SHORT TAKES : Ellis Island Honor for Bob Hope

Bob Hope has come a long way on his wit and grit, in more ways than one.

At age 4, the future entertainer came to America as a British immigrant. Soon, a proposed family history center at Ellis Island will be named for the 87-year-old comedian, the Ellis Island Restoration Commission said Thursday.

Plans for the Bob Hope Family Heritage Center were disclosed as Hope was winding up yet another Christmas visit with American troops overseas.

Alan Prigge of the commission quoted Hope, contacted in Saudi Arabia, as saying: “Sounds great--but does this make me a national monument?”