davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1963-04-22
Rambler
Tells Of
A Missing Person
By JOHN McKELwAY

1t has been almost two
years since a g. year old
Negro girl dropped from sight
in a community Of more than.
two million.
Time continues on its re-
lentless rampage and her
n e, and the circum-
stances surrounding her dis
appearance, gradually work
their way out of memory. 1t
becomes more difficult to re-
member her first name, or
her last. And there are days,
perhaps weeks, when only a
few persons think Of Hattie
Yvonne Jackson.
She lived in a row house I'D
In the 5000 block of Eighth
street NV. On July 81, 1861,
after playing in Rock Creek
Park near Military road
and Beach drive, with her
brother and some other
youngsters, she was seen get
ting in an automobile with a
young, white man. AS Of
now, it may be said that
Hattie, the man, and the
automobile drove south down
Beach drive and into obscu-
rity.
In a world of nosey, sus-
picious people, a white man
and a Negro girl disappeared.
Police and citizens and po-
lice dogs searched the pleas
ant park all night long and
all the next day, down ITO
the Zoo and up to the Mary
land line, Nothing.
Hope for Hattie faded with
the light of the day. BY eve
ming, the big search was
called off and the incident
became the Hattie Jackson
Case" Foul play was official
ly suspected.
Evening star., 1963-04-22


ONE OF THOSE VIII o
thinks often of Hattie is a
tall, bland, easy going
policeman named Thomas
Herlihy, a captain, and head
of the Missing Persons
Bureau.
"It is a rare case" he said
quietly the other day. 1--WE
never been involved in one
like it before. You would
think something would have
turned up by now. Oh, we
have suspects. Nothing firm" !"
Over 100 persons have been
questioned and their alibis
checked out, sometimes in a
tedius search of employment
records-to see If the suspect
was working that day, a long
two years ago.
The FBI Is also working on
the case, along with a cheer
full, bright woman, Sergt.
Gertrude M. Goettel.
The file on the case con-
tinues to grow as Sergt.
Goettel Checks out a possible
connection, or clue, and
writes a report. But'the COM
munity's interest in the case
is dwindling. It Is only ocea-
sionally now that a suspi-
cious man is reported to po-
lice as possibly having some
tie to the name Hattie jack
son.
The description of the
man is fuzzy-30 to 40 years
old, about five feet, 10 inches
tall, medium muscular build,
long dark brown hair
brushed straight back. He
was deeply suntanned and
wearing sun glasses that day
two years ago.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01

Performance of the May Festi-
val. There were many parents
present on May %, 1963-7:OO
pm. to witness this we'll worth
while activity. The participants
did not act as if they were do
ing something for the second
time; they were just as excited
and anxious as they were the
first time they performed. The
program included both perfor-
mances from the elementary and
junior high departments. The
variety of music types was
enormous. With such fine and
varied exposure to music, there
is no doubt the contribution
Edwards will make to the prog
ress of the country will be great.
On May 26, 1868 the Com
mencement Exercises were held
in the Gymnatorium. The occa-
sion was graced and honored
with the contributions Of the
Salutatorian, Miss Albertine
Ivory, and the Valedictorian,
Mr.. Robert Sanders. They gave
the major addresses which we'll
depicted the efforts being ex-
erted by the teachers and the
principal to instill in our boys
and girls confidence, poise, emo
tional and mental stability, and
self discipline. With little en-
couragement from the parents,
we the Edwards Community
could place our girls and boys
heads and shoulders along with
students in any part of the coun-
try. The principal has shown
that he is trying to push our
children to the zenith of their
achievement, what are we do
ing?
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
IN OUR
ARMED FORCES

Lakeland AFB, Tex. - Two
Jackson, Miss, men are being
reassigned to Malmstrom AFB,
Mont, for training and duty
as United States Air Force air
policemen.
The men, both of whom have
completed basic military train
ing here, are:
Airman Shelley L. Roundtree,
son of Mrs. Hazel D, Round
tree of 1858 Powell DR.. He is
a former student at utica
(Miss.) Junior Institute.
Airman Eddie L. Barnes,
whose wife, Lorene, resides at
1913 E. Davis st. He is a form
er student at Jackson State
College.
Both airmen are graduates of
Lanier Junior Senior High
School.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
Hickory News

The City Wide Usher Board
of the Hickory Area met with
the Hopewell M. B. Church,
Hickory, Miss. May 1868. Time
6 pm. The devotion was con-
Quoted. Sister M. Evans Hymn
Amazing Grace. Then presi-
dent J. H. Cross took the chair
after his Introductory the well
come from the hostess church.
Sister B. Mcmillan, then the
program began eight churches
were present and had part in
the making of the program.
The spirit was very high every
one enjoyed the program. Visit
ors president J. A. Thamas Lake
Area Miss Laura L. Jordan 9TH
ers from the Pachuta Area.
Matrons noted visiting matrons,
Shield from the Newton Area
prayer for the sick, shut-in, ush-
ers. Rev. D. Hayden, ministers
noted Rev. Moore. Rev. Ford,
Rev. Hayden. Ushers march
Mrs. M. Johnson in charge fl
nance committee in charge amt.
of finance $40.55.
The next meeting will be held
with the New Spropect Church,
Rose Hill, Miss, June Is, 1868,
time 6 pm. The next second
Sunday in June. All ushers are
asked to be present.
Bro. J. H. Cross, President
Sis. M. Salter, Secretary
Sis. A. L. Morris, Caroline
McMillians, Matrons.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS

u. On what should l base my
plans for the fall and winter
feeding of my dairy herd?
A. Plans for fall and winter
dairy feeding should be based
on good hay and silage supple
mented with winter pasture and
grain feeding. Feed is the big
gest expense in producing milk,
so it is good idea to produce
as much of the needed forage
as possible at home. If you need
to buy any feed, it should be
largely concentrates.
@. Is it too late to fertilize
pecan trees?
A. Now is a good time to fer
tilize young pecan trees which
were planted last winter. AL
though bearing pecan trees
should have fertilizer applied in
February or March, it will still
help set and mature the crop Of
nuts to fertilize trees now.
Apply before June 1. If large
trees which have been fertilized
set a heavy crop of nuts, an ad-
ditional application now in sug-
gested. For information on
kinds and amounts to use, OBJ
tain from your county agent a
copy of Extension Bulletin 297,
pecan Production"
@. Is special care of young
pecan trees needed?
A. Yes. The 1st 2 years after
transplanting pecan trees is the
critical period for survival. I'm
portant practices to help pre-
vent loss of trees includes wat
ering the trees during drouth
periods, controlling grass and
weed growth around young
trees and wrapping trunks of
trees with heavy paper or other
materials during the first two
summers.
@. How can a fallout shelter
be built at low cost?
A. A shelter can be built at
low cost by using mostly earth
for shielding material. Three
and one-half inches of earth
provide about the same protec-
ton against radiation as two
and a quarter inches of con-
crete. Two to three feet OF
earth should provide adequate
protection against radiation
from possible fallout in Missis-
sippi.
@. Can make my storm eel
lar into a fallout shelter?
A. Most storm cellars can be
converted to fallout shelters
with a few minor changes.
Many will need more shielding
material added to the roof.
Most will need the entrance
changed. The shielding material
for the roof can be earth. Be
careful that the roof is strong
enough to hold up the added
weight.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
Funeral Rites
Held For Pres.
Reddix's Bro.

The late Mr.. Edward Reddix,
brother Of President Jacob L.
Reddix Of Jackson State Col
lege, Jackson, Mississippi, will
be funeralized at the Cedar
Grove Baptist Church, Prichard,
Alabama, Tuesday, May Fl, at
10:30 a. m. Christian Burial
Service Of Prichard will be in
charge.
He departed this life Satur-
day, May 18, 1868, after being
i'll for several weeks.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01

Regular May meeting servic-
es were conducted at the St.
Paul M. B. Church Sunday, May
26th Sunday School was con-
Quoted by Supt. P. T. Brum-
field. Lesson Topic: Longing
for the House of God" IL o'clock
sermon by the pastor Rev. Quin
Williams Text: lisa. 57.7 Sub
ject "a Fixed Heart" at 2 pm.
"No room.in the Inn." Theme:
"Jesus is crowded out" The
whole service was very impress
sive and full of inspiration. 1t
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01

president presiding over devo-
ton, Mrs. Leola Beard, Bible
teacher, Mrs. Novella Winston,
program chairman, gave a short
program. Attending this meet
ing was Miss Gloria Jean Bass,
Miss Fannie Span Of Jackson,
Miss; Mrs. Lulu Smith, Brook
haven.
Closing remarks and prayer
by Rev. s. L. Spann, Pastor.
Mrs. Katie Winston, President;
Mrs. Mary Byrd, Secretary;
Mrs. Lille v. Thomas, Financial
Secretary.
Mrs. Smith served a delicious
chicken and spaghetti casserole
with cherry pie and ice cream
for dessert.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
SOCIETY SLANTS
TyIertown News

The Friendship Singing Con-
vention held it's regular meeting
with the st. Johns Chorus at
the st. James Baptist Church.
Sunday night, May 26th, IL host
choruses and 2 guest choruses
were present finance raised
1922. An appreciation service
was rendered for Mr.. L. A.
Bullock their worthy secretary
with a donation of $45. Honor
ed guests were the Reverends
J. L. Pittman, R. Pack and Ed
die Jackson.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
YWCA News
Honorable Goodwin Am.
Lewanika Speaks At
Y.W.C.A. Luncheon

LeWanlka speaks AT
Y.W.C.A. Luncheon
The Public Affairs Commit
tee of the Branch Y.W.C.A. held
its Public Affairs Luncheon on
Monday, May q.
The speaker was the Honor
able Goodwin A. M. Lewanika
a member Of the House of Par
Lament of Rhodesia in Africa.
Persons attending this meet
ing were: Mr.. A. L. Davenport,
Mrs. C. c. Coleman, Rev. s. L.
Whitney, Rev. & Mrs. C. P.
Payne, Mrs. M. M. Hubert, Prof.
& Mrs. G. w. Williams, Mr.. H.
E. Briggs, DR.. C. D. Thompson,
Mrs. A. X. Ward, Mrs. Eva
Wylene Villa, Mrs. Ivor
Wright, Mrs. Sadie M. Hend-
ricks, Miss Annabelle Richards,
Mrs. L. B. Walker Jones, Miss
Ellen w. Johnson and Mrs. Ola
Mae Punches.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
Membership Time

Membership Time
At The Y. w. c. A.
We are urging all members
who have not renewed their
membership for 1868 please do
so by the end of June.
Persons joining this week
are: Mrs. Viola E. Jones, Mrs.
Nell Simpson Lightfoot, Miss
Ellen w. Johnson and Mrs. H.
R. Haskins. Y-Teens are: john
ny C. Thomas, Robert Earl Lee,
Emmuel Davis and Dannie
White.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01

HiOuIH HIS passing.
The Tylertown Gospel Chorus
members motored to Bassfield,
Miss, Sunday evening and rem
dered a program at the Holly
Springs Methodist church in
honor of Mr.. and Mrs. Hollis
Booth, teachers of the J. j. Gull
ledge Memorial High School
here. They were accompanied
by Mrs. Rosa Causey, Henel
Dillon, Vinetta Dillon, Genia
Andrews and Messrs. Hub Quin,
Willie Simmons and o. D. For
lest.
Mrs. J. B. Wilson and chill
dren of Franklinton, La, were
visitors of Mr.. and Mrs. Jewell
CHM Monday of this week.
The Roxie Harrison Memoir
ial Club held it's final meeting
for 1S62-1963 in the lovely home
of Mrs. Etherline Laureetta.
Eleven members shared the de-
licious repart served them and
which was enjoyed by all.
Sick members of our town:
Mr.. Victor Barnes is patient
in the Tylertown Hospital. Mr..
Elyah Rials is seriously i'll in
the home of his daughter, Mrs.
Viola Conerly.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
Day Camps For Teenagers

Day Camps For Teenagers
June 3-14 will be happy times
for girls Z through IL years old
at the Y.W.C.A.'s first session
of Day Camp. Girls IL through
II will have their Day Camp
June "a - July 8. Many activi-
ties will be offered during these
camping periods.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01

Sick And Shut-in. We ask
that you join with US in prayer
for the sick and shut-in of the
community. Mrs. Lenora Par
ker, Mrs. Johnnie johnson, Rev.
Henry Weatherspoon, Mr.. Eliga
Howell, Mrs. s. A. Rembert,
Mrs. s. A. Roundtree, Mrs. Mar
garet Billups, Rev. H. Brown.
Mrs. Lille Belle Brown of
East Chicago, Ind, is in the city
on business. While here she Wis.,
tied her aunt, Mrs. Grenetta
Woodard, and other relatives.
st. Paul Baptist Church had
very successful revival the
past week. Eight souls were
added to the church. Rev. J. w.
Davis Of Plaquemines, La,
Evangelist; Rev. J. M. McEwen,
Pastor. The Ministers Alliance
met Monday, May 20, 1868 at 10
am. in their regular weekly
meeting, with the president pre-
siding. After the business ses-
sion, closing and benediction.
The Mothers Club of the church
served all present hot rolls and
fried chicken and all that goes
to make up a delicious menu.
Rev. P. T. Thaddison, President;
Rev. J. M. McEwen, Host Pas
tor.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
brookhaven
News

Mrs. Cecile Brown, Reporter
Third Annual Baccalaureate:
Eva H. Harris School held its
third annual Baccalaureate SER
vice on Sunday, May 10, 1868,
at 2 pm. The Rev. j. C. Carson,
Pastor, First Baptist Church,
Kosciusko, Miss, was speaker
for the occasion.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
On To Camp Y-Teens

On To Camp Y-Teens
The Branch Y.W.C.A. will
hold its Y-Teen Camp June 16-
% at Mt. Beulah Christian GEN.
ter in Edwards, Mississippi.
Let the Y.W.C.A. plan a vaca-
tion for your daughter by send
ing her to camp.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01

The many friends Of Mr..
Percy B. Evans were saddened
to learn of the death of his
beloved wife. She passed dur
ing the past week in Chicago,
ILL.,, where they had made their
home for a number of years.
Usher Board Meets. st. Mark
MBC Usher Board met Sunday,
May 10, 1868 in the home of
Mrs. Mildred Smith, with the
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01

Mr.. and Mrs. S. E. CHM Sr.
Mr.. and Mrs. Dewitt L. CHM
Mr.. w. G. M. CHM, Mrs. Wv
ian and Idalia CHM, Helen Dill
Ion and daughter Pamla attend
ed the Jackson State College
Commencement Services May
26-27. 1868.
Mr.. and Mrs. Jewell CHM, Mr..
w. ]. M. CHM and Mrs. Idal-
ia CHM and Mr.. and Mrs. De-
witt CHM attended the Gradual
ing Services, May 81, at 500
pm.
Mrs. Beatrice CHM, Dorothy
Ratliff and her three daughters
Miss Mary Faulk attended the
Baccalaureate Service of the
Burguland High School of Nc
Comb, Miss. Sunday, May 26,
afterward they attended a ban
quet given in honor of the grad
uating class and visitors. They
expressed a very delightful
time.
Misses Doris o. CHM and May
Nell will spend the week with
their father Mr.. Dewitt L. CHM
at Ashland, Miss. and attend the
commencement services there.
The Beach Ridge Green Soxs
will play Pervis here Sunday at
the Walthall Stadium June End,
1868 come and see two hard
teams battel. Time 3 pm.
Mr.. Elijah Rials passed away
in the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Viola Conerly Monday,
May 9th age 104. Funeral SER
vices will be held Thursday May
30th at Mt. Olive Baptist church
Rev. G. w. Green officiating.
Washington Funeral service in
charge. Interment in Church
Cemetery. He leaves to mourn
his passing 2 sons, 5 daughters
a large number of grand and
great-grand children and a host
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
Summer Activities At
The Y w G.. A.

Many activities are planned
for the Summer at your Y.W.C.
A. such as: Softball, Camps,
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
Edwards News

Mrs. Phadia Mcfarland Wal
lace, a long time citizen friend,
a devoted wife a loving mother,
a mother of II children passed
this life May IS. Funeral SER
ice was held last Sunday May
26th, 1868, $3.50 pm. at Little
Zion M. B. Church, the pastor
Rev. E. C. Conelious officiated,
interment in Little Zion ceme-
terry. billions Funeral home in
charge of arrangement. She is
survived by her husband, Mr.
Curtis Wallace, five daughters:
Mrs. Cathrene Anderson, Mrs.
Ora Casle, Mrs. Marcella Dix
on, Mrs. Marian Turner all of
Chicago, Ill. Mrs. Ruby Carson
of Vicksburg, Miss. nine sons:
Mr.. Curtis Wallace Jr., Mr.. Les
os Wallace, Mrs. Earnest Wal
lace, Mr.. Eugene Wallace, Mr..
Arthur Wallace, MIR. Alonzo
Wallace, Mr.. Cleophus Wallace,
Mr.. Orgie Wallace all of Chi
cago, Ill. Mr.. Arnbus Wallace of
Bovina, Miss. 81 grand children,
13 great grand children. Three
sisters, Mrs. Parthenia Marfet-
te, Mrs. Genena Powells of San
Francisco, California. Mrs. Ora
Smith of Edwards, Miss, two
brotheers: Mr.. Roosevelt McFar-
land of Los Angeles, Calf, Mr..
Sam Mcfarland of Vicksburg,
Miss. and a host of relatives
and friends.
Edwards Junior High School
= Prof. Charlie Henderson,
Principal.
The 1962-1963 School session
was climaxed with Repeat
Bible, sewing, tipping, music,
bridge, figure toning, dramatics
and tennis.
Support your Y. w. C. A. A
United Givers Agency.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
was well attended by friends of
adjoining church and many
homecomers were present a
mount of finance raised $155.

Mrs. Sara B. Dean, Mr.. and
Mrs. With Forrest her grand
sons, William and Alton, and
Mrs. Lillian Dillon motored to
new Orleans Sunday evening
and spent the evening as guests
of Mr.. and Mrs. A. C. James
and Mr.. and Mrs. Langford
Dean and Mrs. frankie Dillon.
They all reported a delightful
trip.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01

Bible, sewing, tipping, music,
bridge, figure toning, dramatics
and tennis.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
KNOW THE JOY OF
Soft, Shining, Lustrous
BLACK HAIR

etraaked dun burnt or off Youthful
color hair spoil your chances Appearance
or love. success. and pop
ularity. Amazing New TINTZ CREME
COLOR SHAMPOO recolors ugly old look
ing hair to a smooth, youthful appearing
shining black =. at home in just Il min
utes! Tintz contains the most natural look
ing hair coloring known. Il lasts the en-.
tire life of the hair . won I rub off or wash
out. Only occasional touch h-ups al roots,
temples or parting needed. Simple and
easy to apply. Won't interfere with hair
Strengthening treatments. Leaves hair
soft. easy to manage and so much younger
looking you'n be amazed and delighted
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01

of near relatives and friends to
mourn his passing.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01

Support your Y. W. c. A. A
United Givers Agency.
Jackson advocate., 1963-06-01
fully GUARANTEED

TINTZ CREME COLOR SHAMPOO must
give you the most natural looking, shin.
ing BLACK HAIR :. easier and quicker
than anything you have used before or
return for purchase price refund. Ask for
YOUR shade BLACK, JET BLACK
or DARK BROWN. Only sl.5O plus tax.
complete ready to use.
Evening star., 1963-12-23
First


Mrs. Lyndon johnson eele-
brated her birthday yester-
day at q small buffet for
close friends given by the
Presidents assistant Walter
jenkins and Mrs. jenkins in
their Huntington street
home. --. -
1t was q busy day for the
First Family who began it
by first attending church in
the morning.
In between, President
johnson spoke at ( pm. at
the Lincoln Memorial cere-
monies ending the mourning
period for President Kenne-
dy. So the birthday buffet
party in the jenkins home
was fitted in between that
ceremony and the $50 ap-
pearance on the Ellipse light
ing the nations Christmas
tree,
Christmas Trim
Mrs. jenkins home was
gaily decked out in Christ
mas trimmings for the buffet
where a Jewel" tree center
piece was set off by a red
felt holiday tablecloth.
Upon entering the en-
trance hall. the President
and Mrs. johnson were
greeted by the hosts beneath
a festive birdcage "chande-
Ger" trimmed with shining red
ornaments and pine cones
inside and tied with red and
white ribbons.
In a corner of the living
room, a full size Christmas
tree added to the holiday
decor for Lady Bird john
sons 51St birthday celebra-
ton. There was a colorful
birthday cake for cutting by
the First Lady who was
toasted by the small number
Of intimate friends.
About 80 guests, mostly
johnson staff aides, gath
cred around the Christmas
tree in the living room Of the
jenkins home to present
gifts to Mrs. johnson.
The President, before hand
ing his wife a personal gift,
recalled that 20 years ago,
just a few weeks before their
marriage, he presented her
with a portrait photograph Of
himself inscribed, For Bird
"a girl of principles, ideals
and refinement from her ad-
mirer, Lyndon"
Evening star., 1963-12-23
Miss Broun
Engaged to
Mr.. Heiss

Mr.. and Mrs. E. Fontaine
Broun of Washington an
nounce the engagement Of
his daughter Mary Victoria
to Mr.. Franklin Sterner
Dengler Heiss, jr., son of
Mr.. and Mrs. Heiss Of Phila-
delphia, Pa.
Miss Broun graduated
from Potomac School, Nc
Lean, Va; attended st. Cath
crimes School in Richmond,
Va, and is a graduate of
Maret School here. She was
presented to Washington So
ciety in 1862. She is now in
her final year at Mt. Vernon
Junior College.
Mr.. Heiss is a graduate of
the University of Pennsyl-
vania, Moore School of Elec-
trical Engineering. He is with
International Business Ma
chimes Corporation, Space
Systems, in Bethesda, Md.
A June wedding is planned.
Evening star., 1963-12-23
NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Creatures Are Stirring
Later Than You Think

other day, lit does make you
feel like Santa Claus, exactly
like Santa Claus. We're not
interested in retailing once
the store Is closed. At that
late hour it doesn't matter
what the person wants, we
really care about whether
they get it."
Thrice the Price
For example, delivery Of
the 81 pen by taxi, over the
District line and into Mary
land, cost the store several
times the retail price of the
item.
On Christmas Eve, Mr..
DespreS' adjustments staff
and delivery men don't dis
pute the customers whims
and fancies. We've even
sent out trash cans in taxi
cabs. Some customers have
insisted they had to have
trash cans for Christmas
gifts and we didn't argue"
he said. I'VE just arranged
for their delivery"
Up to the time the calls
stop. about II pm. as a rule,
there are usually eight peo-
pie working-Mr. Despres,
the adjustments manager "a
woman) or her stand-in,
four adjustment tracers and
two drivers. I'VE ask for vol
unteerS, instead Of appoint
ing people, for obvious rea-
sons" says the Customer
Relations Director.
How do customers get
their calls through once the
store is closed? There's a
way, which desperate people
discover, ct wouldn't be fair
to elaborate here since the
store doesn't want to encour-
age the eleventh-hour typesO
Tour by Flashlight
People not only call but
come. If they didn't get what
they ordered, say, and it's
out of stock so can't be deliv-
cred. or if for some other
reason they have to see
what's available to make a
Evening star., 1963-12-23

spin 10 seconds and pop
them into the dryer. The mo-
ment the dryer stops I hang
them up and they need ne
ironing. Children's clothing,
especially Just cannot be
cleaned as thoroughly by
hand.
Finally, when our washer
does have to be replaced with
a newer model, I will again
purchase a 'front.' loader, Of
larger capacity and with the
drop-down type door which
weighs clothes to determine
size Of loads as a guide to
soap and water needs.
Evening star., 1963-12-23
By AMELIA YOUNG
Star staff Writer

1t was late Christmas Eve.
The big store had been
closed for hours. You could
see through the double doors
that the aisles we're dark and
quiet and. as far as people in
the street could tell, not a
creature was stirring inside,
not even a watchman.
But they were stirring, all
right.
Upstairs, in. a back room
on the fourth floor, a man
talked by phone to a woman
out in Maryland. The 81 pen
she'd ordered for Christmas
hadn't arrived.
She had to have 1t, she
pleaded. No other pen would
do. and how was she going to
get it? .
The man on the phone
told her not to worry. He'd
send out the pen right away,
he assured her. she'd have it
in plenty of time. He spoke
with a pronounced New Eng
land accent.
The man on the phone
wasn't Santa Claus, although
he sounds like it. Mr.. Philip
Despres, The Hecht Co.'S
Customer Relations Direc-
tor" for the past six years
and a store employe for the
last Is, spends his Christmas
Ewes this way as a matter Of
course.
A native of New Hamp-
shire, without a family of his
own, Mr.. Despres remains at
the store almost every year
until 10:30 or II pm. that
night, filling desperate last
minute requests and making
sure that customers who'd
counted on deliveries aren't
disappointed.
"You know" he said the