Let me tell you about Dorothy.
Morning 6:30 Mass was a routine for Dorothy. Then she walked down Curtis Street, past Armco General Office, to the United Welding Co., which was a few blocks from the Meadows Restaurant. Quite a walk.
Ken Heistand and I worked at Middletown Iron and Steel with offices on Lefferson Road. Ken drove. Picked me and the mail up. From there he drove to Curtis Street and on to Yankee Road. Each morning, we passed this same pretty girl going to work. She appeared to be floating more than walking. I was impressed. I had no girlfriend, so she became “my girl.” She didn’t know it, of course. We knew nothing about her. But I sure wanted to.
Ken and I worked Saturday mornings. Quit at noon. We planned to go to the Middies vs. Hamilton football game that afternoon. Games were played at Lincoln Field off Central Avenue. The boss’ secretary, Florence, heard us planning, said her husband was working and asked to tag along and bring her younger sister. That was fine with us.
Early that afternoon, we drove to Florence’s home. I went to the door to get the girls. Florence opened the door and introduced me to her younger sister, Dorothy. I recognized her immediately. She was “my girl” — the one I saw each morning.
We dated, then separated, then dated again and were married Nov. 28, 1942.
She was Irish. Enjoyed every step of life. When she tucked one of our four children in for the night, they sang together an Irish lullaby: “Too-ra-loo-ra loo-rai. Too-ra-loo-ra-li.”
Dorothy was a great mother, but could not stand the sight of blood when one of our four children was injured. One bright sunny day, Jay, our second child who played drums in the band, was walking home from school, carrying a drum stick inside his sleeve. He fell. The stick jammed into his arm pit. We rushed him to Dr. Hill. When the doctor began to remove the drumstick, blood appeared. Dorothy fainted, leaving the doctor with two patients needing instant attention.
Dorothy and I had squabbles, as do most couples. Never, not once, had a serious argument. No day ended without a kiss and a happy “good night.” During our dating period, we had one of our foolish little debates. Next day I sent her flowers. Had a pair of miniature boxing gloves included in the bouquet. The gloves hang in our living room even now.
Dorothy loved being a Girl Scout leader and often went on short trips with the girls. In fact, she loved to travel, went anywhere almost anytime, including just a short drive to see how the local hospital’s demolition was progressing. We made many trips together with friends, or when I had speaking assignments in New York, Nashville, Tenn., Toronto, Canada, and many other cities. Dorothy being with me made each one more enjoyable.
She visited Mexico and saw some beautiful well-carved chess sets. She priced one. Told the seller they were too expensive because she really didn’t have much money. Price was reduced several times as the seller pushed for a sale. Dorothy insisted she could not afford to purchase a set. Finally the retailer felt sorry for this very nice old lady who wanted a chess set so badly. So he cut the price to below rock bottom. Dorothy thanked him in her own very pleasant way and said, “I’ll take two.”
We went on a Hawaiian cruise and took many pictures. My favorite was taken in the courtyard of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Honaunau, Kona. It is known as “The Old Painted Church.” In the courtyard, there are two lovely statues of angels. I took a picture of Dorothy and the two statues. It’s a beautiful view of three angels with the Pacific Ocean behind them. The picture hangs in our dining/conference room.
I had been laid off at Aeronca, and Dorothy and I were really struggling when Christmas arrived. We could not afford a Christmas tree. When the Albers store near us closed on Christmas Eve, the extra trees were thrown out. Not to be denied, Dorothy went to the store. Picked branches from the discarded trees and built one of our own. It had beauty, character and true love.
Dorothy was introduced to my family at a Goodman picnic. I insisted she show off one of her unique acrobatic tricks. She did. The seam in her slacks split. I teased her about that for seven decades.
Today, I am very sad that Dorothy isn’t with me; and quite happy, however, that God allowed us to share a very long happy life together.
Knight Goodman is president of Knight Goodman Inc. public relations firm. He formerly held management positions at Aeronca and The Journal, and was chairman of Middletown’s bicentennial celebration in 1991.