So, I'm walking down the dog foot aisle in HEB this evening around 7 p.m. and my cell phone rings. I look at the number and see it's a 979 area code. Immediately I know it's from Sealy (I suppose it could be from Columbus as well, but I know all the numbers that would be calling me from there). I answer, and a slow, elderly voice introduces herself as Eleanor Maddox.
I'm a little confused at first. I was halfway expecting a phone call from Sealy, but from someone else and the name doesn't quite register. In my confusion, it takes me a moment to realize she's talking about a newspaper ad, and what's it all about? I took out a classified ad in the Sealy News for five weeks in advance of writing the chapter on the Wagon Wheel brothel for the Chicken Ranch book. My Wagon Wheel research has been comparatively thin, and I'd hoped to get a little more history from the locals to flesh it out. The final ad ran last week, with a grand total of zero responses. So you can understand my confusion at someone calling about the ad a week after the fact, and my failure to understand or recognize the name.
I explain that I'm writing a book on the Chicken Ranch, and since the Wagon Wheel was closed down by Marvin Zindler at the same time but is often overlooked, I'm trying to include the history of that place as well.
She paused for a moment. "The state closed it down."
"Yes, but Marvin Zindler was the catalyst."
Another pause. "That all happened a long time ago. I don't think many people want that brought up."
"I understand some people feel that way."
"Truman is dead. I don't think I'd want to answer questions only he has the answers to."
"Yes, Sheriff Maddox died in 2000. I wish I'd gotten to speak to him." Another pause. "Do you have anything you're willing to speak to me about?"
"I don't think so."
"Well, thank you for your call."
"You're welcome. Goodbye."
It wasn't until I got home did I put two and two together. Sheriff Truman Maddox. Eleanor Maddox. I'd just received a phone call from the late sheriff's wife. Obviously, I'm not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. It's a shame I didn't realize who she was until after the fact. I have a tremendous respect for Sheriff Maddox that grows the more I learn about him. I'd dearly love to learn from her what his reaction to all the unwanted media publicity was, but it looks like that ship has sailed.
Now Playing: Wynton Marsalis The Majesty of the Blues
Chicken Ranch Central
I've had two phone calls while grocery shopping, and neither time did my brain function normally. I couldn't grasp who was calling, or why someone would interrupt me while I was shopping--and both calls would have been useful and productive if my brain had been on. (Oh--C-! Of course, C- from high school!)
ReplyDeleteSo sympathy for the failure to make connections, but I think you can blame the store.
Set back. It's a set back.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a cease and desist order.
I can be said the "popular" idea of a relationship was used as a plot device, and "punched-up" in the Broadway Show...which even TRUE stories on Broadway are rarely entirely true...
That he had a loving devoted wife, and he supported women's choices...and protected them. What could be more compelling for a man to obtain in his lifetime?
J.L. You have an investment, and as such need to protect it. There is the opportunity to go for sensationalism, or to go strictly known / public 'facts.' Or you could take the path less traveled, and balance sensitivities and compassion.
What did they do after? Economic impacts? Does anybody really get represented in a factual way on Broadway? Contemporaneous Morally Righteous Scandals.
Any interviews with "KNOWN" Aggie football champions, and therefore clients...documented, if not revealed?
There are plenty of twists and turns. You don't want to delve into creation of facts, or fabrication of narrative.
("") Big Bear Hug Bro ("")
Sheriff Maddox's involvement is relatively minor compared to Sheriff Flournoy over in Fayette County. As is the Wagon Wheel in comparison to the Chicken Ranch. These relationships are significant. Had I realized who Eleanor was, I could've explained my motives far more coherently and assuaged her fears. She'd be an excellent source. The whole Wagon Wheel angle is almost completely overlooked, but ultimately very significant in the unfolding Chicken Ranch scandal. The show goes on.
ReplyDeleteIf you have her number on the phone, I suppose you COULD call her back and politely explain more coherently that you would like to present her husband in a good light with accurate information. She MIGHT be willing to share more with more explanation.
ReplyDeleteI do have her number, Rie, but I don't want to be so intrusive on an elderly woman. I have written her a letter (in largish font for easy reading) explaining myself a bit better and assuage her fears. The last thing I want her worrying about is a potential hatchet job on her late husband.
ReplyDelete