To the editor:
At the ripe old age of 85, I have many fond memories, but can’t necessarily remember the beginning or end of an incident.
One of my memories occurred in the 1950s when I was listening to a favorite radio program. I don’t remember the names of the hosts or the station, but I vividly remember the guest.
His voice had a distinctive timbre and you could hear the humor as he told about his wife, Ann. She was gone for the week — I can’t remember why — and had left a casserole in the refrigerator to be re-heated. On it was a note: “I hope you enjoy this food.”
Later, he sat down to continue reading his book and again found a note: “I hope you enjoy reading this book.” When he went in the bedroom, there was a note as he switched on the light: “I hope you locked the door.” And on his pajamas he read: “I hope you brushed your teeth.”
When he turned back the covers, there lay a Raggedy Ann doll with a note pinned on her bosom: “I hope you are alone.” I still remember the laughter in his voice as he told the story.
And I know many Iowans came to recognize the distinctive voice of Mr. Iowa State Fair himself, Bill Riley.
Betty Snook
Newton