‘Family’ Ties Stretch Back To Farragut, ‘43 ‘
‘Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other’s gold.” - A Girl Scout song
If old friends are gold, then Katharine Rassley is as rich as Midas.
Glen and Maurine Herman have traveled from Missouri to Coeur d’Alene to visit her dozens of times, ever since Katharine took them into her home during World War II.
“Ooh, she baked the best bread and rolls,” Glen says, nearly swooning with the memory during his latest visit. Katharine, who’s 90 now, smiles.
“I don’t bake much anymore,” she says.
Glen was a young Navy recruit in boot camp at Farragut Naval Station in 1943. He went home for Christmas that year and returned to Idaho with Maurine.
Housing was hard to find in tiny Athol, so the Hermans drove to Coeur d’Alene.
“Everyone took in Navy couples,” Katharine says.
“Coeur d’Alene opened up their hearts,” Glen says.
Katharine’s aunt volunteered at the local USO and steered the Hermans to her niece’s small two-story house at 612 Coeur d’Alene Ave.
“It smelled so good outside that house,” Glen says, closing his eyes for a moment. “And she was so nice.”
During their 18 months in Coeur d’Alene, Glen and Maurine became part of Katharine’s family. They “adopted” her three children. Maurine worked selling shoes to loggers downtown. When the base closed in 1946, the Hermans left for Missouri with broken hearts.
“I love this area. I could’ve stayed,” Maurine says, with a wistful glance at the blossoming lilacs out the window. “But Glen was afraid he couldn’t get a job.”
In Missouri, they raised three boys who became dentists and doctors. But Glen and Maurine never forgot Katharine.
They’ve come back to Coeur d’Alene for all the big Rassley family events. Of the 13 couples who stayed with Katharine during the war, only the Hermans have kept in touch. To them, she’s family.
Toe-tapping time
I thought the movie “Holiday Inn” was too good to be true. Remember the inn in Vermont, Bing and Fred, the singing, dancing and fine dining? I was wrong. It’s all happening at the Jewel Lake Barn between Sandpoint and Priest River.
On Friday and Saturday at the spruced-up barn, the Northwoods Performing Arts community choir will present “Turn Your Radio On,” a mix of songs and skits based on the golden days of radio. The Priest River choir will serve prime rib before the show, cooked by a sound man who doubles as chef.
If it sounds too good to be true, check it out for yourself. Tickets are $19. Or catch the show June 13 with no dinner at Priest River Junior High or June 16 and 17 with dinner at the Grandview Resort in Priest Lake. Call 448-1427 or 443-2433 for tickets.
One in a million
Osburn’s Lucia Gregory is leaving the Silver Valley this summer for New York. But the Wallace High sophomore plans to return with big ideas on how to even the playing field for women.
Lucia, 16, was one of 24 girls in the nation chosen by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. to participate in a leadership institute on gender equity. Don’t forget to come back, Lucia.
Lost and found
If North Idaho’s want ads are any indication, you’re likely to find whatever you lose in the Panhandle. Car keys, wedding rings, a dock, watches, pets - these are things people want to return so much, they buy ads to find the owners.
I’ve found castoff socks on Tubbs Hill, but that’s all. What’s the most interesting item you’ve found and where did you find it? Boast about your finds to Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; FAX them to 765-7149; or call 765-7128.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo