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Although
of poor quality, this photograph appeared in the Cincinnati Times-Star
of 24 December 1934. Pictured with Smithy who is enjoying a cigarette
after a long flight, are Henry Elmus 'Harry' Walker, (1872-1962) and
his daughter Mary G. (probably Genevieve after her mother) Walker,
(1898-1968). H.E. Walker was a rancher and orchardist from San Dimas
and Mary was the Assistant Manageress of the Hotel Clark in Los Angeles.
Mary was obviously well known to Smithy from his time as a guest at
this hotel. On 22 December 1934, Smithy flew Henry to Cincinnati to
visit his brother in hospital and returned to Los Angeles with Mary
as his passenger. Smithy was then invited to spend Christmas 1934
at the Walker ranch in San Dimas. Some news reports incorrectly described
Mary as the daughter-in-law of Walker. She married James B. Maher
in November (at 49 years of age ) in Orange, CA. She died in June
1968 four months short of her 70th birthday.
Research: Mick Raftery |
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