MEETING STUFF, from the March 2004 Track Record

Well, this was an unusual meeting. Most of the people I talked with after the meeting were quite upset at speaker Greg Long. He seemed quite defensive, and very aggressive in his attitude towards the large gathering at Dad’s Club. Mostly, the crowd appeared to react to his attitude and not the information he imparted, though, many questions were answered with, “read the book.”
Mostly though, Long’s message was ignored by “true believers” in the ranks…many of which were not aware of some of the Patterson/Gimlin film “problems.” Those that were aware, were angry at having the problems thrown in their faces.
Many have been long aware of things like:How did the film, shot on Friday afternoon, make it to Yakima to be viewed on Sunday; or, how did the film get developed on a weekend when develop- ing studios were closed. What was millionaire Al DeAtley's, Patterson’s brother-in-law’s, part in the play, besides financing Patterson... and yes, Patterson was known as a bit of a cad.
Greg has developed a trail of suspicion; starting with the veracity of Patterson, who apparently purchased a gorilla suit on sale from costumer Phillip Morris (not related to cigarette brand). This was verified by Long's personal interview with Morris, who even sent Long a copy of the advertisement of the gorilla suit on sale. Then, Patterson supposedly hired Bob Hieronimus, to wear the suit for a promised, but not paid, $1000.
The suit had apparently been altered considerably by Patterson; football helmet added to head, football pads to shoulders, feet and hands attached to suit, breasts and such. Many of the alterations were from the hide of a red horse. Bob said his mother discovered the suit in the trunk of his car, and tried the head on, as did another relative. There was apparently much talk of the exploit at a local bar. And I still have not decided what the possible role of Mr. Gimlin...near neighbor of supposed hoaxer Bob Hieronimous, might have been. Bob said he mailed the film from Eureka, which implied that the film had been exposed earlier than said to be, to have made it to Yakima in the mails.
In all, I see a lot of smoke, though no fire yet...enough that I'll probably drop my Patty belief from 90% to 75%, giving Mr. Long the benefit of the doubt for the time being.