So, I want to share my latest published article — a profile for On Wisconsin of Barry Levenson, currator of the National Mustard Museum.
Mustard is one of the simple but intense joys of life.
A very sustainable condiment.
...Mr. Mustard (photo credit: Bryce Richter)
On October 28, 1986, at 2:30 a.m., Barry Levenson MA’73, JD’74, streaming tears, pushed an empty shopping cart through the deserted aisles of Woodman’s grocery store on the east side of Madison. He was mourning a close call and ultimate World Series loss by his beloved Boston Red Sox.
“I realized it was kind of nuts to be crying because of a baseball game,” Levenson remembers. “I needed a hobby. I decided to collect something, but what? I happened to be standing in front of the mustards, and I heard this voice that said, ‘If you collect us, they will come.’ ”
Levenson grabbed some lesser-known brands of the condiment and headed for the checkout lane. The clerk had no idea he was witnessing history as he bagged up the beginnings of the National Mustard Museum, which Levenson describes as half Field of Dreams, half Willy Wonka.
Mustard makes a perfect platform for Levenson, who has extraordinary zest for life. He has juggled multiple careers: lawyer, adjunct professor, author of several books (including Habeas Codfish and The Seventh Game), and last but not least, curator of the mustard museum in Middleton, Wisconsin.
To read more click here.
Categories: SUSTAINABLE FOOD
Digging in the Driftless 