Tales from the Morgue

1909: Presidents Taft & Diaz Meet In El Paso

The first meeting of a U.S. president and a Mexican president took place Oct. 19, 1909, when William Howard Taft met Porfirio Díaz in El Paso.

The meeting was celebrated in both El Paso and Juárez with elaborate receptions, lavish gifts and huge throngs.

Although the nations had been in the midst of a land dispute over the Chamizal area because of a shifting Rio Grande, newspaper accounts said the nation's two leaders did not discuss anything of diplomatic or political import during their meetings on the border.

Díaz, who had been in power for 30 years but whose hold on it was beginning to slip, might have been eager for the opportunity to meet with Taft in hopes that it would shore up his image on the border. But only 19 months later, he would lose the battle of Juárez and be forced to resign.

You can read the articles from the visit here.

1963: More Old El Paso Homes Make Way For Progress On Oregon Street

September 20, 1963

By HUGH MORGAN

Because they want to stay on the same block and since they have to move from their present location, the proprietors of the House of Carpets, 623 N. Oregon St., have purchased an area of land for $250,000.

The firm bought 28,200 square feet of land immediately on the south of its present store. The area includes three old and quaint-looking houses and a service station. The houses are perched on top of a rather steep mound of earth.

The houses are in the process of being torn down and the land leveled. Plans are to keep the filling station as it is, reported Elias Malooly, president and Gil Malooly, vice president of the House of Carpets.

The House of Carpets was notified some time ago that it would have to move because of the Freeway which is to be built through El Paso.

“We’ve been on the same block for 33 years which is unusual for even the old stores,” Gil Malooly said. His father, Elias, came to El Paso in 1917 and established an Oriental rug business.

He then went into the general rug business and as the business became bigger he moved into larger locations. One of the locations was in the 700 block of N. Oregon.

“We’ve been located in either the 600 or 700 block for the last 46 years,” Elias Malooly said.

He expects to have the new building completed by the first of April. He will then move out of his present store.

The three houses – which look like the type that Hansel and Grettle might have lived in – have added an unusual sight to Downtown El Paso.

“The houses were built before I came to El Paso,” Elias Malooly reported. The addresses are 609, 611 and 613 N. Oregon St.

The house at 613 has the most beguiling and antiquated architecture of the three.

It was built by the Mundy family, pioneer El Paso residents after whom a street – Mundy Drive – was named.

One of its later owners was Mrs. Olin W. Ballard, 501 Sierra St. She owned it from about the time of World War II until about six years ago.

Mrs. Ballard and her husband, who died about 13 years ago, lived in the house and also took in roomers.

She housed up t eight persons. All of them were Army personnel and their wives, she recalled Monday.

“We had a regular picnic up there,” she said.

After her husband died, she purchased the house next door and paid it off at the rate of $100 month. She also used that for roomers.

“I put in parts and foundations and roof in both houses,” she explained. A number of improvements were needed again about six years ago. The electric wiring was bad. Instead of fixing them, Mrs. Ballard deiced to sell both houses.

The houses are being demolished.

“I haven’t been down to see it. I cried when I hear about it. It’s silly but is such an adorable home,” she said.

“It’s allright though,” she reflected. “Anything’s alright that will make the town grow.

1894: Resignation of Mayor Albers

April 21, 1894

The Resignation of Dr. Albers Accepted and His Successor Elected.

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E.A. SHELTON VOTED FOR

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Ex-Mayor Solomon’s Veto Sustained – Chief of Police Sent for Mayor Albers. Other Interesting Features of Last Night’s Session – Details of the Proceedings in the Caucus – Only Two Candidates. Mayor Johnson Interviewed.

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The city council met last night without the presence of a mayor. As it appeared afterwards, the city had no mayor. But, in the absence of a mayor Alderman Stanton, on motion of Alderman Kohlberg, was called to the chair.

This meeting of the council was extraordinary in several important particulars. In the first place it was a new council. The chair of Mr. Badger was occupied by Alderman Whitmore; the desk formerly occupied by Mr. Slack was taken by Alderman Look and Mr. Solomon’s old seat was filled by Alderman Voelker.

Another feature of interest was the presence of an unusual number of citizens, evidently expecting something sensational in the Merrill case. Seated between the presiding officer and the city clerk was Mr. B. H. Mathews, deputy assessor and collector under ex-Collector Merrill. And, although Mr. Mathews has entered into the prevailing sensation, only incidentally it was plain that he was a center of interest to the observers present.

MAYOR ALBERS ORDERED.

When the minutes of the last meeting had been approved a sensation was developed in about four seconds. The presiding officer announced that he had a communication from Mayor Albers, but said he had been instructed to call it up under the head of “new business.”

Alderman Kohlberg arose to say that he desired to call up the veto message of Mayor Solomon. The clerk said that Mayor Albers had come to the office and withdrawn that message.

“Mayor Albers had no right to withdraw a communication from Mayor Solomon,” cried Alderman Kohlberg, with evident heat. “I move that the chief of police be instructed to go to Mr. Albers and demand that the said communication be produced before the council at once.”

The motion prevailed without dissent, and Chief Payne set out on his mission.

During the absence of the chief several matters of minor importance were attended to, among which was the granting of the use of the city hall to the John O. Brown Camp, Confederate Veterans, for the celebration of San Jacinto day.

Then followed a very pleasing relaxation of the muscles of the council. A communication was read from the Evergreen Cemetery company, accompanied by a boutoniere for each city officer and member of the press.

ALBERS RESIGNATION.

After the flowers were gracefully distributed by Dr. Yandell the following communication was read:

EL PASO, TEXAS, April 20th 1894.

To the City Council,

El Paso Texas,

Gentlemen: — Circumstances over which I find it will be impossible for me to have control, and such conditions existing in the affairs of the city’s government, and which I find cannot be averted, causes me to abundantly realize the impossibility of my serving the people as I would desire as mayor of the city, and although I exceedingly regret the course necessity compels me to accept, yet, in justice to the people and myself, I find it to be incumbent upon me to ask that I be relieved of the honorable position to which I have been elected, and herewith tender you this my resignation as mayor of the city of El Paso, Texas.

Requesting an immediate action upon the above, I am, gentlemen, truly Yours,

A. K. Albers.

After the reading Alderman Payne moved that the resignation be accepted to take effect on the election and qualification of his successor. This motion unanimously prevailed.

The chief of police having returned with ex Mayor Solomon’s veto it was read by the clerk. This veto message was printed in the TIMES last Saturday and is not given now. Suffice it to say that the veto was sustained by the following vote: Aye, Kohlberg, Howley and Whitmore; nay, Davis, Look, Payne, Stanton and Voelker.

THE SECRET SESSION.

The proceedings in the caucus were of a decidedly interesting nature. After no small amount of discussion of the situation a vote was taken. The first ballot resulted in Mr. E. A. Shelton’s receiving four and Mr. R. F. Johnson four. Those voting for Shelton were Payne, Kohlberg, Davis and Stanton, and those for Johnson were Howley, Look, Voelker and Whitmore.

After the first ballot, there was a long delay occasioned by Alderman Kohlberg holding a consultation with Mr. Johnson. In this he tried to get certain promises from Mr. Johnson concerning the appointment of a chief of police, but Mr. Johnson refused absolutely to promise anything to any man.

On the second ballot Stanton came over to Johnson, which assured his election. An effort was made to secure a unanimous choice, but Alderman Payne stood out for Shelton, as the election in the council showed.

When the council was called to order after nearly an hour of caucusing Mr. Howley moved that the council proceed to the election of a mayor. The motion prevailed and Messrs. Howley and Whitmore were appointed tellers. The only ballot then gave R. F. Johnson seven votes and E.A. Shelton one. Within a minute after the result of the ballot was announced the council had adjourned and the hall was empty. But there were loud cheers in every corner of the hall when it was evident that Johnson had been chosen.

MAYOR JOHNSON INTERVIEWED.

After the council adjourned there was a rush of friends to congratulate the new mayor and likewise the city. Mr. Johnson greeted his friends in his usual cordial manner but positively refused to make a speech. Later, in an interview, he said to a reporter:

“I think no man could be more appreciative of the honor than myself. I had not expected to be mayor, as you know that I have persistently refused to run for the office. But when my friends in the council said they could elect me and that I was the choice of a majority of the members, I consented to accept the honor. I have made no promise to any man, and have in view only the building up of the city. I came to El Paso before I was of age, began to work for $30 a month and have never voted anywhere else. All my interests are here and I want to see the town grow as it deserves. That is my highest ambition. I know very well that I cannot conduct the business of the town as it should be conducted without the assistance of the good citizens. Therefore I hope that no one will hesitate about making suggestions as to the best policy to pursue in any given case. I want every possible assistance.”

1914: Posed As Mexican Cabinet Officers

December 23, 1914

GRAVE CHARGE, AGAINST ENTERPRISING PAIR HAULED BEFORE JUSTICE DEAVER

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Grand Jury Will Investigate Operations of Secretary of War and Secretary of State in Realms of Finance.

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Charged with representing themselves as secretary of war and secretary of state in the cabinet of President Eulalio Gutierrez of Mexico, David W. Hoffman and Procopio Romero were before Justice of the Peace J.M. Deaver yesterday to answer to complaints filed by several Mexicans. The pair were held for investigation by the grand jury, bond being fixed at $1,000 in each case.

According to the complaining witnesses, the men operated a somewhat ingenious scheme for reaping a profit at the expense of Mexicans returning to their native land after spending the summer working for American railroads.

One of the pair, it was testified, haunted the Union station, and when a party of homecoming Mexicans arrived they would be informed it was necessary before crossing the line to have their American money changed into Mexican currency, otherwise they would be held up by the customs officers across the river and the money of the gringos confiscated.

In order to substantiate the story, the Mexicans would be advised to telephone the Secretary of war, who, it was charged, was none other than defendant Hoffman. The secretary would confirm the report of the ruling, informing the Mexicans they had been extremely fortunate in meeting Romero, who occupied the important post of attorney general in the Mexican cabinet and could direct them to a place where their money would be exchanged on advantageous terms.

The prospective customers would then be steered to a place on South El Paso street, where their good American money would be exchanged for Villa currency at the ratio of three pesos Villa for $1 American. The current rate is about six for one.

One man testified he had exchanged $150 on these terms, while others testified to lesser amounts. Officers of the court said yesterday that the operations of the pair had been extensive and had remained undetected owing to the fact that the Mexicans, relieved of half of the value of their money, had in most cases gone their way, never knowing the difference.

A case against Philip Bohm, also engaged in the money changing business, was dismissed on motion of the county attorney, it being found that Bohm had used no misrepresentations in his dealings with Mexicans.

The two men held gave notice that they would furnish the required bond.

1950: Adolfo Martinez Cops Golden Glove Title

February 21, 1950

By CHUCK WHITLOCK
Times Sports Editor

Will Rogers Coliseum, Fort Worth. – Flashing the most vicious left hook in the history of Texas Golden Gloves, Adolfo (Rudy) Martinez of El Paso put all opposition out of operation here Monday night to win the 1950 state welterweight championship before some 9000 screaming fans.

The title was the first brought back to the Border since 1945, when Hector Marquez annexed the state bantamweight title. Martinez’ championship climaxed a 5-year search for the diadem, which he had missed by narrow edges in previous years.

To gain the championship Martinez knocked Johnny Pannell of Corpus Christi colder than a deep freeze with three straight punches just at the end of the first round. Ring handlers were unable to arouse the Corpus Christi boy at the bell for the second round and Martinez walked off with the ruby ring of championship.

Earlier Martinez had won a technical knockout over Billy Burkhart that was almost as full of sweetness as was the state championship itself. He dropped the Abilene clouter three times before the bout was halted at 1:36 of the first round.

However, the finals victory may prove costly to the El Paso assassin. The final punch which did the killing, a vicious but very short left hook, injured the thumb of his left hand. Doctors said after the fight that the thumb was not broken, but requested an x-ray Tuesday morning. Martinez will be left behind when the El Paso team leaves early Tuesday on the return trip. Monsignor Lawrence Gaynor of Holy Family Church in El Paso will remain here with him.

Other champions named in the finals program of the state meet:

Flyweight – Pat McCarthy, Amarillo, decision over Ferrell Snider, Fort Wroth.

Bantamweight – Felix Baker, Houston, decision over Fred Morales, Abilene.

Featherweight – Freddie Flores, Bryan, decision over Lloyd Densman, Waco.

Lightweight – Johnny O’Glee, Dallas, decision over James McFadden, Waco.

Middleweight – Wallace Willard, decision over James Wortham, Amarillo.

Light-Heavyweight – Michael Woolsey, Fort Worth, technical knockout, first round, over J. Roy Henry, Amarillo.

Heavyweight – Tom Adams, Abilene, decision over James Hoff, Houston

Fort Worth won the team championship with the trophy going to the runner-up team from Amarillo by custom.

MARTINEZ CUTS LOOSE

After taking a brief sparring session with the rough clouter from Corpus Christi, Martinez began to work on Pannell’s body with a two-fisted attack, while he showed a clever boxing style to block the long jabs thrown by the sailor. Then driving his foe into Martinez’ corner, the El Paso killer let loose the dirty work so quickly the spectators were asking minutes later what had done the job.

The finishing punches were a left hook to the body and a right to the side of the head, followed like a flash of light by that left hook to the jaw which has tournament officials talking. Pannell’s feet flopped from under him ad he fell on his back, unconscious to the world. The bell rang as Referee Ball tolled eight.

The ruby ring which Martinez received for his championship climaxed a 5-year battle of the elusive crown, worn only by eight men in any year. It started in 1946, when he won the El Paso district lightweight crown, but was eliminated in an early bout at the state meet. In 1947 he gained the quarter-finals before losing a close decision, after again winning the El Paso lightweight title.

In 1948 the El Paso stylist entered welter brackets but lost in his first bout in the El Paso tourney, when Warren Young of Biggs Air Force Base scored the first knockout on Martinez’ record.

Martinez avenged that knockout in the 1950 meet, when he halted Young in the second round.

In 1948 Martinez was taken to the state tournament as an alternate for champion Pete Servin, and reached the semi-finals, losing to Eugene Cooper of Amarillo, who grabbed the state crown.

SET STAGE FOR REVENGE

The 1949 meet set the stage for the beautiful bit of revenge which Martinez added to his string with Monday night’s win. He marched into the state quarter-finals, after annexing the El Paso crown, only to run afoul of a high right to the head in the second round by Burkhart, which dropped Martinez and took him out of the meet.

Martinez’ victory over Burkhart was as sudden and vicious as it was sweet in revenge.

The Abilene puncher rushed Martinez at the opening bell and rained rights and lefts as the El Pasoan crouched and covered for a few seconds before fighting out of the trouble with straight lefts and rights. Both jabbed momentarily and then Martinez scored a hard left and right to the head that jolted Burkhart’s head back. Burkhart slowed his advance and started jabbing but Martinez closed for a fast session of infighting which he climaxed with a hard right upper-cut that drove Burkhart back.

Maneuvering his one-time conqueror into the ropes near a neutral corner, Martinez suddenly unleashed that lighting-like hook which has devastated previous foes. It sliced into Burkhart’s chin and the boy was out on his feet the rest of the way. He refused to go down from the one punch and it took another left-right to the side of the head to drop him on his face in mid-ring.

Martinez, eager for a knockout to even the score, charge in as Burkhart reached his feet, and drove him backwards into Martinez’ own corner, where he shrugged off the Abilene boy’s clutching hand and pounded him to the canvas again. When Referee Oliver Ball, after looking at Burkhart’s eyes, waved the fight on, Martinez charged in and Burkhart started downward on the second punch. Ball halted the bout.

Martinez leaped across the ring to sweep Clarence Benson of Bryan, who had given a hand in his corner and some pointers on meeting the Cowboy stylist, into his arms and a big bearhug, while the crowd finally gasped out its awed ovation for the El Pasoan’s demonstration of power.

2003: Richard Pearson ends 'hell of a ride' in El Paso broadcasting

January 18, 2003

By Leonard Martinez

El Paso Times

Richard Pearson, who has been general manager at Channel 9-KTSM (cable Channel 10) since 1991 and who is considered a legend in the broadcast industry in El Paso, is retiring after 43 years in television.

Pearson, 64, probably best known for his in-your-face commentaries, announced his retirement Thursday.

"It's been a hell of a ride," Pearson said. "It's a momentous occasion in any person's life."

Pearson also worked at Channel 13-KELP before it became Channel 7-KVIA (cable Channel 6) and then at Channel 7.

Pearson will remain on the payroll this year.

"I can come and go as I please, and I could maintain an office here, but I doubt I will," Pearson said. KTSM's owner, Communications Corporation of America, "were very generous with me and gave me a nice parachute."

Pearson expects to stay active in Maggie's Tournament, an annual golf tournament that he started in honor of his late first wife to raise money for scholarships at the University of Texas at El Paso.

"If there's no reason to come in, I won't because it's not fair to the new generation," he said.

Pearson's son Eric Pearson, who had been the station's news director since 1999, resigned last month to pursue other interests. Richard Pearson said there was no connection between the two leaving Channel 9.

"I had been thinking about retiring for a year before Eric resigned," Pearson said. "It was just a coincidence."

Larry Bracher, KTSM's national sales manager, was named to replace Pearson.

Channel 9's news ratings have not been consistently at the top, but Pearson is convinced the station is still very competitive.

"For the most part, they've been really good," Pearson said. "We brought them up really well from where they were when I first got here. KVIA's been really competitive, but we're still a good buy for advertisers."

Channel 7-KVIA general manager Kevin Lovell worked with Pearson at KVIA and briefly at KTSM.

"I would call him a legend in El Paso television broadcasting," Lovell said. "I think the world of him professionally and personally. He always had a great love and pays great attention to his employees."

Channel 4-KDBC (cable Channel 3) general manager Don Caparis also said he will miss Pearson.

"Richard has been an icon in the industry here for many years," Caparis said. "I came here 20 years ago and, though we've been competitors, he's always been a gentleman.

Channel 9's morning show co-host Dave Garlick still remembers the first time he met Pearson.

"Mr. Pearson is a very impressive, intimidating guy at first," Garlick said. "Normally, I don't get freaked out by management types, but he looked right through me. It threw me for a loop. Once you get to know him, he's great, but the very first impression is 'holy blank.' "

Pearson is not the type to stay inactive for long.

"What I really want to do is maybe teach communications at UTEP," Pearson said. "And I'm going to paint. I've always been a dabbler in paint."

While working out recently, a few people joked with Pearson about leaving the public spotlight.

"Somebody told me 'Retirement is a wonderful thing,' " Pearson said. " 'You have plenty of time but only half the money.' "

Legend

Richard Pearson

Age: 64

Married: Karen Pearson in 1994. First wife, Marguerite Loya Pearson, died in 1992 of emphysema.

Children: Mark Pearson, Robin Pearson Chatterje, Kim Pearson and Eric Pearson. Karen Pearson has a daughter, Kristie Daniels.

Career: Channel 9-KTSM (cable Channel 10) general manager 1991-2003, Channel 13-KELP/Channel 7-KVIA (cable Channel 6) sales manager, then general manager, 1967-1991; El Paso Times-El Paso Herald-Post sales person 1960-1967; and Air Force 1956-1960.

Education: Graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, 1969, with a degree in English literature. Graduate of El Paso High School in 1956.

Richard Pearson photo gallery

1963: Cowboy Writer’s Formula Spurs Novels Under 14 Different Names

April 19, 1963

By Mark Deering
El Paso Times

Over 1,000 published short stories and 130 published novels is the amazing achievement of one of the nation’s most prolific Western writers. Lee Floren of the 700 block of Ramsgate Road.

Floren’s books have been published in hardback, in paperback, in magazines and in newspapers as serials in the United States and in nine foreign countries.

In El Paso area, his most widely read novel – one that already has become scarce on newsstands and is due for a second printing soon – is the paperback, John Wesley Hardin, Texas Gunfighter.

“I don’t belong to any particular school of writing,” Floren said. “I learned to write by trial and error.” But along the way he devised his own fiction formula which has enabled him to become a success in the rugged free-lance fiction market.

His Formula:

An Appealing Character Struggles Against Great Odds to Attain a Worthwhile Goal.

But the road to becoming a successful free-lance writer has not been an easy one. It has been difficult, often discouraging, but still “the most satisfying life I can think of.”

“I’ve wanted to be a writer as far back as I can remember.” He said in his slow calculated drawl that betrays his Norwegian parentage. “My first love is the cowboy or Western story, although I’ve sold almost every type since I’ve been in the business.”

Floren came by his interest in Western life early. He was born on his father’s ranch near Hinsdale, Mont., in 1910 and grew up on the sprawling range where the cowboy was still a way of life.

On his graduation from California State University, now the University of California at Santa Barbara, Floren made his first serious attempt at writing.

MAKES SALE

“I wrote eight Western short stories before one finally sold,” he said as he brushed his hand through his greying hair and a remembering look crept into his pale blue eyes.

“My first published story, ‘Born To The Badge,’ appeared in Red Seal Western magazine in 1939,” he recalled. “I’ll never forget the thrill of seeing my name in print for the first time.”

During the following years, Floren struggled along, learning fiction techniques and applying them to his short stories in his spare time while trying his hand as a reporter on the Glasco, Mont., Tribune, and later serving a stint at teaching in high school and courses in short story writing.

In 1943 he came out with his first novel – Boot Hill Buckaroo.

After that he began increasing his writing output and in 1945 realized his dream of becoming a full-time, free-lance fiction writer.

“And I’ve managed to remain spite of the many changes that have taken place in fiction markets,” he said.

He got his start in the pulp paper magazines. “There were times when all the stories in Ten Top Westerns magazine were written by me, each story under a different pen name.” Even today his novels are published under 14 pen names.

With the death of the pulp magazines, Floren turned exclusively to the novel. His best know Western character, circuit-riding Judge Lemanuel Bates – known more for his good sense and judgment rather than is gun-slinging characteristics – has ridden through the pages of 35 books, presiding over much of the Montana territory that Floren knew as a youth.

His advice to aspiring young writers of today?

“You should write in the filed in which you are interested, study the works of successful writers and keep in mind that this is the toughest business in the world.

“You don’t have to be the best writer in the world but you have to be prolific and that’s probably the understatement of the year,” he said.

On a typical day he starts work at 8 a.m. and types as much as possible until noon, when he brings his workday to an end. This is the schedule he has managed to keep except when he is pushing a deadline.

Sounds simple, but since 1954 Floren says he has written and sold an average of 800,000 words a year.

“I average writing a novel a month, 12 a year,” he said. Last year he wrote 15 novels because “I got behind on some of my contracts and had to catch up.” His record production year was 1955 when he ground out 18 novels but “it completely exhausted me.”

He has several novels that will be coming out soon. Hollywood Nurse, a hardcover book published by Crown Publishers, and Two Riders North, an Avon pocket book, are due to hit the stand in the next month. Many of his books appear in England, Spain and Norway before coming out in paper back in the United States.

And already he is bringing to a close a book this month because “I’ve got a couple more that I have to start on soon.”

1895: Mayor's Proclamation

June 5, 1895

MAYOR’S OFFICE, CITY HALL,

EL PASO, TEXAS, May 24th, 1895

STATE OF TEXAS,

CITY OF El Paso Times

Whereas, the public interest requires that dogs be prevented from running at large in the City of El Paso without being securely muzzled,

Now, therefore, I, R. F. Campbell, Mayor of the City of El Paso, El Paso County, Texas, by virtue of the power in me vested by the charter and ordinances of said city, do issue this my proclamation, and do hereby warn all persons owning or controlling any dog or dogs in the limits of said City of El Paso, under the penalties in such cases provided; not to suffer any such dog or dogs to run at large in said city, from the date hereof until October 1st, 1895, without having paid the license thereon, and placed on the mouth of each of such dogs a muzzle of wire or material that will prevent such dogs from biting.

Given under my hand and seal of the City of El Paso, Texas, this 24th day of May, A.D., 1895.

[Signed] R.F. Campbell,

[SEAL] Mayor

Attest, W.T. Kitchens, City Clerk.

1967: Daughter Of El Pasoans Works As Model In Paris, Moscow

November 7, 1967

By RUBY BURNS

Being a model for the famous Coco Chanel in Paris brings interesting experiences and Mrs. Sheila Baillie, who is visiting in El Paso is fresh from such a thrilling experience, a rip with five other Chanel models to Moscow. The girls from Chanel spent six days in the Russian city, where they went to take part in the International Fashion Festival in September. Sheila says they were a great hit and admits modestly that she herself scored quite a triumph. The audience stood to applaud her and she was presented bouquets of roses. “I think it was because I am an American,” she said, “and maybe because they knew I have a Czechoslovakian grandmother.”

The Moscow style shows were held in a great hall, holding thousands of people and it was full for every show. For two days, the Chanel girls modeled in three shows a day, then spent the rest of the week doing photography and working with TV people who were on hand from many countries in Europe and the U.S.A. as well as Russia.

Sheila is visiting her parents, Mr. And Mrs. John Trubacker Jr., 6265 Drew, and her young daughter, Deborah, who is staying with them at the present time.

She brought many pictures and souvenirs of her trip to Moscow for her parents and daughter. Among them are some darling Russian dolls for Deborah.

Sheila will have to fly back to Paris Nov. 15 to prepare for a fashion show in Frankfurt, Germany.

Mrs. Baillie is a sparkly-eyed shapely brunette, weighing about 124 pounds and standing 5 foot 9 inches tall. She obviously loves life and enjoys her work, although she says it is hard.

“Coco” Chanel, for whom she works, is 86 years old, Sheila says, but she looks 60 and apparently works like a woman no older than 40. She does two collections a year, and when a collection is being fitted for the presentation, she is there every day working as hard as anybody, doing fittings sometimes from 8:30 a.m. to late at night.

“During this time, we are all very tense, very nervous wondering how the collection will be received,” Sheila said. “Madame Chanel is so talented, so perfect in everything she does, that she is difficult to work for – she expects perfection in everyone,” Sheila said.

Sheila lives in a lovely house in Paris, sharing it with the owner, a young Parisian woman of Armenian ancestry. She has a lot of room, even a living room big enough to include her grand piano. Before becoming a model Sheila studied music and ballet from the age of three years and really planned to be a concert pianist.

She was living in Paris when her marriage broke up, and with time on her hands, decided to try a model agency. She went right to work and has been in demand ever since, doing a lot of photography, as well as her regular work at the salon.

Models in Paris are not paid nearly so well as in New York. However, Chanel is one of the better places to work, in that she pays more than Dior or most of the other Paris salons.

“We got $30 an hour for photography, but I understand it is twice that much in New York,” Sheila said.

One of the things she enjoyed most in Moscow was the museums where she saw fabulous works of art and jewelry containing gems unbelievably large. But best of all was a chance to attend the Bolshoi ballet. It was great, the most marvelous dancing she had ever seen, she said. But the people attending were dressed very simply, no beautiful gowns or jewels, she noted.

“I was surprised to find English spoken everywhere in Moscow,” she said. “When we got off the plane, everything was in Russian and English, and as I was the only one of our group who knew English, I became the interpreter.” However, the Russian government supplied interpreters who spoke perfect French, she said, so everybody got along fine.