Random Thoughts
I just read a very inspiring book about William Allen White. What a wonderful man! I don't think we Kansans appreciate what he accomplished. He was a great newspaper man, owner and editor of the Emporia Gazette. He wrote what he believed in. His wife was a great helpmate.
Their beloved 17-year-old daughter was killed in a horse accident. Her loss caused him to write a wonderful tribute to her. The article was published all over the world. There was a movie made of her life. A lot of it was filmed in Emporia and Florence. There is a park in Emporia that is in memory of her, called Peter Pan Park.
William Allen White's son followed in his footsteps. He started as a war correspondent during World War II and then took over the Emporia Gazette.
William Allen White wrote a number of books. I have plans now to read some of them.
What has happened to Marion? A big school auditorium, a swimming pool, new playground equipment in Central Park all at once. I think we can claim some part of the new small stone museum at the park and lake. We have to give Helen and Dwight Beckham credit for the latter improvement. They were the ones who actually walked the talk. I know others helped, but they were the leaders. We should be proud! Let's celebrate!
— NORMA HANNAFORD
