Sunday, April 15, 2012

An 80 Year Old Mystery- Solved *UPDATE*

You may have read an earlier post I did about an 80 year old mystery in a yearbook, a mystery with still unanswered questions bobbing around it. I have since found out more information. If you scroll to the end of the story, you can read the update.

I bought an annual on Ebay a year or so ago. It was from my grandmother's college, during the time she was a student there.
This is the annual, from 1931.




I was intrigued right away because the annual belonged to the senior who was the editor of this yearbook. Her name was Dorothy. Here she is:


(I apologize for the post-it's- I did not have time to edit the pic properly.) It felt mildly invasive that I was reading all the personal notes people had inscribed to Dorothy throughout the annual. All were glowing tributes from students and professors alike.


I noticed a cryptic inscription on the back inside cover, from "El Toro". Here it is:

He signed it, "I love you" and called her Sally. In various spots throughout the annual, El Toro makes other appearances and pens little things like, "You are beautiful". "I'm so lucky you're my girl." "You have my heart forever." All signed only, El Toro (The Bull).

I wanted to know who El Toro was. I began my search through the annual, trying to match up handwriting. Men of that era must have all taken the same handwriting course because so many signatures were remarkably similar. I narrowed it down to a few, but had no other leads.

I studied Dorothy's picture. Her eyes were a luminous puzzle. Who was this mystery man? She'd captured his heart, that's certain. Did they end up together? Did they celebrate their 50th anniversary with their children and grandchildren surrounding them? Or did they end up marrying other people?

I even spoke to Dorothy, as if an 80 year old picture could talk back to me. "Come on, Dorothy, tell me about him! Who was he? What was he like?" Her silent picture only continued its tranquil stare.

The internet searches I did of Dorothy's name turned up nothing. The alumni association had no information on her. I had one other option. My grandmother had already passed away, but my great aunt Alice, my dad's aunt, was also pictured in the annual. She was of sound mind and doing well at the age of 97. Here she is:


One other thing in my favor about Aunt Alice- she was listed on the yearbook staff for that year, which means she would have known Dorothy.

We had a family reunion coming up, and I eagerly awaited the time I could show her the annual and hopefully find out who Dorothy's El Toro really was. I put the thought out of my mind that she wouldn't remember. The answer was too close.

Aunt Alice greeted us sweetly, her blue eyes even more vivid than the last time. After catching up on family news, I brought out the annual. "Aunt Alice," I explained, " I have this annual from when you were in college and on the yearbook staff."

Her fingers gently caressed the cover. "My goodness," she said. "I never thought I'd see one of these again. I lost mine in one of our moves. I spent many hours working on this."

"Aunt Alice, do you remember the editor?"

Her eyes sparkled. "Why of course I do. Her name was Dorothy, but we all called her Sally. She was such a hard worker. I lost track of her after college. In fact no one who was in our circle seems to really know what happened to her."

My breath caught in my mouth. "Aunt Alice, who was Dorothy's boyfriend? Who was El Toro?"

Her eyes widened a bit at the mention of the name. "How do you know about him?"

"Well, it's here in the book." I pointed out the places he'd inscribed in the annual.

She thoughtfully looked up at the ceiling as if pushing back the decades. "They were deeply in love, but they just weren't meant to be. Her parents made her give him up as they felt she should marry someone with more to the family name that what he had. He was a tremendous football player. So courageous. Played hurt and wouldn't quit. I still remember how heartbroken they both were when she called it off for the last time. I think she cried a bucket of tears.We all tried to console her, but she just wouldn't have it."

"Who was he?" I asked, trying to keep my voice nonchalant.

'Well, let me show you here in the annual." She slowly turned each page until she got to the football section. She looked at each photo carefully until her fingers punctuated her find with a hard tap.

"There he is. Lawrence. His nickname was Chesty. They called him a bull on the football field because he was so powerful. He was a mighty fine man. "

I followed Aunt Alice's finger to a picture of a strong looking college football player. Here he is:


Now I wanted to know even more. "Aunt Alice, you said you'd lost track of Dorothy after college. What happened to Lawrence?"

She shook her head. "Oh, darlin', my memory isn't what it used to be. I know I knew at one time, but I can't think of it now."

Some of my mystery was solved, but I wanted to know more. Further searching uncovered an article about Lawrence, Dorothy's El Toro. In 1934 he was learning to fly an airplane with the Army flyers at Kelly Field. This is what they wrote:

On the 24th of April, searchers found him in the wreckage of a plane whose wings failed him. There's something heroic about Chesty's falling that way, through the night. It was a brave man's death. Unconquerable, even in death.



UPDATE: I've searched a number of places and finally found some limited information on Dorothy, Lawrence's beloved Sally. She did end up marrying, although it is unclear whether she had children. The records show she passed away at 77. What they don't show is whether she still carried a piece of that long ago love in her heart.

70 comments:

  1. What a great story, Shelly! I bet she did always carry a piece of that long ago love in her heart. That's the kind of thing you don't ever completely forget or let go of. What a bittersweet tale. I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing it with us!

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    1. Jenn: I'm with you- I think she probably carried him in her heart to the end. I do hope, though, that she found peace and happiness.

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  2. I got goosebumps reading this, Shelly, in so many different ways. I think it was wonderful you thought about getting this annual off eBay (makes me wonder if I'll see one of my annuals there some day; interesting how it ended up there in the first place). But also what a wonderful gift that you gave to your Aunt Alice in bringing it with you at the family reunion for her to reminisce with you about that time of her life. I'm sure that brought her joy to look back over that book and talk with you about that time of her life.

    How interesting though for you to be involved in Dorothy's life so to speak and get to know her through this annual. I am sorry about her and El Toro's love; you wonder if they had lived 50 years later if her parents would have accepted him better or if she would have been bold and defied her parents and gone with him anyway.

    Makes you wonder if she did hear news about his death and how it affected her; almost closure to their love, but I do believe she carried him in her heart throughout her life.

    Very interesting to read Shelly!

    betty

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    1. Betty: It was a treasure to me to find that annual. It's amazing actually how many annuals are for sale there- you should check and see if one from your high school is there!

      I think I will always feel a twinge of sadness for those two- who knows what could have been?

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  3. I remember this post, Shelly, and I'm glad you found some new information for a tag. When you're trying to solve a mystery like this one it adds to the confusion when there are various nicknames involved. Makes me think of the Beatles song "Rocky Raccoon": "Her name was Magil and she called herself Lil / But everyone knew her as Nancy." My grandfather's first name was Garland but everybody called him "Turk" which was short for "Turkey." In the early years of the 20th century nicknames like "Turkey" and "Chicken" were appraently popular although I'm not sure why. Maybe you know.

    Dear Shelly, the timing of your post couldn't be better. I invite you and any of your followers who happen to be reading this to visit my blog this Wednesday, April 18th, for a very important post similar to the one presented here. It marks the beginning of a Spring of Surprises on my blog that will take us back in history. I am confident that somebody like you, an educator, historian and storyteller, will truly appreciate the stories that will unfold in the weeks and months to come. Thank you!

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    1. Shady: Those nicknames can really throw a search, as what happened here. I'm finally satisfied I found the right woman, though. I think it would be a great study to find out the why's and how's of nickname evolution because they are so different nowadays.

      I can't wait for your unveiling on the 18th- just a few days away! You've really piqued my interest! I know it will be terrific!

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  4. Wonderful wonderful story. And you write it so seamlessly with nothing distracting from your storytelling. You are truly a gifted writer and I'll be thinking about your post all day.

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    1. Stephen: Thank you for your kind words. Stories like this kind of just tell themselves.

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  5. You should do a screenplay based roughly on their lives, maybe include your research as part of the story, give it a Titanic feel.

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    1. esboston: I do think their's is a story that should be told. I'm trying to find out a few more details about their earlier lives and of Dorothy's later life.

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  6. Wow! How awesome is that? This is amazing. When Ebay first came out, I participated. Back then they did not even have the PayPal. You could actually deal with people by check. Even Ebay took checks.

    This story is awesome. Blessings.

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    1. Just Be Real: Thank you! Ebay probably has some amazing stories tied up in its sales. A time when even ebay took checks? Wow- didn't even know they ever did!

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  7. This is an amazing story! Kudos to you!

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  8. I love that you updated on this mystery. I am going to choose to believe in a better-than-Hollywood reunion in Heaven for these star-crossed lovers. :)

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    1. Felt Family: Oh, that would be so wonderful- I just feel sadness that they did not end up together in this life.

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  9. What a fascinating story - so sad, so sweet! I like to think they've met up in the next life. But what of Sally's husband? Darn you! Now I want to know more!

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    1. karen: I am like you- each little piece I find out makes me want to find out more. I'm going to keep looking!

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  10. Oh, I remember that story....I'm sure she did carry that piece in her heart...it would be interesting to find her children if any....I'm really glad for you that you found out about her!

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    1. Jamie: I just so curious (nosy, my brother used to say when we were kids) that I want to keep looking!

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  11. Okay what are the odds of something like that? And love - bittersweet. sandie

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    1. Sandie: If my great aunt hadn't been there, I don't think I would have had any success at all in solving it. She passed on several months later, so I'm glad it came about when it did.

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  12. What a great story I really enjoyed reading about Dorothy and her man El Toro such stories really fasanate me

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    1. Jo-Anne: I, too, love stories like this. I just wish I had more answers now about Dorothy. Thanks for stopping by!

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  13. I loved this story when you first posted it, and the update makes it even more compelling. Men who write out their love make my heart melt. I wonder what would have happened if she had defied the wishes of her family. I'm going to remember this when my soon to be adult daughter returns home, ready to begin a new chapter that I'm sure will include men. I'm going to try not to judge or interfere.

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    1. Jenny: That he wrote all those things to her makes me want to have known him. There was evidence that she had two children in her marriage, but I infer they were stepchildren. There are so many questions I wish I could have asked her.

      And yes, with adult daughters it's hard at first not to want to continue to give advice/ guidance on men when it's not asked for. It's great to see them making good choices on their own. You've raised her well and that will rise to the top in her adulthood. How exciting that she's that close to coming home!

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  14. How cool is this? Amazing....what a wonderful but sad discovery....

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    1. Rhonda: It really does make me hope she, at least, found happiness.

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  15. I love reading about stories from long ago, like listening to my Aunt Katie. This was a really special one even though it was a sad one. Love couldn't conquer the will of parents. Great post.

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    1. Odie: Yes, back the, I guess it wasn't the norm at all to rebel against the parents. I would love to listen to your Aunt Katie. Maybe you could do one of your vlogs on her one day!

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  16. I got chills reading this. That love story! The tragic end! It's overwhelming when you think of the countless stories out there that are so intense and gripping, and we don't know of them until we do some digging.

    Amazing post!

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    1. Lydia: I've thought of that- all the compelling stories out there that will never get told.

      My heart breaks at what could have been for those two...

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  17. Oh, Shelly, how wonderfully, stirringly sad. All the what-ifs, the whys that she must've lived with...

    Love the update.

    Pearl

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    1. Pearl: I'm a little obsessed with this story now. My next step is to somehow find living family members of either/each one and see if I can get any more knowledge of them through that.

      The what ifs are a killer.

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  18. Like others have said, I got chills. Just this little post and I felt I was taken back in time and into the lives of these people and "their love story". My heart aches for Dorothy who cried "buckets of tears". Young love is the stuff that makes great stories.

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    1. Christine: I so feel like I know them, too, just through these little inscriptions in an annual. I wonder what they'd think if they knew how taken we all are with their story~

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  19. What a lovely tribute you've created for those dear people. I think it's so important to honor the lives of those before us. Thanks for filling in the blanks.
    Hugs~

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    1. Sush: When I have more time, I'm going to try digging a little more. I don't know why, but I've gotten a little obsessed with finding these answers. Thank you, my friend!

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  20. My heart aches at the thought of their lost love. How many people wander the earth with bleedin hearts and end up settling for something less? What a sad sad story. I'm with Nancy. I hope they ended up finding each other on the other side.

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    1. Crystal: I've always told my girls not to get into a rush looking for their future husbands. Settling for less than the best is only going to bring a lifetime of heartache.

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  21. Hello Shelly,
    What a heart-wrenching story. This causes so many thoughts - that kind of love stays with you. When I was college age I met, fell in love with and married my husband. He's black and I am white. I never knew until then the level of prejudice in my own family. I lost contact with several family members for around 10 years. Slowly, over time they came to see what a marvelous man he is. Now, he's a favorite. My daughter recently married, when he came to ask our permission - I knew this man truly loved my daughter and would take care of her the way we prayed for. I could not imagine keeping her from him or having been kept from my Dearest. Now I'm chocking up! Thank you for sharing this sweet story...
    God Bless,
    Kathy

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    1. Kathy: What a beautiful love story yours is, persevering even in the face of those who cut themselves off from you. Our oldest daughter recently became engaged, and like you, I can't imagine keeping her from the one she loves. I am so glad times are different now.

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  22. guess this story repeats more often than we know...

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  23. Wow! What a story! I can't believe all your research.

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    1. Theresa: I did get a little obsessed with it!

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  24. Dearest Shelly,
    Oh, what a story of love and made me really romantic or you brought me back my young girl's feeling(*^_^*). Young lovers in those days must have experienced these kind of heartbreaking separation!!!
    My grandparents' age, in Japan parents decide their children's spouse. I heard that my grandfather (dad's side) had not seen his bride until the wedding day.
    I am happy for you that your daughter happily engaged. Personally, my husband's handicap of his legs worried my parents. However, I appreciate their understanding and I think I had a right man, hehe.
    Thank you for the great story, my friend.
    Love you always, xoxo Miyako*

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    1. Orchid: Hello, my friend! Wow, the things in our grandparents' age were so different that they are now. I'm glad I was able to pick who I wanted to marry, although I'm sure they had a different mindset about it then.

      I am glad, too, your parents let you pick- you certainly picked the right one for you! Have a wodnerful day~

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  25. You are such a great storyteller, Shelly! I know you are an awesome teacher. I loved this story the first time I heard it and love that you took the time to update us.

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  26. Your writing always takes me places. I love it.

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  27. Wow! That was a awesome story. Good work. I do the website for my local high school.
    I have all the annuals posted except last years and I'm scanning it now.
    www.dorahighschool.com Toward the bottom of the front page is a listing of the yearbooks going back to 1938 which I've been told was the first one.

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    1. Life 101: Now that is a really cool endeavor. I'm headed over to visit that link- how I wish all high schools and colleges would do this!

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  28. Shelly, I'm so thrilled that you visited my blog. I love your writing style and the stories you tell. I could see myself tracking down El Toro myself and wanting to finally know what happened between the two of them. Too bad they didn't have a happily ever after story!

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    1. Simone: I finally had to stop myself saying, "What if," about this story because there are just too many of them. I'm glad I was able to find out what I did, but I would love to have the rest of the answers.

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  29. Wow, what an amazing story. It could easily be developed into a novel. You know, telling each of their stories.
    so much sadness from that time period.

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    1. Jill: I almost feel as if they are family, because I've thought about them so much and because of the info I do know. It's hard to believe I know them only through a few pics and scribblings in an annual. I would love for their story to be told fully.

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  30. Now this is interesting. I bet you could write a fine novel with the tidbits you uncover.

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    1. Gene Pool Diva: I'd love to find out more answers; to locate Dorothy's possible children/ stepchildren. Hopefully those will come with some more digging.

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  31. What a great story! Can't you just imagine all the other stories that are hidden in the pages of that annual??

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  32. Laurel's Quill: Oh, how I would love to know the stories behind each signature- how their lives turned out...so much there that we never see.

    Thank you for stopping by!

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  33. I bet she did keep that love in her heart. I fell in love with my first husband when I was eleven years old. I should never have married him, but I know if I hadn't I would have mourned for him. All in all, we were together 35yrs when I walked away.. He left many scars inside of me.

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    1. Crystal Mary: I have to think she did, too. Wow- that is a long time to be with someone and have them hurt you like that. I'm so glad you found Ray!

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  34. That is so awesome that you found out even a little!! Thanks for sharing this mystery with us!

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    1. bettyl: If I am able to dig out anything else, I will update again!

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  35. OMG, I simply, blunty love this. They are beautiful!

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    1. Mini Projects: They still fascinate me! I hope to find out some more info on them.

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