“When I learned that NCR would be moving much of its operations to Georgia by 2010, I was struck by the irony that close to the same time, my pen pal and I would be celebrating our 50th year corresponding with each other,” Astor said.
Astor, a published poet, a writer and artist, explained that in October of 1959 her father, an NCR executive, brought home a copy of a publication called “NCR Factory News.”
She said, “In the magazine was a column dedicated to young folks. Tucked there amongst the brain teasers and a crossword puzzle were the names and addresses of prospective pen pals. They listed the names and addresses of some children of NCR employees in foreign countries where NCR had operations.”
Astor selected Maureen Walker in Dundee, also 11. “From that first letter in December of 1959 until now — our pen pal friendship from across the sea has flourished.”
Astor said Maureen’s father, Roy Waker, was a component purchasing agent at the NCR facility in Dundee.
“My father was general foreman of Parts Machining at the NCR Dayton plant,” Astor said. “Maureen and I wrote about our fathers. And we also sent personal information and a slew of silly jokes back and forth across the Atlantic as two giggling girls got to know each other.”
As they matured, the two talked about typical things young women share.
“We spoke of wearing heels and makeup. We talked about Prince Andrew of England and John Glenn when he orbited the earth in his space shuttle. We remembered the sadness in our letters when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. “
Astor added, “Maureen and I continued to learn more about each other’s countries and cultures with the picturesque postcards, trinkets and gifts that often accompanied our letters to one another.”
The pen pals talked extensively during the 1960s when the Beatles arrived in America for the Ed Sullivan Show. Their letters reflect the popular culture as it unfolded during their young lives.
According to Astor, Maureen graduated from college in Scotland and later did graduate work at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. She added, “When she came to America for that, we had a chance to meet for the first time, in person. That first meeting was a thrill for both of us.”
In 1984, Astor traveled to Dundee to visit Maureen and her family.
Today, both Maureen and Barbara are married.
“It’s a different world now,” Astor said. “Our fathers are both gone, having died after long careers at NCR.”
She added, “It is a far different world. What has remained constant over the years has been how this friendship has enriched our lives. The joy in the journey that this experience has brought to us is immeasurable.”
The two do not have plans to get together right now, but Astor said, “When 2010 rolls around just think how glorious it will be for us to share this golden anniversary of our long distance friendship.”
Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He’d like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272. Blog: www.DaytonDailyNews.com/go/fromtheheart.
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