Historical April–May 2007 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Remembering Kindness From an early age, I always was in awe of famous people. Given my vocation, you will not be surprised that that included those in public affairs as well as stars of the silver and TV screens.
I felt some of that awe the first time I met Tom Eagleton.
He appeared to be very gracious.
When I began working on my book about St. Louis Politics, he agreed to be interviewed.
He supplied the names of at least five other people whom he felt would be helpful to me.
In time, there were chapters.
The senator graciously agreed to read the manuscript and provided very helpful and interesting comment.
He also wrote a blurb for the book cover and may have played a role in my receiving the EagletonWaters award for best book on Missouri politics in 2004 from the Missouri History Association.
I will certainly never forget his generosity or his kindness. What is especially important is that he was kind and generous to many people whom he did not know well.
He also helped our former neighbor, Catherine Forslund, make contacts so that she could proceed on her history dissertation. Somehow, my acquaintance with Tom Eagleton mirrors what I find special about St. Louis.
Most people are open and helpful.
I am sure that people will remember Eagleton for 1972 or his positions on issues such as the Vietnam war. I’ll remember the considerable help and recognition he gave a political scientist from Detroit.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2007.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2007_04.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
