LETTERS

Discovering Cosette



The article on Cosette Faust Newton (November issue), was most interesting. I happened to visit the Miramar Museum on a rainy Saturday afternoon – I think about eight years ago. Dr. Frank (now I know who he was and I even remember Cosette sitting in the back) greeted us at the door and had us sign a guest book. We met his guard dog and then spent about three strange hours looking through all of the rooms.

I do remember seeing the tombstone on the mock yacht. However, it was covered with a tarpaulin and not meant for the public to see. However, we managed!

We had no idea what this museum was or how it came about. When we asked questions, we received only vague answers – if that. We all had our curiosities about this place but could only piece some of its mysteries together – and, I must admit that what we had figured out was far off base! I have often thought of the Miramar – but now I have a few answers to so many of the questions I had on that Saturday afternoon. I thank you very much.

Pat Chu

Dallas



My most dreaded enemies of early life were the Russians and the “Crazy Lady of Miramar” who lived across the street. I would like to thank China Galland for her reminiscent article, “The Prisoner of Highland Park,” and hope that it might help act as a pivot of public attitude toward Cosette Newton.

My grandfather acted as the neighborhood attorney in finally forcing Mrs. Newton’s retreat, so in my later years curiosity took me to the Miramar Museum and Dr. Frank to find out for myself what it was I had so feared as a child. My discovery was that the town of Highland Park cannot be blamed any more than Dallas or the rest of the nation for the heckling and misunderstanding Cosette was to fall victim to. Those were morally and socially constipated times, and the high-powered brilliance and color that Mrs. Newton sincerely wanted to pass on to others was simply too much for them to swallow. The neglect of the community, more than the “envy, jealousy and delinquent vandals,” is what finally pressured her charm and imaginative dreams into the irrational tactics she employed in antagonism.

Ms. Galland has captured the fever and the flair of Highland Park, a town that could reflect upon Cosette Faust Newton with more pride had their opposing energies not been so great.

Shannon S. Wynne

Dallas

China Galland has been true to known facts and deserves praise for the fluent and impressive language by which she tells the story of Cosette Faust Newton.

This comment comes from one who knew Cosette Faust in her early days of her college career. I thank you for bringing the story to us in D Magazine.

J. O. Quattlebaum

Dallas

China Galland mentions Wirt Davis III as attending the S. S. Miramar first night in 1941. Wirt Davis III was not even born until 1951.

J. D. May

Dallas

Editor’s note. The reference should have been to Wirt Davis II, whose name appeared on Mrs. Newton’s guest list. However, Mr. Davis does not remember attending the party.



Dining Out



I’d like to commend D Magazine for its courage in publishing the article on Dallas restaurants (November). Having recently been served a piece of glass in my crabmeat at Romano’s Cafeteria, I felt rather helpless after showing it to the manager. She generously picked up my bill and told me that they would be glad to take care of any doctor bills should they be necessary. I was told by friends that there was really nothing I could do. I was doubly glad to see someone doing something.

I noticed that in your “Publisher’s Page” you are considering printing a monthly list of restaurants and their ratings. As someone who used to enjoy eating at some of those restaurants, I would appreciate D Magazine doing this. If one restaurant can keep its act clean, so can they all.

Rose Lobello Gillingham

Dallas

The recent article “Guess What’s Coming With Dinner” by Janice Tomlin gives an unfair perspective of Dallas restaurants in general and ranks as a classic example of irresponsible journalism.

At article’s end, I was at a loss to grasp the point or conclusions of the reporter. Does she suggest that we are not to eat out in restaurants’? Or, are we to have medical assistance on call after each evening spent dining out?

When considering the millions of meals prepared and eaten annually in the places mentioned in the article against the number of cases of food poisoning recorded, one must ponder the purpose of such an article. The incidences of illness of this nature must be similar to that of pedestrians being struck by lightning. Are we to be treated to an article dealing with this danger next month, or does it lack the needed sensationalism?

My previously high esteem for your publication has fallen considerably.

Don Scheu

Dallas

May I be among those to commend you on what I consider to be one of the most worthwhile articles that I have seen in a long time? I am referring to Ms. Tomlin’s article on the Dallas restaurants.

It is, indeed, unfortunate that the article had to be written in the first place. The examples cited, as well as the fact that such conditions even exist, are not only disgusting but also deplorable: and, to my way of thinking, completely inexcusable. As far as I am concerned, every and all restaurants that do not even meet the minimum standards that the health department requires deserve to have their names and infractions published.

I hope your calling attention to the situation will result in some constructive action not only on the part of the restaurants mentioned, but also by all the others unmentioned who know that they are in violation of the city food-establishment requirements and that are therefore playing havoc with the health of those who frequent their establishments.

Susan D. Kaminsky

Dallas

The Family of Reunion

Thank you for telling your readers (“Up Front.” December) that Reunion will be opening ahead of schedule. While we are proud to have this fact publicly known. I must take exception to your statement that my involvement in the project is the reason for its success.

The entire concept of Reunion is based upon the teamwork of a wide variety of participants. Altogether, over 100 consultants and sub-contractors have contributed their talents toward the project’s completion. In particular, our general contractor, the Henry C. Beck Company, has provided outstanding leadership and should be singled out for recognition.

Also deserving special credit is the City of Dallas, whose work on Reunion’s thoroughfare system and infrastructure has been excellent and is proceeding well ahead of schedule. It is not fair to compare our progress with that of the new Dallas City Hall. The building process for the municipal center is totally different from Reunion’s. In addition, we have not faced the extensive underground construction and major work stoppage which the builders of the City Hall have had to overcome. I am confident that when Reunion opens next May 1, our visitors will also see a completed and fully operational City Hall.

John Field Scovell

President

Woodbine Development Corporation

Dallas

The Real Randall



Your very popular magazine has proved again that it has wide readership. I have had over a half-dozen people tell me they read your article concerning “Little Big Power’’ and the county government (November). They also did not recognize the picture with “Randall” beneath it.

I acquired a copy to see for myself, and sure enough, I found that in your article concerning Richardson, you mentioned that I am president of the Chamber of Commerce but 1 do not recognize the face in the picture.

Otherwise, I found the article very interesting since we certainly like to think that we are an important part of the county community.

Ernest H. Randall, Jr.

President

Richardson Chamber of Commerce