While Gertie’s motives are anything but pure, providing a centenarian like Walt with this type of stimulation can improve his mental agility. Also, it’ll make the storyline more layered.
@Powerboy: I don’t think they ever established the official age of Mrs. Walt (Phyllis) when she died. She came into the strip as an adult in the 1920s, but Dick Moores suspended the aging process for a few years when he did the strip. So she would have been around 100 in either case.
If Walt is indeed around 110, that of course means he was born in 1899 during the McKinley administration, lived through the Teddy Roosevelt era, would have been a kid during Chicago’s Tinker to Evers to Chance years and probably heard a ton of Billy Murray and Henry Burr cylinder records as a kid.
Comic strip status notwithstanding, someone who has been around that long carries a lot of history with him. I’d like to see Jim Scancarelli highlight that while Walt is still in the picture.
When Skeezix was interviewing Gertie for the job of live-in nurse, he told her that “The doctor defined Uncle Walt’s condition as post-centenary dementia.” (GA, Sept. 8, 2004)
One website (http://kinnexions.com/reunion/wallet/fh01_001.htm#P36F29) estimates Walt’s birth year as 1899, making him 110 this year. His late wife, Phyllis Rumpus Blossom Wallet, was about the same age,
How about a Gasoline Alley spin-off strip? One with Walt and his memories. Wouldnt that be be a hoot? I’d be a constant reader. The possibilities are endless.
—————————————–
Walt’s next line; “Where’s my soup!”
SGIBeachbum about 15 years ago
Well, we saw this coming. Walt will have a great time. At least he’s back in the strip.
wndrwrthg about 15 years ago
At least she will have a shoulder to cry on.
Ravenswing about 15 years ago
Unless he croaks at the concert, which given that he’s pushing 110 is a distinct possibility.
Hillbillyman about 15 years ago
How old was Mrs. Walt when she died?
axe-grinder about 15 years ago
I hope she has tickets. You can’t just arrive and walk in to a Bird concert anymore.
toasteroven about 15 years ago
“Unless he croaks at the concert, which given that he’s pushing 110 is a distinct possibility.”
I’d like to think that Scancarelli has more class than to kill Walt off like that.
I’d… I’d like to think that, but I’m just not sure.
oldbooger about 15 years ago
Does anyone know Senator Elmer Bobble’s politics? I’m betting he’s a Republican.
OldManMountain about 15 years ago
While Gertie’s motives are anything but pure, providing a centenarian like Walt with this type of stimulation can improve his mental agility. Also, it’ll make the storyline more layered.
lewisbower about 15 years ago
Will Byrd think Mr Walt is Gerti’s husband? Stay tuned
axe-grinder about 15 years ago
Lewreader said, Will Byrd think Mr Walt is Gerti’s husband? Stay tuned
Byrd has met Walt, over lunch.
alondra about 15 years ago
Oh poor Walt. The noise will hurt his ears.
tcambeul about 15 years ago
Another lame story line. Where are the GA regulars?
OldManMountain about 15 years ago
tcambeul said: “Another lame story line. Where are the GA regulars?”
Walt Wallet is as regular a character as you can get in the strip, although he’s peripheral to this storyline … so far.
kab2rb about 15 years ago
Could be the GA regulars could go to the concert that Gertie wants to go to, since the anouncement was televised of the upcoming concert.
jumbobrain about 15 years ago
@Powerboy: I don’t think they ever established the official age of Mrs. Walt (Phyllis) when she died. She came into the strip as an adult in the 1920s, but Dick Moores suspended the aging process for a few years when he did the strip. So she would have been around 100 in either case.
Ronshua about 15 years ago
HalleluYah three Frumps in a shudder. What do Yeah think a Mother should Mutter . When Yeah talk Yeah stutter Yeah yell Yeah yell at Yeah Bruddah
BlitzMcD about 15 years ago
If Walt is indeed around 110, that of course means he was born in 1899 during the McKinley administration, lived through the Teddy Roosevelt era, would have been a kid during Chicago’s Tinker to Evers to Chance years and probably heard a ton of Billy Murray and Henry Burr cylinder records as a kid.
Comic strip status notwithstanding, someone who has been around that long carries a lot of history with him. I’d like to see Jim Scancarelli highlight that while Walt is still in the picture.
OldManMountain about 15 years ago
When Skeezix was interviewing Gertie for the job of live-in nurse, he told her that “The doctor defined Uncle Walt’s condition as post-centenary dementia.” (GA, Sept. 8, 2004)
One website (http://kinnexions.com/reunion/wallet/fh01_001.htm#P36F29) estimates Walt’s birth year as 1899, making him 110 this year. His late wife, Phyllis Rumpus Blossom Wallet, was about the same age,
marvee about 15 years ago
It’s great that Walt can read the newspaper. Apparently eyes and brain in good shape. Ears won’t be after the concert.
axe-grinder about 15 years ago
Concert tonight!
Durak Premium Member about 15 years ago
How about a Gasoline Alley spin-off strip? One with Walt and his memories. Wouldnt that be be a hoot? I’d be a constant reader. The possibilities are endless. —————————————– Walt’s next line; “Where’s my soup!”
countoftowergrove about 15 years ago
The car won’t make it through this story line!