Millard G. Would Also Be Pleased
A great honor has come to me, leaving me breathless with delight and aware of my unworthiness to walk among the distinguished members of the Western States Millard G. Fillmore Appreciation Society.
The letter came to me by recent post from Bob Coop, esteemed and quite daft founder of the worldwide organization. He refers to my column about his creation and adds, “We hope you will accept honorary membership in our organization. We would be proud to have you as one of us. Enclosed is your embossed certificate of membership suitable for framing or attaching to your refrigerator door.
“Hope our paths will cross soon. Didn’t we neck (circa 1929) behind the potted palms at the Huntington? Cordially, Bob Coop.”
Of course, the president refers to the Huntington Hotel, even now being rebuilt in Pasadena and brought to more than its former elegance. I am sure Coop refers to some long ago summer night of dancing out on the deck.
Actually, any necking I did at the Huntington was apt to be with boys from Beverly Hills High School, where I went. More likely it was Marshall Wilkinson, Grey Morgan or Bill Eilers, but, now that he mentions it, I do remember a boy named Bob Coop. Bob, the answer is: probably.
Bob Coop enclosed, along with my honorary membership, a letter from a lady who has written a book called “Hail to the Chiefs” to be published by Ballantine Books next summer.
Her letter tells of her appreciation at having also been made an honorary member of the society. She states that her sources agree that Jan. 7 was, indeed, Fillmore’s birthday and, no, he had no middle initial; his parents were dreadfully poor and could scarcely afford a first name for him, let alone an initial. (The middle initial of the Millard G. Fillmore Appreciation Society is a gift of the society.)
President Coop sent me the current Fillmore Society newsletter, which observed: “We have learned that there is a rival organization in existence. Its claim to fame is an annual award titled Medal of Mediocrity. Dan Quayle was the recipient in 1989. He gained the honor over some stiff competition including former White House astrologer Joan Quigley, television personality Geraldo Rivera and Nancy Reagan’s closet. (Editor’s note: We just report the facts.)”
Then I received a letter from Irving Tannenbaum of West Los Angeles College. He says: “Dear Mrs. Thompson: I have read with interest your article on the Western States Millard G. Fillmore Appreciation Society.
“Unfortunately you did not give me an address for the society or its founder. . . .”
To answer, Mr. Tannenbaum, you may join the society by writing to Bob Coop, 1285 Avenida Sevilla, 1B, Walnut Creek, Calif. 94595.
Membership has now gone to $3, or $5 for two people living under one roof. Coop sends a stern warning to members and new members who send “phony money from Albania or used BART tickets. This sort of response is beneath you all. Send the good old American green stuff and be quick about it.
“While our files are confidential except to cash offers, we can tell you that we have about 70 members. To categorize a few, a former lieutenant governor, former cabinet officer, retired city managers, mayors, grape stompers, professors, former U.S. civil service commissioner, Social Security recipients, a former Rhodes scholar, string bass players, a former pants presser and a few who never amounted to very much.
“More exciting news after we receive your money.” Signed Bob Coop.
