Dear Gary,

I ordered your book, "Pebbles!" What a fine book it promises to be! I am up to the chapter of "In A Little Spanish Town..." and couldn't get any farther. Memories took over! Your chapters of "Leonard Theater, Cedar Vale, Kansas" and "Bill Leonard," brought back so many unforgettable times! Like you, I was the recipient of Bill and Maude's love for "little kids." I received (how I wished I had saved them..) their invitations to attend the "next show!" So vividly, do I remember the "lobby," where the pictures of famous stars were hung! Deanna Durbin, Clarke Gable were there! And yes, I remember the projection room! And, I remember the little area, set aside for the turntable! And, I still remember the night when Bill said, "Don, you select the records that we'll play tonight!" To place the needle on the record that resounded throughout the theatre, will be a memory never to be erased! And Maud! What a character beneath the attire she wore! I can remember watching Abbot and Costello, for the second time! And, watching "With A Song in My Heart," for a second time, cemented my love of music! I remember the tales Bill told, and him, being a trumpet player, made it all so "right!" I remember the "signs" he painted.
Not the least of which was a sign he painted that hung over and entrance to the C.V. gym. It read...."Whenever the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He'll write not that you won or lost but HOW YOU PLAYED THE GAME! In the far, right hand corner, were the words, "Bill Done It!" Thanks, Gary, for the first two chapters! Can't wait to read the "others!"

Don Shaffer

Don Shaffer

"First Post!"

This is my "first post!" It was through searching for the whereabouts of G.A. Beggs that I landed on the internet and found "CV Memories!" It's been great reading about you and your adventures! G.A.'s hand-written letter, which Gary published, caused a rush of memories that will never be forgotten! I'm looking forward to "posting." So, let me know if this gets through!
That will give me courage to try again!

Your Cedar Vale Friend,

Don