Detailed Summary of "Richard Price: Hatpin Mary" on The Moth Podcast

Episode Title: Richard Price: Hatpin Mary
Release Date: March 4, 2013
Host: The Moth
Storyteller: Richard Price

Introduction

In the episode titled "Hatpin Mary," Richard Price shares a heartfelt and vivid memoir about his relationship with his grandmother. Through a series of engaging anecdotes, Price delves into themes of family, memory, culture, and the generational divide, all woven together with the backdrop of mid-20th-century Harlem.

Grandmother: A Larger-than-Life Figure

[03:02]

Richard introduces his grandmother, affectionately dubbed "The French Angel" and "Hatpin Mary." Describing her as a formidable presence—standing five feet tall and weighing 300 pounds—Price paints a picture of a woman who, despite feeling unloved and invisible, had a profound impact on his life. Born in Harlem in 1902, she navigated a life that intertwined love and constant tension with Richard's grandfather, a man characterized as a thug with a penchant for rebellion.

Notable Quote:
"I wanted to tell a story, sort of a love story about me. My grandmother The French Angel, Nature Boy, Buddy Rogers." — Richard Price [03:02]

Bonding Through Shared Experiences

[04:15]

Price recounts the deep bond he shared with his grandmother, especially after his birth in 1949, when he was born with mild cerebral palsy. Their days were filled with simple yet meaningful activities: playing baseball cards, watching monster movies, roller derby, and, most notably, professional wrestling. These shared interests became the cornerstone of their relationship, providing solace and connection amidst life's challenges.

Notable Quote:
"She grew up unloved, feeling utterly invisible... But she and I got on like gangbusters." — Richard Price [03:45]

The World of Wrestling and "Hatpin Mary"

[07:30]

A significant portion of the story revolves around professional wrestling, where Price's grandmother became known as a "hatpin Mary." This term referred to women who took it upon themselves to disrupt the villains' entrances by jabbing them with hatpins. Price vividly describes the intense atmosphere of live wrestling matches, highlighting his grandmother's fearless demeanor as she interacted with imposing wrestlers like Carl Von Hess and the charismatic Nature Boy Buddy Rogers.

Notable Quote:
"She would hide it and sit on the aisle, and whenever a villain would come down the aisle, she would jab him in the ass." — Richard Price [10:15]

The Carl Von Hess Incident

[09:20]

One memorable event involves Carl Von Hess, a villainous wrestler with a distinctive Bismarck goatee and iron-cross adorned jackboots. During a scorching summer wrestling match in Peekskill, New York, Price witnesses his grandmother's bold move as she strikes Von Hess with a hatpin. The aftermath leaves a lasting impression on young Richard, marking his first encounter with profanity and the rawness of live entertainment.

Notable Quote:
"It was the first profanity I've ever heard in my entire life." — Richard Price [11:05]

Encounter with Nature Boy Buddy Rogers

[12:40]

The climax of Price's narrative centers on an encounter with Nature Boy Buddy Rogers, a flamboyant and exaggerated figure in the wrestling world. As Nature Boy makes his grand entrance, the audience's chant of "stick em" puts Price's grandmother in a state of paralysis. Rogers, perceiving the admiration and challenge, approaches her, leading to a moment of silent acknowledgment that leaves both grandmother and grandson speechless.

Notable Quote:
"He went up to her and up to me... and he kissed her hand and said madame." — Richard Price [14:25]

Generational Shift and the Last Conversation

[15:30]

Transitioning from past to present, Price reflects on the generational gap that emerged when he attended college in 1968. Exposed to new ideologies and societal changes, he returned home with a transformed perspective, leading to conflicts with his grandmother over issues of race and understanding. Their final interaction encapsulates the emotional toll of their differing views, concluding with a poignant moment where his grandmother wistfully inquires about Nature Boy's well-being.

Notable Quote:
"We both got exhausted, you know, from crying and yelling at each other." — Richard Price [16:10]

Conclusion

Richard Price's "Hatpin Mary" is a rich tapestry of personal history, cultural commentary, and the complexities of familial love. Through his grandmother's spirited involvement in wrestling and their shared moments of joy and conflict, Price underscores the enduring bonds that shape our identities and perceptions. The story serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving memories and bridging generational divides.

This summary captures the essence of Richard Price's poignant storytelling, highlighting key moments and emotional beats that define his relationship with his grandmother and the cultural landscape of their time.