In considering blind and deaf Samuel W. Bean and his
later-life fascination with the game of chess, some reader comments brought to
my mind one character quality I had observed in the Bean family. Keep in mind
that I’ve never had the opportunity and privilege to meet Sam—I’ve never even
met either of his two sons—but I did know his twin brother, William S. Bean,
and their sister, Leona Bean Grant.
From this association, the one feature I’d say was prevalent
in each of their personalities—and even in Sam’s grandchildren—was that of
intensity. Bill Bean took that intensity and focused it on his business
dealings, becoming in his prime quite successful. Although quite eccentric in
her old age, Leona had that same headstrong manner and colorful personality.
Keeping that in mind, it is no surprise that Sam poured all
his energy into his newfound interest: the game of chess. Although it was an
avocation for him—in addition to his family responsibilities, Sam did hold down
a job, as well as pursue various business opportunities on the side—even as a hobby, chess is
simply an activity that requires a great deal of attention if one is to develop
any skill in its pursuit.
In the July 5, 1948, Oakland Tribune article we’ve been discussing,
perhaps reporter Elinor Hayes saw a blind and deaf chess player as an anomaly.
She certainly took enough time in the piece to discuss his chess-playing
prowess. Of course, as she noted, “He does other things also.”
His life and position toward it possibly is given its best example in his prime hobby—chess.Bean not only plays chess. He is a champion. He ranks fourth or fifth always among the 100 players of the Oakland Chess Club, they report.When Northern California played Southern in a test at Atascadero recently, Bean took his special raised board into No. 24 spot, which indicated he ranked in that place among the 50 boards in play.He won his match after a grueling four-hour heat.Fellow players regard him as an excellent team player.One of them discussed his attitude toward the game thus:“He plays chess as he does everything, wholeheartedly. Although he is so limited actually, he isn’t fanatically, preclusively engrossed in it, or anything. He does other things also.”
Such a nice compliment and insight from Sam's fellow player.
ReplyDeleteWendy, evidently Sam commanded much respect from his team mates in the chess club. Iggy found me an article online from years afterwards in which chess club members still recalled Sam and his chess matches.
DeleteI love it! What delightful insight to his personality as he refused to let a physical handicap limit his enjoyment of life. I wonder how many lives he touched and how many he inspired as he determinedly persisted at something others in his situation might consider impossible. Great story Jacqi.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle. Yes, it does seem that Sam had quite the will power to rise above his challenges. And he was thankful for those who helped instill that sense of hope and independence into his life. A situation like that just seems custom made to be a scenario to "pass it on."
DeleteI hear about people playing chess blindfold and am amazed that they remember multiple boards of pieces and simultaneous games. Not a talent I have that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteI think it takes a special kind of mind to be able to manage those multiple games. I remember when chess club members would carry on several matches with others from around the country--all by postcard and snail mail!
DeleteElinor Hayes is quite effusive in her remarks. I almost wondered if she had a crush on Sam.
ReplyDeleteNow, that's a thought, Linda! Wouldn't that make a story!
DeleteIntensity. Headstrong. I can understand that. Some personalities seem built for the "long haul" -- they can't conceive of giving up. I wonder how much of this trait is in the DNA? I had lost track of the fact that you knew his twin brother, William Bean. I think people with a "headstrong" nature are truly blessed.
ReplyDeleteYes, Mariann, in the long run, perhaps they are blessed. But believe me--those short term moments when you end up butting heads with them in disagreement: not so fun!
DeleteI don't know if this is in their DNA, but I certainly saw it passed down through the generations. Perhaps I characterize Sam (whom I never met) based on what I knew of both Bill and Leona. And yes, they were certainly a determined family!
I always thought Chess was too difficult to learn. I wonder if Sam learned to play before he became blind:)
ReplyDeleteI really have no way to know that, Far Side, but I tend to think perhaps not. From the stories of Sam's childhood--hunting, rock fights--it seemed he was an active, outdoors type. All boy. Of course, that's my assumption based on our own times. Perhaps back then, it was more in vogue for boys to play board games like checkers or chess.
DeleteKeep in mind, though, that this was the blind and deaf teenager whose father decided to teach carpentry--despite his "handicap." One of these days, I'll post a photograph of the inlaid wood parquet chess table Sam made. To me, that would be difficult to learn after becoming blind!