Science, Bowties, and a Tribute to My Father

August 28 is National Bowtie Day. I know what you are asking yourself. Okay… and why is this important? Especially coming from someone who typically writes about reptiles, conservation, and biology? Well, bowties are happy childhood memories for me. And perhaps they gave me my first peek at how a scientific mind doesn’t have to be stuffed in a lab somewhere but can share a little joy with the world. 

Meet Doc Powers

My father, Norman, was a medical doctor. A general practitioner specifically, a real good-old family doctor. He dressed for work in colorful suit coats and even more colorful clip-on bow ties. These were the smaller, standard-sized ties, not the ridiculous big ones like those worn by circus clowns. For Father’s Day, my mother and I would shop for the most outlandish, bright, highly patterned ties we could find. Dad was always delighted by his gifts.

This was during a time when bowties were not popular, especially as business attire. Clowns wore big bow ties and bowties were considered an amusing costume for dogs and other animals. Men who wore bowties weren’t taken seriously, and at best were considered nerds and geeks. Long ties were expected to be worn. So, why did my father confidently wear his bow ties? One day I asked him. His response was direct, and like him, filled with common sense.

As a family doctor, my dad worked with a lot of children. Children like to grab and yank on things, things like long ties. My father figured out early on in his practice, that having a child pull on a long tie was dangerous and choking was a definite hazard. In contrast, if a child pulled on a clip-on tie, off it would come, no harm done. My father was a very practical, scientific man.

However, that doesn’t explain why he wanted such a varied collection of brightly colored and patterned bowties. Wouldn’t a few more sedate bowties be sufficient? My father knew that his patients’ attitudes affected their healing. With his extraordinary coats and bowties, he would bring smiles to his patients as soon as he entered the room. He always visited his patients when they were in the hospital. He would whistle happily as he strode down the hallway. Everyone knew “Doc Powers” was on his way.

My father was renowned for his attire, but he was never ridiculed for it. His patients knew they were important to him and they always came first. And yes, he even made house calls!

Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos of my father with his bow ties, but I treasure my memories, knowing that the many people whose lives he touched still remember them as well.

So, on National Bowtie Day, I salute my father. One of the first scientists in my life. I also commend anyone who enjoys wearing this unique fashion accessory. And finally, to the manufacturers, who created the fantastically colored and patterned bow ties that allowed a doctor to bring a bit of amusement to his patients. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

Norman E. Powers, MD