Alpha Omega M.D. – Episode #152

…In a single hour, there is hatched a magazine named the Pearson-Eastman Journal, thus beginning a fresh era of reporting world events and the people in and around them…

After Roosevelt leaves, just like that the lobby empties, leaving the Pearson-Eastman

partnership feeling like they have been run over by a Conestoga wagon. Instead of five foot high wheel marks and hoof print across their backs, they are reminded who is a celebrity and who is not, at least not yet.

“We have a conference room reserved on the second floor. After that unexpected development, we best not put the cart before the horse.” James Ferrell’s budding professionalism shows.

The group as a whole is conspicuous by the formality of their dress, for a day that is still considered young; an outward sign that these folks mean business. They file into a good sized rectangular room with military precision, greeted by a hostess who is there to tend to their every creature comfort. She uncovers a lavish fruit tray, which is flanked by carafes filled with piping hot coffee and tea. Flaky croissants are magnets to six sets of hungry hands, as they situate themselves randomly, checking egos at the door.

“This is very impressive, James,” Harv observes while observing.

“I agree,” adds George Eastman. “This gives me some ideas for my boardroom.”

“We at Beacon Hill want to demonstrate how much your business means to us.”

“We are all in agreement about the arrangements,” says Herbert Love, “but I am equally overwhelmed by your securing our audience with Teddy Roosevelt, let alone him inviting our magazine out to the frontier states. You guys should get some great photographs. I hear the scenery is majestic.”

“You all are coming, aren’t you?” asks an assuming Judith.

“Not this time sweetie. I cannot speak for Herbert, but regular business will more than occupy me. Train travel and tents are not on my agenda… and Judith? How are you on horseback? … and Harv, are you a closet Rough Rider?”

“Hey, smarty pants, we know our way around a stable in Florida, right Herb?”

Panhandle Pete

“That’s right Panhandle Pete!” he affirms with more than a hint of sarcasm.

Oblivious to discussions of the first company trip, Abbey Ferrell distributes copies of the Articles of Incorporation to the principles. In a single hour, there is hatched a magazine named the Pearson-Eastman Journal, thus beginning a fresh era of reporting world events and the people in and around them.

Alpha Omega M.D. – Episode #151

…Teddy Roosevelt is headed for the American West to survey our national treasures; Mountains, streams, forests and plain…

By now the entire lobby of the Rochester Arms is abuzz, as word of this affair has spread throughout the building and beyond. When Eastman, Eastman and Pearson arrive on the scene, they must fight their way through to an unexpected, though not unfamiliar gathering.

“What is this? My God George – Harv darling, that is Teddy Roosevelt talking to Herbert! And James Ferrell and Abbey too. Do you realize what an opportunity this is?”

Judith de-cases her favorite camera, while strategically directing George’s assistant for maximum coverage from two lenses. George, for his part, moves in to try to use his influence for the direction his sister seems to be headed, but finds that young Ferrell has already accomplished that task. He gives the thumbs up signal to Judith. Harv’s freshly sharpened pencil is busily transposing verbal responses to his impromptu questions.

“I fully realize that you are just two months into the job of the Presidency, having promised to keep up William McKinley’s policies, but word around the country is that you intend to set controls on the monopolies that are forming or have already formed in certain critical industries in the United States. Firstly, is this true and if so, what are the specifics of that plan?”

“Whoa there, Mr. Pearson. That is one hell of a question and as soon as I figure out what is was, I will answer it.”

“Does the term “trust buster” sound familiar?”

“You sure don’t beat around the bush, sir. I guess that is why I have taken notice of your work. Like me, you tend to take no prisoners.”

It is clear that Roosevelt is not ready to be forthright just yet. However, he does offer this fledgling magazine an opportunity for a noteworthy first issue.

“George, Mr. Pearson, lovely Judith, friend and servant of the people, Herbert Love: I am headed for the American West to survey our national treasures; Mountains, streams, forests and plain which I want to present as a legacy for the future. But winter is knocking at the door, so it is imperative that we leave next week.” He extends his arms, as to encompass the aforementioned Eastman-Eastman-Pearson-Love.

Astonished glances are exchanged between the interested parties.

“If that was an invitation, we accept.” Pearson and the president shake hands. James Ferrell winces in the background, sympathies for Harv’s pencil hand.

“Bully. We’ll have quite a time!” Roosevelt loves adventures. “But don’t bother packing many suits, not suited for horseback. Get it? Suit -suited?

“Well, I believe you have a meeting and I have a train blowing off steam at the railyard, probably wondering if I decided to walk back to Washington. See you next week, good people.”