Citizen of the Year

By Marvin R. Mednick

Charles Robert Danielson, a successful businessman and a leading citizen of the town of Willow Creek, Indiana was being honored by his fellow townspeople for his many years of charitable contributions to those less fortunate. Several years earlier, when it was learned that he was hiding under a cloak of anonymity, they repeatedly tried to honor him, but he adamantly refused. It was not until a recent heart attack had softened his resolve that he reluctantly agreed.
After his best friend finished his glowing introduction, the applause and jubilation that followed rendered him speechless. Finally, after several minutes, he composed himself and was about to begin his acceptance speech, when suddenly, a strange man entered the hall and made eye contact with him. Visibly shaken by this encounter, he slowly began to speak, but after uttering a few words, he was unable to continue and retreated to his seat. As his family and friends watched helplessly he began to sink into the quicksand of his past. His already weakened body began to shiver and quake as he tried unsuccessfully, to squash those memories. His wife cradled him in her arms and they both began to sob uncontrollably. Regrettably, the celebration was cut short and everyone was sent home to ponder the sad events of the past half hour.
Later that evening, the specters of his past engulfed him and then ultimately consumed him. His family, who had rallied behind him, was taken aback by the tragedy that now befell them. His two sons tried to comfort their grief-stricken mother and were horrified, when she suddenly went into shock. His friends, many prominent citizens of the town, swore their allegiance and spontaneously entered the fray. Over the next several days, the Danielson family and their close friends were visited by many interested parties, both foreign and domestic.
When the stranger was finally identified by an agent of the CIA, they found themselves embroiled in the shadowy nuances of foreign intrigue. It soon became evident that the war hero and philanthropist, was not the man everyone thought he was. The stranger, a former KGB agent had in his possession, a dossier identifying the honoree as a former Nazi soldier. But, it was the investigative journalist from New York, who dropped the initial bombshell that exploded and sent the honoree spiraling into a whirlwind of panic and guilt. The journalist, with the ferocity of a bulldog, was able to track down several eyewitnesses, obtain documentation, and fit together the pieces of his past.
As his life is slowly unraveled, the reader is taken on a journey across two continents. A journey fraught with prejudice, betrayal, and the horrors of war! And the seemingly redemption of one mans soul!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 11, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456744076

Marvin R. Mednick

Marvin R. Mednick was born in Brooklyn, New York. The year was 1944. When he was still a baby his family moved to Woodridge, a resort community of the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. For many years, his father had been the projectionist at the local movie theater called the Lyceum. The summer following his thirteenth birthday Mednick gravitated toward the projection booth. He became fascinated with the workings of the projector and begged his father to teach him. Although his father violated every rule in the book, he acquiesced to his youngest son. Over the next eight years, the projection booth was his whole life! From this love came the love of the motion picture as a medium. He was in awe of the actors, directors, and through TV, he came to know the movies of the 30’s, 40’s and early 50’s. Later on, with the invention of the VHS and then the DVD, he became an avid collector and movie buff! Although he was forever mesmerized by the projection booth, he watched as his father struggled to earn a living as a projectionist. So it was that when he left Woodridge to be married, he chose the retail industry as his future livelihood. Over the years however, he did find part-time work as a projectionist and renewed his love affair with the projectors and the feel of the 35mm film as it passed through his fingers. He was further gratified when he was made head projectionist in a multiplex theater with its state of the art platter projectors. It was during this period that he read a small book written by his favorite elementary school teacher. It was about the history of Woodridge and the people and places peripheral to it. In it, she made mention of his beloved Lyceum Theater! Not soon after that, he learned that the movie theater was demolished. A few years later, his father suddenly became ill and passed away. He was devastated! His father and the projection booth had been the mainstay of his adolescence. After many sleepless nights he finally came to a decision. His much befuddled brain needed some form of release. And so, he slowly and guardedly put down all those pent up thoughts on paper! Although, he lacked the rudimentary skills of a writer, he plunged ahead. Thus, after much trial and error, he constructed a semi-autobiographical novel about his hometown and the movie theater that so affected his life and that of his family. The book, which he titled “The Lyceum,” was published in 2002. His family and friends received it so enthusiastically, that he decided to spread his wings! In 2005, he published “Poems & Short Stories Vol. 1.” A compilation of random notes and thoughts about the people and places of his youth, he had written down since high school. He also included some of his remembered dreams - the horrors and delights of his subconscious self! In 2006, he published his first fictional novel, “Joseph Randolph.” In 2007, he published “Poems & Short Stories Vol. 2,” and is currently working on “Poems…3,” both, an extension of Vol. 1. Mr. Mednick is a single parent with three children and six grandchildren. He recently moved to Fayetteville, Georgia after living in Savannah, Georgia (with a short stint in Jacksonville, Florida) since 1977.

Book preview

Prologue

It was a warm spring Saturday in May of 1981. Ronald Reagan had just begun his first term as President of the United States. In Germany, the Berlin Wall still stood as the symbol of the Cold War between the East and the West. In the mid-east, the war between Iran and Iraq escalated, but they and the other Arab countries in the area still perpetuated their hatred towards Israel and its inhabitants by committing numerous acts of murder and terrorism. And in Switzerland, home to the legendary Swiss banking system, sanctuary for the wealth of the world, business is as usual!

Meanwhile, in the prosperous town of Willow Creek, Indiana, population 15,000, its townspeople had gathered at the Memorial Convention Hall to honor their Citizen of the Year…

Charles Robert Danielson 62, President/CEO of Danielson Motors, is seated at the dais as his family and friends are about to pay tribute to him. Sitting on either side of him is his wife, Gertrude 51, and their eldest son Charles Jr. 30, Vice President/Treasurer at Danielson’s. Along side him, is his wife of two years, Alice who had just turned 27. Sitting next to her, is William the youngest son 27, Vice President/Director of Sales and Service at the dealership, and a bachelor. Sitting to his right is the Master of Ceremonies Attorney Tom Brogan 55, a widower, and best friend of the honoree and Alice’s father. The rest of the dais consisted of a few other prominent citizens of the town and close friends of the Danielson family.

For many years Charles Danielson was quietly and anonymously giving his money to help the poor and less fortunate. But, it did not go unnoticed by his close friends and neighbors. Year after year they tried to honor him, to no avail. Each time the subject was brought up, he waved them away – denying everything. Finally, after his heart attack and subsequent recovery, his wife and sons convinced him to accept the town’s planned celebration.

After the desserts and coffee were served and consumed, Tom Brogan approached the podium and began to speak.

Friends and neighbors, you all know Charles Danielson as the owner of the most successful Chevrolet/ Oldsmobile/ Cadillac Dealership in the state. We have been friends for over 20 years, ever since he moved next door to us in with his wife and two sons. When I lost my dear wife, Isabelle, the Danielson’s were there for me and my beautiful daughter Alice. When she married Charles Jr., our lives became intertwined forever. Without question, you all know him as the most generous man in town. He has given more to this community than any person I know. But, Charlie didn’t want the praise or the notoriety. Charlie, we know it was you who funded the free medical clinic downtown. We know it was you who funded the shelter for the homeless and destitute in the building next door to the clinic. We know it is you, along with your wife, ensure that the annual United Way fund drive continues to meet or surpass its goals. And Charlie, it is no secret to anyone in this town that you and your wife were the driving force behind the building of our new hospital and that you donated millions of your own money to help pay for it. Although you both have vigorously denied it, we knew better. So, Charlie and Gerty, with the knowledge and support of your two sons, the hospital has been renamed The Charles & Gertrude Danielson Memorial Hospital. He turned towards Charles and his wife and smiled. As their eyes began to swell up with tears he walked over to them and rested his hands on both their shoulders. As the audience began to applaud he walked back to the podium and continued. And Charlie, this is the first year that we haven’t seen you drive your old pick up truck delivering groceries to the poor for the Kiwanis Club during the holidays. We hope that when your strength returns you’ll be back in that truck and continue that tradition. Ladies and gentlemen I give you our Citizen of the Year, Mr. Charles Robert Danielson.

The audience rose in unison and began to applaud and cheer as Charles Danielson slowly approached the podium. But, not before hugging and kissing his wife and his two sons and daughter – in - law. He embraced his old friend and tried to wipe away the tears and collect himself. But the ovation got louder and louder as he tried to begin. Now crying uncontrollably, his wife and sons rose from their seats and rushed over to embrace him once more. 10 minutes later, he gathers himself and begins to speak.

Chapter One

May 9, 6:22 pm

I can’t thank you all enough for this great honor. Gerty, without your love and support, I would be wandering in the desert hungry and thirsty. Chuck and Bill, one day the business will be yours. But, for now, you are my dear sons. I love you and admire you both, and am very proud to be your father. Yes Tom, after the tragic death of my wife’s parents you and your dear wife, may she rest in peace, opened your hearts to a total stranger and made me feel welcomed. I can’t thank you enough. As he spoke that last sentence, one of the main entrance doors opened and a man entered the hall. He was wearing a dark suit and a grey fedora. He slowly walked along the side wall and stopped. He removed his hat and looked toward Charles Danielson and smiled. It was a sardonic smile, a smile that made the honoree turn white as a sheet. He tried to speak but no words could pass his lips.

Charles Jr. watched in horror as his father’s face, which had been filled with happiness and joy, turned into a look of sheer terror. It was not long before he realized his father’s eyes were fixated on someone in the audience. It was then that he saw the strange man standing along the right side of the hall. But, the man sensed that there were many eyes staring at him and quickly put his hat on and left the hall. Shortly after, Charles Sr. composed himself and began to speak. But, the strength in his voice was no longer there.

Tom, we have been friends for a long time. It is a friendship that I cherish. And it is that friendship that compels me to speak this way. I don’t deserve this honor. It would be hypocritical of me to accept. To my wife and sons, and daughter – in – law, I ask for your forgiveness. To my friends and neighbors, I’m sorry that I’ve ruined your evening and ask for your forgiveness as well. He quickly sat down and buried his face in his hands. Meanwhile, the audience sat there aghast. They couldn’t believe what had just transpired. They were awakened, as if in a dream, to a scene filled with blood and carnage. Tom quickly rushed over to his friend and spoke.

Charlie, what is it? He turned to Gertrude and asked her the same question. She, like the people in front of and along side her, was in total shock and COULD not answer him. But her reasons were in total contrast to that of her husband. Tom Brogan watched helplessly as she embraced her husband in a vane attempt to stop the sobbing. The pandemonium on the dais was escalating when he suddenly noticed his daughter. She was sitting there motionless with her hands tightly clenched. He recognized that look. It was the same look she had when she learned of her mother’s death. It was the look of abandonment. He quickly understood why. Her husband was not there. He quickly rushed over to her and held her in his arms. Meanwhile, Charles Danielson Sr. fell into an abyss of hopelessness, while his wife was swallowed up with fear. It was now evident that everyone in the hall had fallen into that same hypnotic state of disbelief and confusion. Finally, it was William Danielson who took control of the situation. He calmly walked to the podium and began to speak.

Please forgive my father. These past few months have been very difficult for him. My brother and sister – in - law want to thank all of you for the kindness you have shown to our parents. We will take them home and try to sort all this out. Thank you for coming. The audience, silent and dumfounded, rose in unison and slowly left the hall. William took his mother and father in tow and brought them home.

Meanwhile, Charles Jr. had run from the dais to find out more about the strange man who so affected his father. As he watched the man run out the front door, he wanted to follow him, but quickly remembered that he had left his wife without saying anything to her, so he jotted down the make and license plate number of the now fleeing car. He quickly returned to the dais and nodded to his father – in - law and escorted his crying wife to their car. But not before he handed the information to the Chief of Police, Jack Pendleton, who remained at the dais to keep a protective eye on the Danielson family. Sitting alongside him was the Mayor, Ralph Winston, President and CEO of Willow Creek National Bank. He too, along with his wife remained on the dais, as he tried to comprehend what had just transpired before him. As the chief received the piece of paper, the Mayor whispered to him.

Jack, I want you to drop whatever you’re doing and get to the bottom of this. Jack looked at him with a sense of indignity and said.

I had already planned to! Charles Jr. inadvertently overheard their little discourse and smiled with satisfaction at the Chief of Police while he quickly ran to his wife and they left the hall. Embarrassed by his lack of judgment, the Mayor quickly took his wife’s arm and he too, exited the hall.

Charles Robert Danielson, Jr. looked very much like his father! He was of average height and build. Like his father, he had blonde hair and blue eyes and had his father’s scholarly look and mannerisms. His younger brother however, looked more like his mother, tall with brown hair and green eyes. As she was beautiful he was handsome and had all the girls fawning over him. All during his father’s illness, Charles Jr., as second in command, it was he who ran the company. Although his brother was dedicated to their father, he felt that he lacked the seriousness that was required to help run the company and he never allowed him to make any decisions on his own. But, after his brother’s seemingly natural grasp of the current situation, he now had second thoughts. As he and his wife drove to his parents’ home, his mind became flooded with these and other thoughts. Prominent in his mind, though, was the strange man who had to just look at his father, and frighten him into shear panic! Who was this man? What did he have to do with his father? There was no question that this man knew his father, and that his father knew him. Their sense of recognition was obvious. But, his first duty was to comfort both his parents and then try to make heads or tails of his father’s current state of mind. He was confident that his father’s best friend Tom Brogan and his father – in – law would be right behind him. As for his father’s other good friend, Chief of Police Jack Pendleton, he will probably come over as soon as he discovers the identity and the purpose of the strange man’s intrusion on his father’s special day!

When the eldest Danielson son and his wife arrived, William greeted them at the door. As they embraced in the vestibule, Charles Jr. asked.

How are Mom and Dad?

I told Dad to rest awhile. I just put him to bed. Mom is in the kitchen. I asked her to put up some coffee, to keep her busy, to distract her. How are you Alice? Is your father all right? She nodded her head and mumbled.

He is probably right behind us. She quickly ran into the kitchen to join her mother – in - law. The two brothers followed her but stopped and remained in the living room. Charles Jr. then asked.

Bill, did Dad say anything to you? William looked towards the kitchen and softly answered.

Chuck, he was terrified, I’ve never seen him like this before! He kept on repeating, ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry.’ He wouldn’t answer any of my questions. He kept repeating those words over and over. I couldn’t get him to say anything else. Mom tried her best to get him to talk, but he refused to say anything, and she began to panic. That is when I took matters into my own hands. She began asking for you. I told her you would probably come right over. Meanwhile, when Alice entered the kitchen she quickly embraced her mother – in – law, who then whispered.

Is your husband with you?

Of course he is… But, before Alice could say another word Gertrude Danielson ran into the living room screaming.

Junior, Junior, what happened today? Why was your father so frightened? Why? Why? Charles Jr. embraced his mother and eased her onto the couch. As she was lowered on to the couch, she began looking around the room, and when she realized he was not there, she sat down.

What is it, Mom? Who are you looking for? William asked.

No one, Billy, I’m not looking for anyone! Junior, are you going to answer me?

I don’t know, Mom. I don’t know. But I will find out. I promise. William, hearing this turned to his brother and declared.

We will find out, right Chuck? Charles Jr. was now convinced that he had misjudged his younger brother and quickly responded.

That’s right, Mom. WE will find out together. Both brothers wondered who she was looking for as the disappointment in her eyes was evident. William had his suspicions but felt this was not the time to pursue them.

William Jeffrey Danielson loved and admired his older brother. They grew up in a household full of love and devotion to one another. But, he did not possess the intelligence of his brother, who was so like his father. He did, however, have the intuitiveness that neither his father nor brother possessed. In that respect, he was much like his mother, for they sensed that there was something tearing at the insides of Charles Danielson, Sr. His easy going manner and gregariousness was just a veneer. And, like his mother, he kept those thoughts to himself. He continued to allow his older brother the center stage when it came to the business or to the welfare of their family. But, when he saw his father sitting there so helpless, he knew, just as his mother knew, that the demons of his past had returned to claim him, and it was now the time to assert himself and fight for his father.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the front door. Tom Brogan had indeed, followed both Danielson’s cars to give aid and comfort to his good friend. He was greeted by the brothers and when she heard the front door opening, Alice came rushing in to embrace her father. After releasing her he sat down next to Gertrude Danielson and whispered.

I’m here now Gerty. The boys and I will get to the bottom of this, I promise. After several minutes, she asked.

Tom, can you tell me what happened today? It was if Charlie had seen a ghost! Although she didn’t realize at that time, she had just revealed thoughts that were hidden in the deepest recesses of her brain. William’s heart skipped a beat as he heard his mother reveal herself. But, he remained silent as his father’s best friend and attorney looked up towards Charles Jr. and said.

Gerty, we will find out. I’m sure Jack is already looking in to it. He continued to stare at Charles Jr. and continued.

Tell me Charles, did you get a good look at the man?

How did you find out about him, I haven’t told anyone but the Chief?

I saw what you saw Charles. I also saw you hand the piece of paper to the Chief Meanwhile, Mrs. Danielson leapt from the couch and approached her son and cried out.

What man, Junior? What are you two talking about? Her eldest son quickly grabbed her and tried to calm her down.

There was a man. He came into the hall while Dad was talking. He just stood staring at him. It was shortly after that Dad reacted the way he did. We are pretty sure he is the reason. After hearing this she quietly sat down, folded her hands and just sat there in total silence. Tom Brogan turned towards her with a helpless look in his eyes. Charles Jr. just shook his head in bewilderment, while William continued to stare at his mother not knowing what to do.

Gertrude Cecelia Danielson was the only child of William and Virginia Billingsley and had lived in Willow Creek her entire life. She was an attractive woman, tall and statuesque with reddish blonde hair and those strikingly green eyes. She met her future husband while on vacation in New York City to celebrate her 21st birthday. He was an investment broker in a small firm not far from Wall Street. They had a whirlwind romance and married within two months of meeting each other. She gave birth to Charles Jr. that same year. Her father owned the car dealership in Willow Creek, and when he and his wife died in a tragic car accident several years later, she and her husband took over the business. She knew nothing of her husband’s past other than what he had told her. He was brought up in an orphanage in upstate New York, enlisted in the Army when the war broke out and returned to work in New York City following his discharge. He never talked about his Army exploits or his years growing up in the orphanage and she instinctively knew not to ask him, for her love for him was deep and unyielding. But, after hearing the comment from her eldest son, her mind began replaying the terrifying words her husband would often cry out when he was having one of his restless nights.

I had to do what I did! You will never know the truth! Never! Never…! And.

Don’t look at me like that. Don’t come near me, I know what you are thinking! Followed by,

I am not the man you are looking for. He no longer exists! Please leave me alone…!

No, no…please don’t…no, no, no…!

Although she tended to him during these outbursts, she never admitted to hearing the exact words, but she did, and the fear and terror that she beheld in his voice, forced her to seek solace from two people. One of them was her youngest son.

While the Danielson household tried to collect themselves, Chief Pendleton quickly drove over to Willow Creek Police Headquarters and had one of his subordinates run a make on the car. They quickly learned that it was a rental car and that the man who rented it was William Anderson. His address was 2525 Westlake Ave., Smithtown, New York. After many phone calls, they discovered that he was staying at the Days Inn on Lincoln St. The Chief took one of his officers and drove over to the motel. After getting his room number from the front desk, they knocked on his door. The door was opened by a man with white hair and a mustache to match. He had deep blue eyes and possessed a smile that was both charming and deadly. He stood approximately 6’ tall and wore an expensive pin striped dark blue suit. His suave and debonair appearance gave the impression that he was either a college professor or a CEO of a large corporation, approximately the same age as the Chief, Tom Brogan, and their good friend Charles Danielson Sr.

What can I do for you officer? He said in a deep crisp voice that contained only a trace of an accent, European the Chief surmised.

What were you doing at the Convention Hall today? The Chief asked. The man’s face quickly became distorted but the pitch of his voice never changed.

I went to see an old friend!

And who was that, may I ask?

You know him as Charles Danielson. That answer hit Jack Pendleton like a sledgehammer.

What do you mean by that? The chief quickly asked. The uniformed officer began looking around the room.

Do you have a search warrant young man? the foreigner with the accent calmly asked. The chief motioned the officer to return to his side and again asked.

Are you telling me that Charles Danielson is not his real name?

You’ll have to ask him that!

I’m asking you? The anger in the chief’s voice was now evident. But the man was not intimidated and answered.

"Am I being arrested for something?’ The chief just stared and shook his head.

Then I don’t have to answer that question. I am not breaking any laws. If you want some answers, ask your friend. The chief then asked.

How long do you plan to stay in town?

I don’t know. Are you telling me to leave? The uniformed officer turned to his superior, curious as to the answer.

No. But make sure to stay away from Charles Danielson or any members of his family.

His name is not Charles Danielson! The man reiterated. Suddenly, the anger and rage of the Chief of Police exploded in the man’s face.

Just stay away! If I catch you within 100 feet of him or any members of his family, I’ll lock you up and throw away the key! The stranger simply nodded but, the expression on his face never changed, even as the police officers left the room. He went to the window and parted the curtains and watched as the police officers got into the squad car and drove away. His heart began to beat faster and felt the blood rush to his cheeks as he realized that he may have tipped his hand too soon!

Chief Pendleton’s hands shook as he opened the door of the car. His mind became cluttered with different visions of his friend. They began to frighten him as their intensity increased. Charles Danielson had come into their town over 20 years ago. No one knew anything about him other than that he and his wife took over the car dealership of her father’s and within a short period time, infused new life into it. He became a model citizen and beloved by everyone. He has done more for this town than any person he had ever known. To have it all come crashing down because of the presence of this man was incomprehensible! But, there was something about this man that evoked a sense of apprehension that he felt only one other time in his life.

It occurred shortly after the Danielson marriage, when he was still a Captain in the department. He was asked by his best friend, Tom Brogan to investigate the military background of the still unknown, Charles Danielson. She was the daughter and only child of the fatal victims of a tragic car crash. Tom Brogan was a young Assistant District Attorney who had recently joined the department in an effort to learn the inner workings of the judicial system. Captain Pendleton learned that Charles Danielson had no living relatives, but he was an exemplary soldier and earned several medals for bravery. Tom had contacted the orphanage and after many phone calls, was given sketchy and vague information about a lonely boy who ran away when he was 14. He did obtain proof of his birth and some pictures, but they were inconclusive. Following Pearl Harbor, he had joined the army. No one had seen or heard from him until he married the girl from the Midwest.

His next thought terrified him. If Charles Danielson was not his real name, then who was he? And what about the strange man he just had the misfortune to meet? Obviously he did know this man, but when did he know him? As those thoughts streaked across his mind, he broke into a cold sweat.

At 6’ 6" John Edward Pendleton was an imposing figure. His blue piercing eyes and square jaw were offset by his broken nose, which he attained in the boxing ring. He never married, claiming that, as of yet, he hadn’t met the right woman! His father was uneducated, but worked hard to support his family, sometimes working two jobs at a time. It was those attributes that he inherited from his father that would one day, help Jack Pendleton quickly rise in the department. He was an outstanding athlete and for obvious reasons he excelled in basketball. As the center on his high school basketball team he helped them win state championships in his junior and senior years. Although his academic record in high school was unimpressive, he was able to attend college on a basketball scholarship and helped his team reach the state finals and regional semi – finals in his senior year, but never turned professional. He majored in Criminal Justice and joined the Willow Creek Police Department upon graduation.

Meanwhile, as Tom Brogan was speeding towards the Danielson home, his mind also began replaying the day’s events. Visions of the strange man who only just had to smile at Charles Danielson to drive him to despondency, suddenly flashed before him. Then he, too, began to think back all those years and remembered his investigation and learning about all the medals Charles had earned for bravery during the war. But, he also recalled the real reason he asked his old friend to investigate Charles Danielson. He had received an anonymous phone call asking him to do so. The man never gave any reason, but just the asking made him take an interest. He never mentioned the phone call to his best friend, Jack Pendleton, but now he began to wonder. Who was Charles Danielson and why was he so frightened by the strange man who appeared in the hall? And who was it who asked me to investigate the man who would eventually become my neighbor and friend so many years ago? Then, he too, broke into a cold sweat.

Thomas Raymond Brogan was not as tall as his best friend, but conveyed a sense of confidence and amiability that touched everyone around him. He came from an upper middle-class family and never had to do without. But, he was part of a family that felt compassion for the weak and the helpless. He had many friends, both rich and poor! His deep resonant voice and black piercing eyes made him seem handsomer than he was. As a child, he wore glasses which made him self – conscious and shy. However, he was an honor student and graduated very high in his class. Perhaps, it was these polar opposite traits that brought the two boys together and made them lifelong friends. He went on to law school and returned to Willow Creek, joined the D.A.’s office where he gained the confidence of many of the town’s prominent citizens. He then joined a successful law firm and eventually started his own practice. He met his wife Isabelle in college and they married soon after graduation. She died while giving birth to their second child, a stillborn son. It was the friendship of the Danielson’s, Jack Pendleton, and the obvious needs of his daughter that would sustain him through those rough times.

Mayor Ralph Albert Winston, also a classmate of Jack Pendleton and Tom Brogan was born into a banking family. He looked and acted like the heir of a great fortune. He was not tall or especially good looking, but he dressed smartly, with manicured fingernails and well groomed hair. Although, he grew up several houses away from the Brogans’ their families never traveled in the same circles. The Winston family made sure of that. Ralph was never permitted to socialize with anyone in the lower social classes and was kept on a short leash. He never attended public school and enrolled in an Ivy League university back east. But, when he met his future wife, Amelia Waddington at a sorority dance, he was never quite the same. Although she, too, came from a wealthy family, she was brought up with a more liberal sense of values.

When he returned to Willow Creek with his new bride, he found out that he had much in common with the policeman and the lawyer. For, it was their love for the outdoors and their overwhelming desire to help the common man that became his passion. When he took over as bank president he incorporated a more liberal loan policy and donated much of his own money to help many charitable causes.

As a policeman, Jack Pendleton never used force as an option and had a soft heart when dealing with young underprivileged boys who got into trouble. As a lawyer, Tom Brogan did a lot of pro bono work and assisted Jack with his police programs for his boys. When Charles Danielson came to Willow Creek, he too, donated much of his own money and his time for those same programs and many others. Thus, the four men became leading citizens of the town.

But socially, Ralph and Amelia Winston remained peripheral to the lives of the other three. Although they tried their best to fit in, they could not overcome the aristocracy of their birth! Then, as fate would have it, Gertrude Billingsley-Danielson made an indelible mark that would change the course of many lives, including her own! Although Ralph and Gertrude had known each other since childhood they were never able to cross that invisible barrier! Then, in 1965, at a United Way luncheon to elect new officers, the two families found themselves seated at the same table! Gertrude suddenly emerged from her cocoon and found that she had much in common with Amelia! They both scoffed at the idea that their regal heritage entitled them a special place in the social hierarchy! As the afternoon progressed, Gertrude became convinced that the Winston’s were being unfairly ostracized! The Winstons were eventually invited to participate in the weekly dinner parties presided over by Gertrude Danielson! Over the next several years, Gertrude convinced many of her father’s former business associates and even her husband, to switch their accounts from First National Bank to the Willow Creek Bank! Thus it was that Ralph Winston and his wife were among the select few sitting up at the dais this fateful Saturday afternoon!

During their drive home, Ralph and Amelia Winston were nervous and distraught as they tried to grasp what had just happened at the hall. Suddenly, Ralph turned to his wife and said.

"You know, Charlie