DIY History | Transcribe | Nile Kinnick Collection | Correspondence concerning the commemoration of Nile Kinnick, 1941-1997

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Correspondence concerning the commemoration of Nile Kinnick, 1941-1997

1964-09-23: Front

Omaha, Nebraska
September 23, 1964
Dear Robert:
It surely was kind of you to take time
out of your busy schedule for a letter, mostly about
the remarkable marker unveiled in Adel about six
weeksago.    That was a generous thing for the home-
folks to do and it is indeed an enduring reminder
of two boys who later demonstrated the qualities
that people like to, and should, remember.    We wish
that you and Louise and the whole tribe out there
might havebeen among those present for the heartwarming event.
Bob, I didn't preserve any record of what
I said at the dedication.    I made a few notes on a
card to help my memory when standing before the microphone but later discarded them, not realizing that
there would be any demand or even interest in them.
I have carefully sifted the present contents of my
round file, but finding nothing I guess they went
to the  incinerator at the last emptying.
My remarks were simple and fairly brief.
First, recognizing the people who had developed the
idea supplied by Gladys Chance, making mention of
Kate's interest and efforts.    I did not realize that
the program was dedicated to her and to Lester Chance
as a copy was handed to me as we mounted the platform
and I had not read it when I mentioned Kate, and I
couldhave said a lot more.    Then I talked a couple
of minutes about my recollection of the Junior League
games I saw, and how I remembered Bob Feller playing
3rd base.    Then how I watched Bob pitch against the
Sox in Chicago the night before the    All-star football
game in 1940.    As I remember it, the closing paragraph
went something like this:  "Now, this old granite boulder,
which has rested on the bosom of the Dallas County
prairie for perhaps 30,000 years, has a new role.    It
will bear on its side this lovely bronze tablet to
remind all who see it of the two boys who began their
careers on the playing field here and went on to earn
fame in their chosen sport, and it will be an enduring
testimony to the kindness, the admiration and the
affections of the people of this community."
Then there was picture taking, but I didn't
realize that Bob Hogan was doing the same, and we were
pleased no end when he sent us copies-just as you were.
It was a happy and gratifying occasion.
Susan's departure marks a new phase in
your family life.    Different and very good.    WE'll look
for reports of progress when we see your letters in our
mail.       School is under way here too.    Peter in 6th and
Betsy in 4th.   Hardly seems possible.    George and seven
friends spent a few days at Geneva, golfing,  an annual event.
Love to all     Nile

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Omaha, Nebraska September 23, 1964 Dear Robert: It surely was kind of you to take time out of your busy schedule for a letter, mostly about the remarkable marker unveiled in Adel about six weeksago. That was a generous thing for the home- folks to do and it is indeed an enduring reminder of two boys who later demonstrated the qualities that people like to, and should, remember. We wish that you and Louise and the whole tribe out there might havebeen among those present for the heartwarming event. Bob, I didn't preserve any record of what I said at the dedication. I made a few notes on a card to help my memory when standing before the microphone but later discarded them, not realizing that there would be any demand or even interest in them. I have carefully sifted the present contents of my round file, but finding nothing I guess they went to the incinerator at the last emptying. My remarks were simple and fairly brief. First, recognizing the people who had developed the idea supplied by Gladys Chance, making mention of Kate's interest and efforts. I did not realize that the program was dedicated to her and to Lester Chance as a copy was handed to me as we mounted the platform and I had not read it when I mentioned Kate, and I couldhave said a lot more. Then I talked a couple of minutes about my recollection of the Junior League games I saw, and how I remembered Bob Feller playing 3rd base. Then how I watched Bob pitch against the Sox in Chicago the night before the All-star football game in 1940. As I remember it, the closing paragraph went something like this: "Now, this old granite boulder, which has rested on the bosom of the Dallas County prairie for perhaps 30,000 years, has a new role. It will bear on its side this lovely bronze tablet to remind all who see it of the two boys who began their careers on the playing field here and went on to earn fame in their chosen sport, and it will be an enduring testimony to the kindness, the admiration and the affections of the people of this community." Then there was picture taking, but I didn't realize that Bob Hogan was doing the same, and we were pleased no end when he sent us copies-just as you were. It was a happy and gratifying occasion. Susan's departure marks a new phase in your family life. Different and very good. WE'll look for reports of progress when we see your letters in our mail. School is under way here too. Peter in 6th and Betsy in 4th. Hardly seems possible. George and seven friends spent a few days at Geneva, golfing, an annual event. Love to all Nile