The Irvy Casper (1895-1977) story. Part 2 of the Casper Family Saga.
“A fascinating, insightful story about the life of a gay man living in rural Indiana in the early part of the 20th century.” Frank C., preview reviewer
“A wonderful contribution to LGBTQ historical fiction. An honest, fully-believable, well-lived life.” Harmon J., preview reviewer
“I fell in love with Irvy and his story. These stories are out there but very rarely told.” Randa D., preview reviewer
Irvy Casper (1895 – 1977) packed a great deal into his life's 81 years. Now, he finds himself with a mysterious Voice that’s asks him to tell about the people and events that were most important to him while he lived. Like most in this situation, Irvy wonders what to tell, what to try to hide, what is important and what isn't.
Irvy’s story was unlike those of most boys growing up on an Indiana farm in the early 1900s. Irvy’s parents recognized that Irvy was “different” at an early age. He wasn’t like other boys. He liked to play with his sisters, to cook and sew, and not get dirty. Strangers called him terrible names or whispered to each other and snickered.
For a time, his older siblings looked out for him, but Irvy was still the target of bullies. Irvy’s parents made sure their son learned ways to protect himself and gave him as much love as they gave any of their other 11 children.
Today, the word we would use with Irvy is "gay". But back then, the kindest word people used was “different.” Like many other gay youths of that era, Irvy struggled to find his place in what seemed a strange and unwelcoming world. Irvy was fortunate to have a gay uncle Cyrus who, with his life partner Henery, taught Irvy some of the safeguards and delights of being different, including a foray into the speakeasies and Bohemian clubs of Chicago in the early 1920s.
Irvy’s life was characterized by intense love and deep disappointments, a desire to provide caregiving to anyone who needed him, and a deep loyalty to friends, his father, and a boy he ended up parenting.
The second in the Casper family series, The Different Son follows The Patriarch, which was the story of Irvy’s father, John Casper. These are works of historical fiction, grounded in intensive research of the primary characters.
Christopher Ringle is a Developmental Psychologist, travel enthusiast, and amateur genealogist. Most of his written work, published under a different name, centers on social and personality development, including a landmark investigation of the alumni of foster care. Chris is a native Hoosier living in Seattle.