Topeka, KS
September 19, 2008
We flew in to Topeka, KS so Ruth could wish a a warm hello to her dear friend, Keith Horton, retired TWA engineer . Keith was hired in 1941, retired 1980. We had lunch with Keith, who is quite a character.
He shared a story about opening the door of "Miss Ellie" back in the 40's and out stepped Betty Davis. Ruth's father, Paul Richter, was helping Miss Davis, and friends, were enroute to her husbands funeral. Her Northwest flight cancelled due to bad weather conditions, and they were desperate to make it to Minnenapolis on time. Paul Richter picked up the group in Miss Ellie" and saved the day.
Ruth and Keith have been planning to fly "Ellie" on a mission to Mars. Keith decided they would have to wait for a couple of years for the planets to align themselves (gotta save fuel). And for this out of the world venture, what would any crew traveling to Mars take for a tasty snack - Mars Bars! We love Keith, the real TWA deal.
Keith - it was Betty Davis. The picture of Betty Davis stepping out of the Lockheed 12A Electra in 1941 is the very story Keith shared with us.
Ruth, Keith and Curt
The terminal is much nicer, but I couldn't resist taking a photo of the chain link fence
where people can stand to watch the planes coming and going.
Kaye