By GORDON D. FIEDLER JR.

Salina Journal

An enthusiastic volunteer at Community Access Television of Salina, Ed Baldwin always keeps his mental video camera warmed up in case he runs across possible TV subjects.

One day last year, he and his wife were having lunch at the Salina Senior Center.

"I started hearing the dinner conversations going on around me," said Baldwin, who immediately had a lights-camera-action moment.

"I wanted to sit them down and talk to them," he said.

Thus was born the Living History Project, in which Baldwin corralled Salinans of a certain age to chat about themselves, Salina, and anything else that was on their minds.

He launched the project without an agenda or preconceived plan.

"I had no idea what I'd have," Baldwin said.

As diverse as the subjects were, Baldwin said a common thread in them all was a shared value in learning.

"It was interesting to see how they all came back to education," he said. "Everybody had such a high regard for education. If they didn't get an education, they were so proud of the kids and grandkids who did," he said.

The resulting conversations aired on Access Television in conjunction with last year's sesquicentennial celebration. His subjects were people Baldwin met; others were referrals from those who were aware of his video project.

This was just one of a number of programs Baldwin has done for the local station.

Baldwin was drawn to Community Access not long after he unpacked from his move from Colby to Salina in March 2007.

"My first program was a piece on the ice storm in December (2007)," he said.

His latest project owes its genesis to a boyhood remembrance.

Baldwin grew up in Moundridge, and one day he and his father passed the local American Legion post. Outside was a bench. Baldwin's father told him that's where members of the "Spit and Argue Club" met to solve all the local, state and international problems.

Baldwin recalled that description when Community Access acquired a refurbished park bench. It now is the main prop in a Baldwin production: The Spit and Argue Show. He's taped about a half-dozen shows so far, featuring local folks venting before the camera. In some, Baldwin shares the bench and engages his subjects in conversation.

"I'm an old debater. I love to argue," he said.

Baldwin is as comfortable behind the camera as he is in front.

He performs many of the production chores and handles all of the technical details necessary to get a show on the air.

"To me, it's such a lot of fun," he said.

Although he's wrapped the Living History Project, he would be quick to produce a sequel if he thought there was enough interest. Those too camera-shy still should document their lives in some way, he said, if for no other reason than as a living legacy for younger family members.

"It's one of the most wonderful presents you could give your children," he said.

nGordon D. Fiedler Jr. can be reached at 822-1407 or by e-mail at gfiedler@salina.com

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