Evening star., 1933-06-04
81-YEAR.OLD WOMAN
REALIZES LIFE AMBITION
AS WHITE HOUSE GUEST

Continued From First Page.)
South. I thought Just nothing Of hav-
ing 500 at a meal" she said proudly.
She showed, too, the letter she got
from Mrs. Roosevelt's secretary.
Il knew she'd answer my letter, "
she said, cause they're sensible folks
here in this White House.
But I was 'sprised to be advertised
but I didn't care. I didn't let livin'
soul know it till it come out in the
papers"
On Ma" Soutf's lean cheeks high
color burned, and she fumbled fercely
through her bag for the piece about
her grandfather who fought in the
War of 1912, but she vowed she wasn't
the least bit excited.
Can't Remember Menu.
What did 1 eat for lunch? I can't
remember. We certainly had a nice
lunch. and I enjoyed every particle Of
it,. Let's see-there was sea fish, crab.
We had coffee and rolls and butter.
wish I had a menu. The folks at home
are going to ask me about that"
She broke of to get autographs. and
to bid good-by to two other luncheon
guests. Mrs. Jean Springstead White
more of Puerto Rico and Mrs. Lloyd
Fletcher of Amarillo, Tex.
The folks at home will want to
know who I met" she said, as she was
ushered back into the east room.
II met Mrs. Roosevelt's daughter but
she didn't have her little girl along.
Orfu
House here. just sightseeing, and was
in this very room. It's certainly
changed since then. Mostly in hospi-
tality. My husband, j. B. Willis, was
postmaster under Cleveland-place just
handed to him on a silver waiter.
Mrs. Roosevelt Interesting.
Mrs. Roosevelt was very interesting
She talked all the time. Did she come
up to expectations?' Yes, indeedI Yes
indeed She told me she was going on
an airplane trip, and said, That's one
ambition haven't got-to ride in an
airplane'
II told her she must come to Lexing-
ton. It's in the Blue Grass country
II miles from where We are. Grand
stables around there. And I told her
about Mammoth Cave and she said she
hoped she could come
"Oh, about that lunch 1t started
with tomato juice. I didn't 'spect any
thing more elaborate than what We had
People down in Kentucky serve too
much. I can't seem to remember the
salad"
She paused to take from her bag a
gold decoration the Masons gave i1er
for feeding their grand conclave
"Oh. I've seen better days" she said
But by depression and fraud I've lost
$4,000 in the last three years. I've lost
my money, but l haven't lost my faith
That's why I wanted to shake hands
with the President and tell him the
folk at home are back of him
Went 50 Miles to Vote.
Il went so miles to vote for Roose-
velt. That was just after my second
husband, DR.. John F. South, died last
October. I went back home to Rich
mond, KY, but I wouldn't move my
trunk until I voted!
Related to Christene Bradley
South?' Hoover campaigner. Well, my
husband was her husbands second
cousin. But I'm no Republican! My
folks vote Democratic and never scratch
a ticket
They wanted me to make speeches
but I'm like Moses, need an Aaron.
But I talked plenty for Roosevelt
and that's what got me here. 1 made
an assertion, not bet because I'm not
bettin' woman, that I'd have a mea
in the White House. They say I'm The
only woman in Kentucky who woulc
have written that letter to Mrs. Roose
velt. Ma. you sure put Nicholassille or
the map they all tell me.
Il just asked for bread and milk, be-
cause I wouldn't think of demanding
much 1t was a mighty nice luncheon
Served in courses. I wish I could re-
member just what. No, We didn't hav,
strawberries for dessert, 1t was cake anc
canned peaches.
Say, Just put down anything for thai
menu. 1t was sure a fine meal! Oh, We!
nuts and candy!"