Author Ralph Kaminski grew up on what was and still is affectionately and respectfully known as "Polish Hill". His father ran Kaminski's Meat Market, where Ralph learned to work hard. He got married, went to business school, went into service, and ended up as a Special Agent for the United States Government.
As you can well imagine, he learned many lessons, uncovered dark secrets, and swept the globe uncovering crimes related to IRS fraud. He also became a darn good storyteller. Ralph's book won't reveal any huge conspiracies or validate suspicions any of us may have about how the government works when we're not looking. Instead, Ralph takes us on a nostalgic journey beginning in a world filled with Schwinn bikes and ending with a near miss meeting with Howard Hughes.
People growing up in Manitowoc and the surrounding area will find themselves taken back to the days of neighborhoods where, within a few blocks, you could find a grocery store, a drugstore, a playground, a church, and all the essentials needed for a happy day to day existence. Readers will recognize establishments around town, and chuckle at the simple games kids played. War stories add solemnity to the book.
Ralph's first Special Agent assignment found him visiting every brothel in Reno where he interviewed each of the working girls to make sure that taxes were being being paid. He describes, in detail, how brothels work, and leaves with a "if you've seen one you've seen them all" attitude. His assignments had him working with White House personnel along with many other people of influence and intrigue. He was often in danger, as was his wife who, at one point, worked as an informant for him.
Ralph had a significant assignment involving holdings of Howard Hughes. The American Ambassador in Nicaragua set up a meeting between Hughes and Ralph Kaminski but at the 11th hour, the Ambassador received a call from an unidentified person saying "Tell Ralph not to make the trip to Nicaragua". No further details are to be had since Hughes died shortly thereafter.
These are Ralph's memories. If you grew up around the same time and recognize names, places and events, you may find that you recall some of them differently. That's OK. You will still enjoy the stories and the opportunities to go back in time for a little while. And you'll marvel at the bravery of those who do intelligence work.
Ralph is planning trip home in early July. He plans to stop by LaDeDa and maybe he'll sign some books for me.
On different note, I might not blog for a week or two. I'm tackling Stephen King's 11.22.63... at time travel book about a plan to stop the assassination of John F. Kennedy. I'm having tons of fun with this mind bending tome, but it is over 800 pages. I have so far concluded the Stephen King is either a genius or a jerk.
Happy 4th
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