posted 10-13-2006 04:06 PM               

By way of introduction, I worked at NASA for more than seven years and the guys (Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts) called me their den mother. I was that and their gal Friday, earning all of $83 a week.

posted 10-13-2006 04:56 PM               

In regards to the Hartford Courant article, it cannot be reprinted here as it would violate the Courant's copyright (and they charge for reprints).

posted 10-13-2006 08:58 PM               

I was assigned to Manned Spacecraft Operations at the Cape while the headquarters were still at Langely. When Johnson Space Center opened in Houston, our office reported to Flight Crew Operations (FCO) under Warren North. I was always with FCO in their branch office at the Cape and KSC.

I was a travel clerk for several months, then did miscellaneous assignments, staffing many of the offices, contract, engineering, the weather girl, etc. for several weeks and ended up with Art Hand, in charge of astronaut training. I love it! Then ordered into the new astronaut office by Deke to be the their secretary. That is a story in itself.

Since they had secretaries in Houston, my job was really a gal friday with a wide variety of duties, from furnishing the quarters, to hosting a cocktail party, later it became a dinner party for celebrity guests and family from 100 to 500 attendees while the guys were in quarantine the night before launch etc, etc.

I was so awed working around so many of the old Space Task Group members, Walt Williams, Kenny Kleinknecht, Chris Kraft, Bob Gilruth were just a few to mention besides the seven astronauts. I have fond memories of those days and years.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
Also, the U.S Naval Academy appears to have the article...

---

posted 10-14-2006 01:20 PM               

Did or currently live in Connecticut? I grew up in the Hartford area and now live in Titusville. For once I miss the Courant.

posted 10-18-2006 12:50 AM               

I lived in Springfield, Massachusetts until I was 10 years old, moved to Hartford, Connecticut and finished my schooling there. My family then moved to Windsor. I miss the area during the spring and fall weather. Had relatives in both Sprinield and Hartford so I would visit them quite often. My last visit was in September.

During this last visit I finally stopped at the Bradley Field Air & Space Museum for the fist time. Interested in seeing what space artifacts they had... very little. I was hoping to meet with the director but he was out, did leave a note that I thought maybe I could help in getting some space stuff.

Also that Jack Swigert flew with Air National Guard Bradley Field while he worked for Hamilton Standard and Pratt & Whitney as a test pilot and went to school at the Univ of Hartford. Jack and I often discussed this as my husband also was with the Guard, both reporting to Col Hoar. What a nice guy.

I also attended the University of Hartford but not when Jack was there. Jack remained a good friend after we both left the space program. I think it is fitting for the museum to have a tribute to Jack as I know he had fond memories of those days while there.

To answer another question, yes I was privy to Wally's humorous pranks many times which will be in the book, some never heard of before.

I have been talking about doing a book for ages and keep tapes and notes for accuracy. I am now in a place in my life that I find I have the time to write and have
found wonderful support from friends & old space buddies. The guys also have been and still very supportive.

posted 10-18-2006 11:59 AM               

In 1983 I painted a portrait of Jack Swigert and the East Hartford Bicentennial Committee had an unveiling of the painting on April 11, 1983. It was the 13th anniversary of the launch. Invited guests came from Pratt & Whitney, the CTANG and the Quiet Birdman Association. Some friends of Jacks from Glastonbury were also there.

Not only did Jack fly with the CTANG and work for PWA he lived in East Hartford on Westerly Terrace. That is why East Hartford chose to honor him during its Bicentennial.

The painting was on display in the King Museum until the mid 1990's. They returned it to me when the museum relocated. I always wanted to see it find a permanent home. Either back in CT or in Colorado where his family lives.

My dad was friends with Col. Hoar also. BG Hoar retired as Asst Adjutant General under Gen Freund. My dad retired from the CTARNG in 1982.

posted 11-08-2006 06:58 PM               

I always gave them from Gemini to Apollo 10 a "theme" welcome return celebration private just to the staff and those I invited. This one has Dee, the nurse who come only for launches and returns, Judy from the Suit room down the hall. The rest not shown are at the big conference table.

posted 11-08-2006 09:07 PM               

When you have a chance, take us left to right from Dee Harris to you to Aldrin and Lovell to Judy. Dates are useful too.