Meeting J. Edgar Hoover

In 1965, I had a wonderful opportunity to go to Washington D.C. for the National Y-Teen Conference.   I had been president of the Y-Teen club at Douglas High.    It was an incredible opportunity.   I will write more about it in another blogpost.

My Uncle Tom and his family lived in Washington D.C. and I had never met my cousins. My cousin, Ellen, and I had been "pen pals" for several years.   She is 6 months older than I am.    After the conference, we went to New York for a few days and then my mom had me fly back to  Washington D.C. to spend some time getting to know my cousins.

We had the opportunity to visit so many of the historical places.   Because my uncle Tom was Chief Clerk of the Senate Appropriations Committee, we were able to get some special tours.  

One of the highlights was a tour of the FBI building culminating with getting to meet FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover in his office.   We had our picture taken and I have looked for this picture for years.   I found it over the weekend, along with this letter to my Uncle Tom.

When Tom first moved to D.C. in the early 30's, he went to college and then went to work as an FBI agent.   That was when the FBI came to be very important fighting organized crime.  I imagine that the  bureau wasn't that big in Washington, and the Director knew my uncle.   He arranged for us to meet Director Hoover.

When I flew back from New York City to Washington D.C., two FBI agents met me at the airport and "escorted" me onto the plane.  I remember them driving onto the actual runway and taking me onto the airplane.   It was really cool to be escorted by the FBI.   Obviously, something like that would probably never happen today.

Here is what is written on the back of the picture and the letter from J. Edgar to my uncle Tom:

On August 24, 1965, Miss Ann Scott and Miss Judy Scott, daughters of Mr. Thomas J. Scott of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and a former Special Agent of the FBI, were photographed with FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover during their visit to FBI Headquarters.   They were accompanied by Mr. Scott's niece, Sheila Shannon of Douglas, Arizona   Shown in Mr. Hoover's Office, left to are right are Sheila, Ann, Mr. Hoover and Judy.

Letter:

Federal Bureau of Investigation

United States Department of Justice

Washington, D. C.

August 24, 1965

BY SPECIAL MESSENGER

Mr.  Thomas J. Scott

Senate Committee on Appropriations

Room F 37

The Capitol

Washington, D. C.

Dear Tommy:

         It was certainly a pleasure to see your daughters, Ann and Judy, and your niece, Sheila Shannon, in my office this morning.   I do hope they enjoyed their tour of FBI Headquarters.    As mementos of the occasion, enclosed are copies of the photograph made during their visit which I thought they might like to have.

Sincerely,

J. Edgar Hoover 

Enclosures (3) 

Gilbert Roundup - Friday, Sept. 3, 1971

GILBERT ROUNDUP
Gilbert, Arizona
Friday, Sept. 3, 1971

School enrolment rises by 169;

kindergarten starts with 85

 With an enrolment 169 greater than last year, Gilbert's public schools opened their 1971-72 year Monday. 

High school registration was 420, up 10 from last year.   Grades 1 through 8 enrolled 901, an increase of 74.  The newly-established kindergarten started with 85 children.

There will be no school on Monday because of Labor Day.

The football season will open Thursday, Sept. 16, with a Junior Varsity game at Powell at 4:00 p.m.   The Varsity will start its scheduled Friday, Sept. 17, meeting Phoenix Christian here at 8:00 p.m.

New teachers in the Gilbert schools include Sheila Shannon and Mrs. Carol Conrad.

Miss Shannon was born and raised in Douglas, where her mother, Margaret Shannon, resides. 

She was active during high school in National Honor Society, Y-Teens, and Student Council. 

Miss Shannon attended Arizona State University for four years.   She received her BA degree in elementary education in June.   Her minor was special education, and she was active in the Student Council for exceptional children.

Mrs. Conrad, the former Carol Fincher, teached first grade at Gilbert Elementary School.

Mrs. Conrad graduated from Gilbert High School in 1967 and from Arizona State University in June.  Her family lives in Higley.

Carol was married July 7, 1971, to Darwin Conrad of Spokane, Wash.  They are currently living in Tempe.   Conrad works as an electrician and will attend school majoring in mechanical engineering and aerospace technology.

I wrote this exactly as it was written in the newspaper.  It is interesting to see the misspellings, etc.    

And just another piece of information....I started teaching special education at Gilbert Jr. High.  At the time, Gilbert Jr. was located in what is now the District Office.  My first classroom is the superintendent's office now! 

Miranda Lambert - The House That Built Me

This song summarizes everything that I am feeling.  I had forgotten about it until my friend, Barb O, texted me a few nights ago.  It speaks to my heart right now.     

Leaving this house is so hard.  I knew it would be.  The range of emotions has been between nostalgia, laughter at some of the things that happened, and tears.    858 is truly the "The House That Built Me."   

I am at peace as I have had two entire weeks to go through "stuff."   I also have been able to visit with friends that I made during the five years I was here.

I am also looking forward to next weekend and the all class reunion which includes my 50th.  What a  fitting way to end my "era" in Douglas!

I am grateful to still have the cabin.   So many of my wonderful childhood (and adult) memories are tied into it.   Although we have not had it as long as 858, we did buy it in 1960 so it has been in my life for 57 years, which is also a very long time.   I hope to spend more time there.  

Summarizing 94 Years Remembered in 94 Days--Post 94

When I embarked on this 94 day journey, it was to help me deal with my grief of losing Teresa, remembering my mom,  thinking of all of our aunts and uncles who have passed,  thinking about the difficulty of cleaning out and selling of 858 in Douglas and the end of an era of the fact that no more Scotts will live in this house or in Douglas. Our family has been here since 1912, the year that Arizona became a state. As I got started, I realized that 94 posts was going to be difficult to write about 94 different events, people, etc.

Writing has always been a great source of help for me in many situations.   There was a period during my time in Douglas that I couldn't write.   It was for a variety of reasons, but most importantly, I couldn't share my thoughts on a public blog.   I had seriously considered closing it and did a couple of times.    Every time I did, I would get an email from someone asking about it.   I finally decided that I would open it up no matter what, but I was still very careful what I wrote.     

There was one particular person who did everything to make my life as miserable as possible.   This person had access to my blog and used some things that I wrote against me.    It was a very difficult time.    When I finally decided to retire, it was very hard because I wanted one more year down here.   And that hurt Teresa, too, because she couldn't be left down here. However, I don't want to dwell on that negative, awful person as I believe that experience helped me in many ways and has served me well during the last ten months on the GPS Board.

It is fitting that the end of the 94 days is the day after my mom's birthday.  And it is also fitting that I am in Douglas.

In cleaning out the house, I have discovered so much material for this blog.   There are things I had never seen before.   Just this past week, I found even more articles, pictures, and letters.

I love to write about humorous events. And some of these posts have been that.   Some of what I have written has been from my heart--like this one today.   Other posts were letters and articles that I found and posted.   But I can honestly say that it has been a great 94 days and has helped me deal with the end of this era and the understanding that "life goes on."

So today is my last official 94 Day Post. But it isn't going to be the end of my writing about our family as I still have a lot of information that I want to record on this blog for our family history.   I just won't be doing this on a daily basis (or then maybe I will).    It just depends.

The remainder of this week will be finishing up the cleaning of the house.   Most is done but there is still quite a bit to take care of.   And I will probably write about that as the days progress.

On October 15, we will close the doors both literally and figuratively on this home that we love and turn the keys over the the realtor.   I truly believe it will sell quickly as it is such a great house.    I just hope that the family who lives in it, will take loving care of it like my mom and Teresa did,  and Johnny, Grandpa and Grandma before them.

Although it will no longer be ours, the incredible memories can never be taken away.   I hope that the posts I have done will keep alive the memories of our family.

I know that Teresa would want me to do this because family was so important to her.   She loved all of us dearly.   She will be missed, but we were so fortunate to have her for almost 95 years.

As I said, I know I will continue writing about the family memories but not each day.

What a journey this has been for me and how much I have learned about our family history!   I will end with this quote that I found which summarizes the last 94 days.

94 Years Remembered in 94 Days--Post 93 (Ring)

This ring belonged to my grandmother, Katie Scott.   There is a great story behind it that I will share.   Her engagement ring went to my Aunt Dot since she was the oldest daughter.   This ring went to my mom, but she couldn't wear it.  She always had trouble with wearing jewelry, no matter how nice it was, as it turned her skin green.   So she gave it to Teresa many years ago with the idea that I would get it eventually.   In about 2012, I was home for lunch and Teresa said to me that she thought it was time I had it.  I was thrilled.  I took it down to our local jeweler in Douglas and got it cleaned and sized and have worn it ever since.

Here is the story behind the ring.   I will tell it as best I can remember it.   Apparently Grandpa Scott bought Grandma diamond earrings for one of their anniversaries.   It is my understanding it was after they moved to Douglas but I don't know the year.   

She kept losing one of the earrings which didn't sit well with him because I am sure he saved for some time to be able to buy the earrings for her.   The last time she lost one, they couldn't find it anywhere.   During that time, they had chickens in the backyard that they raised to eat.   Apparently one day after they had "killed the chicken" and were cleaning it, they found the earring in the chicken.   

I was told that Grandpa said that was it so he took the two diamond earrings down and had them made into this beautiful ring.  

I love this story.   And I love that I have the ring.  One day it will be Kerri's, but not for quite sometime and I am so proud to wear it.

Today would have been my mom's 100th birthday.   That is why I told this story today.   This ring has to be at least 100 years old, maybe more!

Happy birthday, Mom.    I love and miss you every day!  It is hard to think that we are selling this house that you and Teresa loved so much in the town you both loved so much and that my final week here will be this week.   I know you understand how hard this for me (and my kids).  The memories here are because of the wonderful family that you, Teresa and Johnny created.     The only consolation is that both of you aren't here to see this happen.   I know how difficult it was for both of you to have to come up and live with us during your final months (and for Teresa--final years).   A week from today, I will close the door at 858, look at it one last time,  and say good-bye. It will truly be the end of an era.  But I know that you would have been very happy that Teresa had five more years down here and the fact that I got to know so many great people who have made this difficult time so  much easier.  

And another amazing coincidence, tomorrow is my final post for the 94 years!

94 Years Remembered in 94 Days-Post 92 (Letter from John McCain)

Although City and School Board elections are nonpartisan, most of the time the candidate's political affiliation is known.    My mom was a die hard Democrat.   I found this letter and I was impressed that Senator McCain took the time to write this.  I am sure he sent it to many people, but it still means a lot that he would take the time to write it.

June 2, 1988

The Honorable Margaret S. Shannon

425 10th Street

Douglas, AZ  85607

Dear Margaret:

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your recent re-election to the City Council of Douglas.

As you well know, I think running a city and being the elected official closest to the electorate is one of the toughest jobs in America.    Your election is a tribute to your skills as a leader and to your community involvement.

I am confident that we can establish a strong working relationship in the future.   I think it is very important to maintain that relationship so that we can tackle the crucial issues that face Arizona and the nation.   Please feel free to call me whenever you need assistance from the federal government.

I look forward to working with you as as we serve Arizona together in the years to come. Again, please accept my heartiest congratulations on your victory.   Cindy and I wish you much success.

Sincerely,

John McCain

United States Senator

JM/mag 

In 1990, a drug tunnel was found in Douglas.   Here is the story from a  newspaper.  I will explain a little further  on this post as to the significance it has the this post.

-->

WASHINGTON — The discovery of an elaborate 270-foot tunnel built under the Mexican border by drug traffickers to haul large quantities of cocaine to an Arizona warehouse was revealed Friday by federal officials.

Flabbergasted Customs Service agents described the million-dollar passageway as "something out of a James Bond movie," replete with electric lighting, concrete reinforcement and a hydraulic system that raised a game-room floor in a Mexico hide-out to provide entry to the secret border crossing.

Discovery of the tunnel--dug near an official border crossing in Douglas, Ariz.--confirmed the emergence of a long-rumored new dimension in international drug smuggling. Bush Administration officials said they now suspect that the Southwest border may have been breached by several such underground passages.

"We believe there are other tunnels, and we are working to find them," Customs Commissioner Carol Hallett said. "This shows how brazen they are."
 

My mom was on the city council at the time.   I am not sure exactly when it was, but in June (probably 1991) my uncle Matt was down here in Douglas and so was I.   The assistant drug czar and Senator McCain were coming to Douglas to to into the tunnel.   My mom arranged for Matt and I to be able to go into it with Senator McCain and the "czar."

I will never forget that experience.  It was in a warehouse right on the border.  It was connected to house in Agua Prieta.   The house was right on the border.   It had a pool table with a hydraulic lift.    That is how they had access to it.  On this side, it was covered by a storm drain and you couldn't see it with the storm drain on.  As soon as the drain was off, there was a ladder going down.

We didn't go very far down.  I just remember that I could feel the "evil."  It is hard to explain how one can feel evil.   The only other time in my life I have ever felt that evil was the year that we lived in Germany and visited Dachua which was a concentration camp near Munich.   I could feel the pure evil at that time.

What an experience both were and how destructive the drug dealers are as well as the horrific events during WWII!! 

Found some further information today (8/10):

El Chapo’s first tunnel was built in DOUGLAS Arizona 25 years ago.

The escape of drug kingpin "El Chapo" Guzman brought to light how sophisticated tunnels pose a "deep" problem for authorities, but they're nothing new along our southern border.

According to NBC News, from 1990 to 2014, 169 drug tunnels have been found along the border, with the first cross-border tunnel found in Douglas, Arizona, 25 years ago. More than 100 of them in Nogales, including the latest tunnel that was connected to a residential sewer line. Inside the latest tunnel, investigators found bundles of pot coming from Mexico.

“El Chapo” Guzman is known as the pioneer of tunnels and his first one was the one built here in Douglas.

Retired Federal Agent Grant Murray was the lead investigator in the Douglas drug tunnel and also searched for Guzman back in the 90’s. 

“So in 25 years, technology for Guzman is basically the same," Murray said. "The tunnels are going longer.”

The Douglas tunnel was about the length of a football field, but Chapo's latest tunnel was a mile long.

Murray explained the similarities between the two as he compared them on a TV monitor. “What you're looking at here is the opening of the tunnel on the floor in the building on the U.S. side in Douglas, Arizona. If you look at the opening at the [Mexico] prison tunnel, it's basically the same.”

Even more similarities between the tunnels include the lighting systems. “That's an electrical conduit coming from Mexico, which was used to put light bulbs. And according to reports on the prison tunnel, they also had conduit with lighting.”

The Douglas tunnel is known as Chapo's $1.5 million 'James Bond Tunnel'. It was complete with a hydraulic system that raised the floor where a pool table sat. Underneath, a passage way from a house in Agua Prieta, to a warehouse in Douglas.

Murray added the tunnels had specific purposes; “to escape from prison and in Douglas to smuggle drugs.”

A year after Murray and his partner first broke through the tunnel in Douglas, they ended up in Los Angeles taking down part of Chapo's organization where they found his ledger. He said Chapo was responsible for smuggling, “27,000 kilos of cocaine, and almost $80 million in US dollars, all within a seven month period.”

As for finding Chapo again, “I believe they found him once, they’ll find him again.”

Murray said it took about a year to build the tunnel in Douglas and that's about how long people are saying it took to build Chapo’s getaway tunnel.

94 Years Remembered in 94 Days-Post 91 (Comets)

Today, October 6, is the 15th anniversary of my mom's death.   When I started this project last July, I wasn't thinking about how hard it might be to come up with 94 posts.   However, with all of the things I found in Douglas and so many things to remember, it hasn't been hard at all.  

 

Right after my mom died, my friend from Douglas, Ann Littrell sent me this picture.  She told me at the time that the picture that she gave meant a lot to her because it was given to her by someone when she was working on a Native American Reservation in Northern Arizona.   Ann is an attorney and has always had a social conscience.   Her giving it to me meant a lot because i know that she valued it very much.     She also gave me a copy of the book that she writes about.  I treasure this and have it on my wall in my house.  

 

What Ann said is:

 

If a star falls when someone dies, as Hans Christian Anderson's "Little Match Girl" said, then surely a flaming ball of color and light would mark the passing of someone as vibrant and wonderful as Margaret.

 

The article that she sent states:

 

METEOR SEEN IN UTAH,

COLORADO AND WYOMING

 

Salt Lake City (AP) - Residents in Utah, Colorado, and southern Wyoming saw a fireball, which some said had a long tail of green, orange and purple flames that raced across the night sky.

 

The fireball was seen Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

 

"It was probably a meteor burning up in the atmosphere," said Peter Wilensky, meteorologist for the National Weather Service Colorado Basin River Forecast Center.

 

Because of the time difference, this was about the time that my mom died.   And that is why Ann sent it to me.  I treasure it.

 

As I was writing this, I guess I had not thought about a sort of coincidence...both my mom and Teresa died on a Sunday evening.  My mom died at 84 two days before her 85th birthday.   Teresa died at 94 28 days before her 95th birthday.  

 

Makes me think.........