Banning Ballet Leader Remembers Bud

Amos "Bud" Mathewson was my friend, mentor, business advisor, and supporter of me in all I've done over time.

It really began when my mom and I came to Banning for safe haven from a violent father. This was when I was three years old.

We didn't know our way around Banning at first so when we found Mathewson's Department Store we went there often. There was a vast array of useful items that helped us settle in.

I loved going into that store as a child. I loved the musty smell of times past, the clutter of many things that dazzled my young eyes.

Most of all I loved to visit Mr. Mathewson, who to me then was the funny older man with the funny glasses and the happy grin. He always had time to stop his work and give me his attention. He made me laugh so much back then.

As years went by and I grew older I kept going in the store to see him. When I began my ballet training and others said I was too young to know what I wanted he always encouraged me and believed in me.

When I was accepted into the Joffrey school in New York City I had little funds to cover the cost. Mr. Mathewson was the first to sponsor me with financial help. He even taught me how to approach other potential sponsors.

He gave me an old and yellowed sales receipt book he pulled out of a drawer behind the counter and proceeded to teach me the importance of looking professional and always give a receipt. I kept that little book for some reason and instead got a new one. I still have it and cherish it deeply.

Through the years we remained close and he continued to support my training all those years.

Later when I decided to have my own ballet school and company here in Banning, he was very supportive and continued to support the ballet company, teaching me how to run a good business.

Mr. Mathewson documented every event in Banning that would allow him to do so. I used to see him walking by my ballet school on his way to one event or another.

As time went by the walk became a struggle, the camera and tripod had become a heavy burden. His legs were hurting and weak, yet he kept going never ceasing in his devotion to filming this town's history.

I started helping him carry his camera whenever I could after it became obvious it was too much for him. A few times I asked one of the strong male company dancers to help, and they did so with great respect.

He filmed all my performances. I have those tapes and I cherish them.

I remember one icy cold rainy night a couple years ago. I was closing my school and heading to my car so as not to get drenched by the wind driven rain when I noticed a small figure  standing under the dim street lamp in the darkness at the corner of 2nd street and Ramsey across from the ballet studio.

The figure was soaking wet and struggling with something he was attempting to carry. I went to see who it was and found Mr. Mathewson cold and alone coming from some City of Banning event. He was struggling with his camera and tripod while attempting to cross the street to get home.

Everyone had left the event and the building dark and locked up for the night, he was alone. It was a sad portrait that reminded me of a tragic film noir movie scene. The long shadows of the street lamp cast his hunched shadow across the way.

I went over and took the tripod and assisted him as he now could barely walk. My mother came up and asked if she could help him, his reply will stay in my heart forever. He said, "No, I want to lean on Julia, she knows how to do it so I won't fall."

A straggler leaving the event that had taken place at The Elegant Affair hollered out the window "Goodnight Bud" and splashed us as he turned the corner on his way home.

It was then I knew Mr. Mathewson would never be the same. It was  then I started visiting his store almost daily, bringing him food and checking on him.

About that time I suggested he get a "scooter" to get around. His answer was. "If I get a scooter it will be the end of me." I had a cold chill the day I went in and found that someone had given him a scooter.

In all his kindness throughout the years, he has given me things for my company that we cherish and use often - tiaras, old Lp records of classical music among other things.

I always told him I should pay him something for those things. His answer was always,"Some day if you can afford it you can give me something, but it isn't necessary."

The day he called me upset that he had been given eviction notice and that his building was condemned, he said something that I will cherish forever. He was talking to Larry Rand who was editor of Patch at that time. He said "I am so proud of Julia, she is like a daughter to me."

I left that day with the familiar words he always said, "See you later Pal."

I loved it when he called me "Pal," I love all that he taught me, I love him. I will never forget this man that gave me so much.

It is my hope that The City will erect a monument in the center of town. A lasting memory and tribute to one of the best friends this town ever had or ever will have again.