This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
The Slice: Readers’ signature memories
“Back during the height of the Watergate scandal, I was sitting in an out-of-the-way departure lounge in the Washington, D.C., airport, waiting to catch a regional commuter flight,” wrote Lawrence Killingsworth.
He noticed that G. Gordon Liddy was in the crowded lounge, sitting by himself. “People in the room were whispering and sort of pointing in his direction, but he ignored them. He was reading – I kid you not – The Washington Post.”
Though not a fan of the scandal’s co-conspirators, Lawrence decided to go over and strike up a conversation. “He was very cordial and seemed relieved that he wasn’t being shunned by everyone.”
They chatted for a while and when it was almost time for Lawrence’s plane to leave, he asked Liddy for his autograph. “He was happy to comply, writing ‘To Lawrence with best wishes, G. Gordon Liddy.’ ”
He still has it.
Gail Rogers was 14 when she got Elvis Presley’s autograph at the Seattle World’s Fair.
She had a photo of the singer that she passed to him under the outstretched arm of a policeman there to help control the crowd. “I was lucky enough to get my picture with his autograph back before someone else grabbed it. It was the thrill of a lifetime.”
John Graham recalled that his “worst” autograph story was set at Dodger Stadium in 1963.
“My Mom’s boss asked me if I would like to go to the third game of the World Series, that day, between the Dodgers and the Yankees. We went to the game, without tickets, but he bought two from a scalper, for $35 each. As we approached the stadium gate, I saw Dodger center fielder Willie Davis also heading toward the gate. He was my favorite Dodger. He was a little late for the game and in a hurry. I ran up to him and asked for his autograph. The only paper I had was my ticket. He was very gracious and stopped to sign. He then quickly went through the gate.”
Before John could fully explain to the ticket-taker why his ticket required special handling, the Dodger Stadium employee tore it in two and deposited the half with the autograph into a metal box of no return.
“I got to hold it for about 30 seconds before it was gone.”
Today’s Slice question: Do you still react to every mispronunciation of “Spokane” or are you inured to it?
Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. Readers said one problem with my “Dress Up Friday” proposal is the certainty that colleagues would assume you are going on a job interview.