2.2.2001

Dear Friends,

 

Do you remember when Omaha ended at 72nd Street? Do you recall all the beautiful stores and movie theaters in downtown Omaha? I do. Did you know that I spent nearly all my life in Benson, although I traveled throughout the world? Oh, how Omaha has changed. If you missed me, I was the one with the hat on and I was the LADY IN RED.

 

I should tell you that I lost my mother when I was a senior in high school and my father when I was in my 40’s. My parents had my bother Bill and then they lost 3 children to

"natural" childhood diseases before I was born. Although they are with the ages, my Mom did talk a lot about Ira, a brother. That was my family.

 

Then I married Chuck Snell on Armistice Day in 1933. We were married in Grandma Snell’s parlor and took a short honeymoon to Kansas City. It was the Depression, and times were tough, but we did have 3 children who spent much of their childhood in Benson in the 50’s. In those days, we lived on the edge of 56th street that wandered southward toward George’s Lake.

 

By the way, did you know that Elmer Johnson (my wonderful and loving second husband) and I were one of the last folks to see Rosehill school (that is just across the street) before it was demolished? My 3 children and I went to Rosehill and dearly loved it.

 

Chuck and I traveled all over middle America and would spend our vacations at Weigelwood Resort in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Our kids really loved the place. I left my home on Corby about 50 years after moving into the house. I took one last tour after everything was moved and packed and then I walked into forever.

 

Well, I landed in the arms of Elmer Johnson at Skyline Manor. We were married in the

mid 90’s and I became his “girl.” He was so good to me. Can you say hello to him

before you  go? Can you give him a call in the weeks to come? Elmer was with me right up to the end.

 

If I was his “girl” my youngest son saw me as the GRAND MATRIARCH OF BENSON.

Would you look around you now? Look at all the places and faces of an era that for some  is now coming to a close.

 

I am here with you now. I am just a glimpse away from life’s illusions passing into the night and then into the dawn. Thanks for the memories.  

 

DORIS