Before his retirement, Greg Hand provided 36 years of communication and public relations counsel to the University of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1974 with a degree in English literature. He is co-author, with UC Archivist Kevin Grace, of three books about the university, and he edited a book of essays for UC’s 2019 Bicentennial celebration. Prior to employment at the university, Hand was editor of the Western Hills Press newspaper covering the western suburbs of Cincinnati. In retirement, Hand created the Cincinnati Curiosities blog to “keep alive the weird soul of the Queen City.” With partners Molly Wellman and Kent Meloy, Hand presents discussions on local lore into bars and breweries through a program called Stand-Up History. He is a freelance writer and contributes regularly to Cincinnati Magazine and to WCPO-TV’s “Cincy Lifestyle” show.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is fairly large. I am the oldest of seven. I have nearly 100 first cousins. Only a handful of my parents’ generation survive, so we mostly see each other at (very large) weddings and funerals. Ancestry is mostly German, mostly from the western borders of Germany. The Hand line is probably English in origin. Hands have been in the United States since the 1500s, but I have been able to trace that line back to New Jersey around 1800.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Since 2014, I am retired. I spent 36 years in the Public Relations Office at the University of Cincinnati, the last 20 as the director of that office. I was in charge of bad news – tuition hikes, firing the coach, murders, that sort of thing. Before that, I was a reporter and editor for the Western Hills Press and its affiliated newspapers. In both environments, I liked being part of an effective and mutually supportive team.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Maury’s Tiny Cove was my go-to joint in the pre-pandemic era. Ruth’s Parkside for lunch. I was heartbroken when Restaurant L closed. I’m very much in the high-risk category, so I don’t go out at all now, but I dearly want to try everything on the menu at Ivory House.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
All my life. The only West Side neighborhood I haven’t lived in is Delhi. I am a Westwood native who moved to Cheviot, Green Township, back to Cheviot, to Monfort Heights, to Westwood to Price Hill to Westwood. I’ve been in my current house in Westwood for 28 years.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There’s quite a crowd who fit that description. If I had to pick just one, I’d go with Oscar Treadwell, the late DJ. We met when I was 16 and editing a poetry magazine at Elder High School. He invited me on the show to read some excerpts and we remained friends until he died. Running into OT at a concert meant you got a graduate seminar in the history of jazz or rock and I have a whole shelf of books by poets he recommended.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I am not much of a traveler. Actually, I hate traveling. I’d rather be where I am.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is a little-known 1980s comedy called “Get Crazy” about one night at a rock concert venue much like the Fillmore or Ludlow Garage. Lou Reed is hysterical as a legendary rock star. I don’t watch enough TV to have a favorite.
What advice would you give to people?
When I was at UC, I kept a list of the advice I gave people because my assistant asked me to write down “all those dumb things you say at staff meetings.” It was called Hand’s Laws. My favorite is “Never play an ace if a deuce will do.”
What is something on your bucket list?
On the cusp of 70, I feel like I’d better have done what I wanted because I can’t be sure I’ll have the time or energy to do anything else. I regret not learning calculus or how to read music. I’d like to write a sonnet I’m actually happy with.
What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Kind of a toss-up between Steely Dan and Fairport Convention, but I am never in a position where I can’t decide what to listen to. Music is my moods and I usually know what my mood is.
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
If I could pull just one entity from the ashes of time, it would be Kidd’s Bookstore on Vine Street. That’s where I got my true education during my high school and college years. Another would be the old Xpedx Paper Outlet on Dalton Street.
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Don’t think I can get this one down to just one. There are several people I used to keep in touch with mainly through lunch and I miss doing that. A table for 6 at Ruth’s Parkside would be nice.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about my community is the Mercantile Library. They have a great collection of books, but they are even better at convening a literate community through lectures and programs.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
If I’m in luck, alive.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people who know me do not believe I am an introvert. I have been diagnosed as a socially competent introvert, so it confuses people, but I REALLY need to retreat to my cave to recharge.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
On a trip out west with the kids, I had my wife drop me off in the middle of the high desert of Wyoming. She drove 15 miles up the road. For one half hour I was in the middle of nowhere without anything making a sound, not even the wind, with no one anywhere near. It was bliss.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I really dislike special occasions. Looking forward to some date or occasion takes your attention away from what is going on right now. I used to enjoy the annual optimism of a new notebook on the first day of school.
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
RZA’s production on the Wu-Tang Clan records. His beats are breathtaking in their creativity and originality.
Who inspires you to be better?
My children. They are all grown, and they are braver than me every day.
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Springtime on a trail at Mount Airy Forest. Pipe tobacco (I am a reformed smoker).
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
When Mama is happy, everyone is happy. We need more books. Where did all this junk come from?
