Kealing Remembers Kerouac

University of Kansas alumnus Bob Kealing (journalism, 87) is a reporter working in Orlando, Florida for WESH television. He's the author of the book Kerouac In Florida: Where The Road Ends and is the co-founder of the Jack Kerouac project of Orlando. Bob's work has shed new light on previously little-known segments of Kerouac's life and he graciously agreed to answer some questions.

FJ: What's the most misunderstood aspect of the Kerouac persona?

BK: I think people tend to minimize Kerouac and his work due to his alcoholic decline and early death. But I think that's evolving. Now we know this was pre Betty Ford Clinic. Today we know alcoholics are diseased...and not to be ridiculed.

FJ: You've made an important contribution not only to Kerouac history but to Orlando history. What's been the implications of your work there?

BK: The Kerouac House in December, 2002 was officially recognized as the city of Orlando's first literary landmark. It's also lead to the creation of the Jack Kerouac Project and the establishment of the Kerouac House as a haven for young up and coming writers. It was a dream of Kerouac's to one day have a writing retreat in the woods...this is a sort of fulfillment of that dream.

FJ: What surprises you the most about the Jack Kerouac you've uncovered?

BK: What suprises me most about Kerouac is the vital role central Florida played in Kerouac's adult life...and the lack of historical context people had here prior to 1996.

FJ: At least one source credits a "friend in Kansas City" tipping you off about Kerouac's time in Orlando. Who was it and what did they say?

BK: My friend in Kansas City, John Griffin, a classmate from the Rockhurst High days and a friend today...first told me he thought Kerouac had died here. Instead he most certainly LIVED here.

FJ: What's been the response to your book?

BK: The response has been very good. I've made friends with people like Neal's wife Carolyn Cassady. She sent me a very nice letter about the book. I've also optioned it to a filmmaker.

FJ: What advice do you give young people on discovering history in the suburbs?

BK: DO IT. You'll be surprised at how open people will be. And there's so much out there. Pop culture history is new and waiting to be found!

FJ: Too bad we don't all have a Kerouac landmark in our midst. Of course, Lawrence has the Burroughs legacy. Did you connect with that at all during your under-grad years in Lawrence?

BK: I did spend some time at the Burroughs house about five years ago. I never met him...but it was cool to see his old house and car and typewriters inthe yard.

FJ: What's the most important lesson you learned as a student journalist at K.U.?

BK: As a student journalist I think I learned what a gift curiosity is...and ultimately how far it can take you.

FJ: Since graduating and becoming a working journalist, you've had the opportunity to return to K.U. as a distiguished alumnus. Describe the experience.

BK: The times I returned to KU I've treasured more and more the time I spent there...going to the Final Fours and being part of such a truly special place. We're so lucky to have a school like KU. I really mean that.

FJ: What's your favorite Oliver Hall memory?

BK: Oh all the Oliver Hall memories!! The keg parties...the roof parties...making all the friends whom I could call tomorrow and it would be 1987 all over again.

FJ: Closing thoughts?

BK: I'm also proud to tell you that a tv piece we did on finding lost photos of Kerouac was awarded with two regional Emmy awards in 2003. Roger McGuinn provided an acoustic version of Mr. Tambourine Man in the piece. He now lives in Orlando. How cool is that? One other thing...I'll be glad to give a wholesale rate and sign copies ofmy book for anyone interested. Just drop me a line at kerouacinflorida at hotmail.com.

FJ: The house in Orlando is the spot where Kerouac wrote Dharma Bums. As the narrator Ray Smith might say, Bob Kealing is a regular bodhisattva.