Every hostess flew her first flight with her Hostess Supervisor. It was called "Familiarization Flight". After that, she was officially "On Line" and on Reserve when she would be called out on short notice for flight duty.
My sister, Kathleen was a Hostess Supervisor out of MDW (Midway Airport - Chicago) and requested taking me on my first flight - ORD -BOS - ORD.
Pictures were taken by TWA.
ON THE LINE
April 2, 1962
Dear Mother,
Here I am in St.Louis on a 20 hour layover. I was called out yesterday at 5:30. The flight from MKC left at 8:15 and we got into STL at 9:25. (prop plane.) It will be good to have some time to rest up after my big flight with Kathleen. I'll never forget that flight. It really was hard to believe that we were flying together. She has always been so helpful for me growing up, and now she was helping again. It's put me so much more at ease now.
Thanks for the cookies - they're delicious as usual.
Love, Tish
April 7, 1962
Dear Mommy,
I can't begin to tell you how much I love San Francisco. Now I know what you mean about it.
I called Barb when I got in and she and Paul gave me a grand tour....Telegraph Hill, Fisherman;s Wharf, China Town, Old St. Mary's, Golden Gate Bridge. I was like a little kid hanging out the car window. I saw cable cars, flowers, bushes with leaves on them and everything. (After a long winter and bare trees, this looked good to me.) Oh how I'd love to be based here sometime. (That was going to be my next move from NY - then I met Jim.)
I have really good news! I got an orchid letter from the captain on my first flight. (This was not the flight with Kathleen, but my official first flight on my own without a supervisor.) He wrote this on my flight report:
"This lady did an excellent job on this, her first trip. No one would have known it was her first flight as a reserve hostess. It was a pleasure to be in command of this ship." Isn't that fabulous?! He also told me there was no doubt in his mind that I would make an excellent hostess. I almost cried - I was so happy. But it seened odd to me to be called a "lady" at the age of 20! Well, maybe I have become more of a lady than I realize.
Back to MKC tonight. Don't know when I'll get out this way again. Sure hope it's soon.
Love, Tish xxoo
Would you believe I saved my first "orchid letter"?
Sara was my supervisor.
April 12, 1962
Dear Mother,
Last night we had a lot of fun. You know those dental students I've talked about? Well, Anna and I cooked a roast and we decided we had enough to share because Donna was the only other girl home. So, Anna called Charlie, and asked if he could bring a couple guys. We ran around here preparing the house as if JFK himself was coming. We lit the fireplace, set the lights low, set the dining room table complete with linen table cloth and napkins, candles and a flower centerpiece I bought in San Fran. Charlie came with John and Ken. Ken is really cute. The meal was delicous. We also had corn, peas, asparagus casserole, rolls, browned potatos and carrots with baked apples for dessert. It was delicious. Of course, I made the gravy. The fellas really seemed to enjoy it too.
Afterwards we played cards and they went home. Ken asked me out for Friday night, so I guess it paid off.
Guess I'll do the breakfast dishes. All five of us are home, which is rare.
Love, Tish
No comments:
Post a Comment