Mary Anne Barothy, author of Hawthorne’s Day at a Time: An Indiana Girl’s Sentimental Journey to Doris Day’s Hollywood and Beyond. Out of sight is definitely not out of mind when it comes to America’s Sweetheart! Even though Doris Day has been out of the public spotlight for many years now, she is still very much on the minds of those who love her, especially people with connections to her in Cincinnati.
This past July I had an e-mail from the activity director At The Kenwood by Senior Star retirement community in Cincinnati asking if I would share my DAY TO REMEMBER…DORIS DAY story with their residents. Would I ? Of course I was eager to relay my sentimental journey with Doris Day to others who remember and love Doris for her many talents.
On October 17th I drove to Cincinnati and thanks to my GPS, I arrived right on time for my 1:30 PM presentation. Talk about a lovely venue! The Kenwood is a very upscale retirement complex. When I entered the lobby with my memorabilia on wheels, I was immediately greeted by several people who escorted me to the beautiful room where I would be speaking. People were already starting to gather and take their places while enjoying some special desserts.
It seems whenever I give a talk in the Cincinnati area, I meet some of the nicest people, including several who have a Doris Day story or connection. While setting out my Doris Day photos, letters, script, Doris and Rock Hudson Barbie Doll set and other DD-related
items, I was approached by several people. One was a man representing the Cincinnati SPCA who was interested in contacting Doris for a major event they are having later this year. Another gentleman was someone who has been working on the concept of a “Doris Day Festival’ in Cincinnati to honor their beloved home town girl. He had many great ideas and we chatted after my talk about this wonderful idea. I look forward to helping him and his committee on this project which hopefully, will come to be in due time.
The third man was eager to tell me his parents purchased the home Doris grew up in in the 30s. He even had a photo of the beautiful wooden desk where she did her homework, which now is in his home Unfortunately, that original growing-up home does not exist anymore, due to “progress” and re-zoning in expanding the city boundaries and the highway system.
A couple years ago I was the guest speaker for Cincinnati’s Deaconess Hospital’s luncheon series. It was a snowy, icy day in early February and the drive down was treacherous Just before my talk a lady approached me and said she had planned to bring her 89-year-old friend to my talk. Unfortunately, it was too snowy and icy for her to get out.
I could easily sympathize with her. Next, the lady told me, “My friend was in the train wreck with Doris in 1937.” I immediately handed her a book and said “Please give her a copy of my book.” I never dreamed I would get to meet this lady. Fast forward. I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know this personable lady named Marian and her family over the years. Shortly after I met her a few years ago, she and her daughter-in-law, Pam, took me and my friend who shares my love of Doris, on the “DORIS DAY Cincinnati tour.” We saw the actual site where the train wreck took place, and a train passed as we watched. We saw the dancing school where Doris spent many hours and as a bonus, we were able to take a couple of bricks as souvenirs. We also drove by the building where Doris performed with Barney Rapp, and toured the Netherlands Hotel where a 16-year-old Doris Day made her professional debut.
It was a thrill to be able to finally get to see these historic sites, escorted by someone who grew up with Doris. I must admit, I’ve never been much of a history buff until now. When it comes to Doris Day, though, I’m all ears and enjoy learning all I can about the lady who has touched the hearts of so many of us. I am grateful to Doris for so many reasons and for all the wonderful people I have met through my association with her. God bless you, dea
r Doris!
Please join me for THE DORIS DAY HOUR @ 3:00pm (New York Time) on the second Thursday of every month on Baltimore Net Radio with encore airings through that week. The next one will be Thursday, December 11th – just tune in to Baltimorenetradio.com