin to blow
My heart is sad and I am grieving
To see the summer go.
You will also read of:
Winter
Warming hearthstone,
With your red coals gleaming
While winter winds beat on the door,
So snugly here I ponder dreaming
Of friends and days of yore.
If you desire to learn more, go to the historical museum and at the bottom of the stairs--you, just as I--can be drawn for a few minutes into the world of Max Ehrmann.
The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.