LETTERS

BEST AND WORST

WE MAY need a “worst” category for magazine research of facts on the State Fair stagecoach stampede [“Best and Worst,” January]. As both newspapers reported, the scheduling was correct and the coach was back in its proper location prior to the fireworks. The driver then opted to return to the band shell to promote a show. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but not due to “incompatible programming.”

Wayne H. Gallagher

executive vice president

and general manager

State Fair of Texas



THANK YOU for recognizing my No Parking signs as the best in Dallas. If the truth were known, however -and it is – their effect on the lunchtime mob of mani-cotti-munchers has been negligible. It might interest you to know that your appreciation was prefaced by an even more sincere compliment: My original signs were pilfered from the parking lot and undoubtedly now reside in an SMU fraternity house. With the opening of Half-Price Books down the block, my parking problem is further complicated. I’ll have to devise a second sign threatening myopia.

John P. Meyer

Osburn Furniture



THIS IS the true story of the best “Beer of the Year.” I am J. J. Huff. I’m 10 years old and live in Dallas, Texas. I have a friend, Matt Franklin, who is also 10 years old and lives in Dallas, Texas.

One day my mom and dad decided to go take a trip to Padre Island. My mom and dad said I could bring a friend, so I chose Matt.

Meanwhile, in Austin, in Mrs. Gilbert’s home, there was $ 10,000 in jewels in a fake beer can. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert keep their jewels in a fake beer can because that would be the last place a robber would look. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert had some friends over to go to Padre Island, too. Mr. Gilbert accidently got the fake beer can and put it into his cooler. When they got to Padre Island, the friends wanted a beer; they chose the fake beer can. They tried and tried, but they couldn’t open the can. Mr. Gilbert even broke his house key trying to pry open the can. Finally, they threw it across the beach.

The next day, Matt and I went out early to the beach. We spotted the beer can, and I threw it up [in the air]. It landed on the beach and the top popped off along with $10,000 in jewels. Matt and I turned the money [and jewels] in [to the police]. It got safely to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, and Matt and I got a reward of $150 each.

J.J. Huff

Dallas



SIMMONS SIMMERS



I TAKE strong exception to your saying that I have a “reputation for being cunning, often ruthless and, some would say, downright sneaky” [“Inside Dallas,” February]. I don’t think there was anything in Chris Tucker’s article [“Meet Harold Simmons,” September] to substantiate that, and I know there is nothing in my business career to substantiate it.

My investment in Ben E. Keith Company was aboveboard and straightforward. I had no intention of creating any dissension with management or of causing the company any trouble. When I bought the stock, I had no knowledge of the agreement with Anheuser-Busch precluding ownership by a public company. I bought the stock simply because I thought it was a good value and sold it simply because I was offered a reasonable price.

Harold Simmons

Dallas



WYNNE SOME…



FOLLOWING are a few observations I knew you would love to have on the article by Katherine Dinsdale entitled “Hi-Tech Bar Czar” [January] concerning my older brother Shannon Wynne:

Even though he does not have a film-making degree; even though our mother’s name is Ebeling (not Ebling); even though our father was the eldest of two brothers and a sister who died in early childhood (not four brothers); even though our mother’s picture, while quite beautiful, has not been used by Camay for decades (“is still used on soap packages”); even though we did not go to Disneyland every time a new ride was added; even though we did not have the luxury of jumping into the company jet when it fit our fancy; and even though our family experienced one bankruptcy (not two); I found your article on Shannon immensely entertaining and basically correct.

An observation from an expatriate: In a smug society such as Dallas, where one is judged by the amount of pesos in his pocket rather than by the spiritual or intellectual capacities he may possess, it is only natural that there will exist a passel of detractors for whomever is sticking his neck out. All I can say is that Dallas is damn lucky to have this unique character to take shots at. What fun to be able to play at a Shannon Wynne establishment!

Joe Boy McCoy

Santa Fe, New Mexico



OUTSTANDING SALESMANSHIP



THANKS FOR the article “Fellowship and Philanthropy” [January]. Without question, this is the best description of our club, its purpose, its activities and its character that has ever been written.

A hundred or more new businesses and several thousand new people come to Dallas each year. Many of these businesses and people are prospects for our golf or football tickets. These newcomers have never heard of our club or our camps. Articles such as yours make it easier for us to win their support when we call on them.

Morris Hite

president

Salesmanship Club of Dallas