David Evander Shapard (Chapter 31) Aftermath

Chapter 31

Aftermath

    Directly after the accident, concerned motorists summoned the police to the scene, while the injured were transported 10 miles away to the hospital at Okemah, Oklahoma. David Conger Shapard and his wife Tenny Belle were treated for minor cuts and bruises, and Mrs. Davis was treated for a concussion, broken nose and other injuries. The body of David E. Shapard, was also transported to the hospital at Okemah, where his cause of death was determined to be due to significant head trauma.

    Upon arrival at the hospital, David’s son immediately telephoned his uncle Edwin R. Shapard, who drove 60 miles to the Okemah hospital from his home at Muskogee, Oklahoma. In tremendous grief, Edwin made the heartbreaking phone calls to his wife and children informing them of the tragedy and summoning them to Fort Smith. Then he made arrangements with Fentress Mortuary to have a coach sent to Okemah to return David’s body home. The coach arrived early Monday morning, and Edwin somberly drove all three of the injured passengers back to Fort Smith, following the hearse. The family was then set with the harrowing task of making funeral arrangements, and initially acquiesced for the service to be held at the Fentress Mortuary Chapel, however, later that evening, amended their decision to the First Methodist Church. While at Fort Smith, the Shapard family were guests at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Stevenson.

    The following day of Tuesday, December 3, 1935, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, David Evander Shapard’s funeral was conducted at the First Methodist Church of Fort Smith, with Rev. H. C. Henderson officiating. The service was largely attended by the public, as well as, by David Conger Shapard and his wife Tenny Belle; her half-brother Fred Williams who arrived from Conway; Edwin R. Shapard and his wife May, who was call home from New Jersey where she was visiting her sister; their daughter Barabara Shapard who was teaching in Muskogee; and their son John Shapard who was attending the University of Arkansas.

    After the church service, the body was removed to Forest Park Cemetery, under the direction of the Fentress Mortuary. His casket was lovingly adorned with a lush blanket of flowers, flanked with ribboned floral wreaths. Members of the Belle Point Lodge No. 20, F. & A. M., were in charge of the graveside service, giving David E. Shapard full masonic last rites and honors. His final resting place was next to the hallowed graves of his mother and father in the Shapard family plot.

    On Thursday, December 5, 1935, Tenny Belle Shapard’s half-brother Fred Williams drove she and her husband David Conger Shapard back to their home in Norman, Oklahoma. The automobile unavoidably passed the scene of the crash on the way. It was said that David was burdened with terrible guilt from the accident and rarely talked of his father’s death. Understandably, he spent a lifetime trying to reconcile what occurred that fateful December night.

    David E. Shapard’s estate would not be fully settled until April of 1938. Although his brother Edwin R. Shapard had been listed as the administrator of his estate, the probate court determined he was ineligible due to his out of state residence. Edwin R. Shapard and David Conger Shapard agreed to relinquished the duty to R. L. Secrest, who was a Fort Smith resident, Mason and long-time friend of David E. Shapard. Upon completion of the inventory, Mr. Shapard’s estate had a total of $1,676.38 in assets. His debts to S.W.B. Telephone Co., Fentress (funeral expenses), Sheridan Motor Co., Fort Smith General Tire, Crane Tire and Service Co., Boston Store Dry Goods, Electric Appliance Co., Byars Service Station, Boston Laundry, etc., totaled $1,505.04. In accordance to the last will and testament, the balance of the estate of $172.34 was to be distributed between only two heirs: Edwin R. Shapard received the amount of $171.34 and David Conger Shapard received one dollar.

    It is important to note that although the last will and testament was written at an embittered time when David E. Shapard had been painfully rejected by his son, it did not reflect the sentiment between them at the time of David’s death. Edwin R. Shapard fully realized this and not only became a surrogate father to David Conger Shapard, but expended every dollar of his brother’s inheritance, and hundreds more, helping his nephew through law school. It was what his brother would have wanted. This gesture was so endearing to David Conger Shapard that he named his second child after his uncle Edwin. Befittingly, his first child, who was born six months after the car accident, was named in honor of his father.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 30) 1935 A Greek Tragedy

Chapter 30

A Greek Tragedy

1935

“There is one hand that guides the destiny of all of us,

and we have been taught that everything is for the best although we cannot understand these things.”

David E. Shapard, May 19, 1931.

    On that special day, in early-September of 1935, when father and son finally reunited, David revealed that he had been constantly wearing his son’s 21st birthday gold pocket watch since its return. With each winding, it was a daily reminder to him of the fleeting essence of time and an unrelentingly urgency to restore his son’s faith in his father. David removed the watch and chain from his waistcoat and, for a second time, offered it to his son, which he affectionately accepted. David’s son cherished the watch for his lifetime, passing it on to his eldest son on his 21st birthday, who, likewise, passed it on to his eldest son. This extraordinary heirloom remains in the Shapard family to the present day.

    Another sweet moment to arise out of the restoration of the relationship with his son, was that David E. Shapard was introduced, for the first time, to his beautiful daughter-in-law, Tenny Belle Shapard (1913-1992), in September of 1935. Formerly, Tenny Belle Jennings of Conway, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Elias Swofford Jennings (1855-1946) and Eva (Willbanks) (1881-1978), and the third of five children. She graduated from Conway High School in 1931, having been active in theater and dance, and was voted as the “most popular” and “peppiest” student by her classmates, as well as, the Football Queen. She attended Arkansas State Teacher’s College from 1932 until 1934, having twice been elected as Homecoming Queen.

    In the spring of 1934, representatives from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture studio came to Arkansas in search of new talent. Twenty-five gifted girls from across the state were selected to participate in a movie screen test, held at the Pulaski Theater in Little Rock. Tenny Belle charmed the judges, winning the contest, and was offered a movie contract with the MGM Studio in Hollywood, California. Unimpressed with the allure

of fame, her parents refused to let her go, citing the loose morality and vulgarity of Hollywood culture as “a den of iniquity” and no place for a fine young lady. In 1934, she attended summer school at Oklahoma A & M College in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where she met David Conger Shapard while playing tennis. They instantly fell in love and were married only six weeks later.

    Mr. David E. Shapard informed his new daughter-in-law of the fact that he was acquainted with her parents, having professionally known her father for many years. He further had the joy of recounting to her the following story:

    In August of 1913, at a small boarding house in Plumerville, Arkansas, a group of traveling salesmen, welcoming relief from a hard day’s work, were settling in for the evening and conversing at the supper table. There was nothing remarkable about their conversations – just recalling the day’s activities, exchanging observations of moments past and present, sharing the news in their lives – much like a hundred other nights – in a hundred other gathering places.

    One of the men arose, “Gentlemen, last month, I was blessed with the birth of my third child – a beautiful baby girl.” The men raised their glasses, good-naturedly joined in the acknowledgement, and extended their congratulations.

    Another traveling man arose to his feet and asked for the floor, to make his own announcement. “My new friends, I too have similar news. The good Lord, and my wife, have also blessed me recently with the birth of my first born – a son! I propose a toast to my son, and to this fine gentleman’s daughter.”

    Everyone stood as the toast began, “May each of our young ones be hale, hearty and happy. May they be fortunate enough to wed the one they love, know the true joy of marital bliss and have a long and wonderful life.”

    To Tenny Belle’s delight, Mr. Shapard informed her that the ‘fine gentleman’ was her father and the two infants were David Conger Shapard and herself! The same boy and girl who found the “love of their life” at Oklahoma A & M College, had, unbeknownst to them, been blessed together by their fathers 22 years earlier.

    David learned that, after the wedding, his son and daughter-in-law first moved to an apartment, at 437 N. W. 26th Street, in Oklahoma City, and then to an apartment at 425 N. W. 12th Street. His son had not return to Oklahoma A & M College for his senior year, but instead became employed part-time at the office of the State Coordinating Board at the capitol building in Oklahoma City, earning $90 per month. Over the last year, he had been extremely industrious and dedicated - following work each morning, he drove 21 miles to Norman, Oklahoma, to attended afternoon classes as a transfer student at the University of Oklahoma for his senior year. To the delight of all, his efforts bore fruit, and he was accepted to law school at the University of Oklahoma, commencing on September 16, 1935.

    Since the Great Depression was still bridling the country, David was particularly concerned with his son and daughter-in-law’s meager financial situation. David’s son informed him that he had to quit his job in Oklahoma City on account of the commencement of law school and moving to Norman, however, he was taking military courses which would allow him a commission of $8 to $10 per month. He also informed his father that he and Tenny Belle would be looking for employment around the University. In an effort to alleviate their economic strain at a critical time and allow his son ample time to study, David lovingly offered to assist them through law school, initially giving them $65 to apply towards, school, books and living expenses. The young couple were overwhelmingly grateful at their father’s unsolicited kindness and generosity, which kept them out of debt and allowed them the comfort of renting a small house on campus, at 811 Boyd Street, for $25.

    The following month, David’s son was struggling to make ends meet financially, due to the amount he was studying, and he asked his father for $10 to get him through. In true character, David exceeded their expectations by sending them $25. His son and daughter-in-law thanked him a million times over, and explained that the extra $15 went to buy Tenny Belle some winter clothing that was needed badly.

 

   On the morning of Saturday, October 19, 1935, David E. Shapard left Fort Smith and drove to Norman, Oklahoma, to spend the day with his son and daughter-in-law, attending the football game between Oklahoma University and Iowa State. The crowd at Memorial Stadium topped 10,000 spectators, most of whom cheered on Oklahoma’s 16 to 0 win over their opponent. After the game, David was invited back to his son’s modest house, which was really just a remodeled garage, where the trio ate and amused one another with stories and news. One story pertained to the fact that David’s son had gained almost 30 pounds since his marriage, yet, he had only had one suit in his wardrobe - a light tan double-breasted summer suit that he purchased for his wedding, that was now clearly too tight. David knew the importance of a well-dressed man, and provided his son with the means to purchase a winter suit, navy in color, single-breasted, in the proper size.

    Another bit of news shared that night, was that Tenny Belle had greatly longed to return home to see her parents, grandparents and siblings, most of whom she had not seen in about a year. Evidently, her entire family had made plans to gather at her parent’s house in Conway for Thanksgiving, however, due to finances Tenny Belle and her husband would not be able to go. David’s character again shined, as he offered to provide their way so that they could join her family for the holidays. Tenny Belle was absolutely thrilled, forever becoming endeared to Mr. Shapard for this thoughtful gesture.

    As the joyful evening came to a close, it was time for all to retire. The little house had no extra room to hosts guests for the night, however, Mr. Brookes, the landlord, resided in the main house only 30 feet away, and allowed them the use of his sleeping porch when company called. That evening, Tenny Belle slept in their rented house and David and his son made use of the sleeping porch, talking well into the night. It was a dream come true for David to have his son back.

    The following morning, David returned to Fort Smith, however, not before his son and daughter-in-law expressed how much they enjoyed his visit, wishing to see him again soon. They emphasized that he did not need a formal invitation, as he was welcome any time at his convenience. Over the following weeks, there was much fruitful correspondence between David and his son about finances, grades, sports, and, in particular, the exciting details of the approaching trip to Conway for Thanksgiving.

    On November 27th, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, David’s son and daughter-in-law reached Fort Smith about 4 p. m., having procured a ride with Mr. W. D. Williams, the cousin of a friend. Upon their arrival, David was delighted to see that his son was sporting his new navy suit for the occasion. The Shapards socialized for a while, before supper, and then settled in for the night at David’s rented residence at 220 North Sixteenth Street. The young couple sleeping on the divan in Mrs. Buck’s section of the house, with her blessing.

    Early Thanksgiving morning, David drove his son and daughter-in-law to the train station, where he had purchased their tickets for Conway, to spend the day with the Jennings family. Before departing, they thanked him a million times over for this most wonderful gift. All hearts were full and life was truly good - there was much for which to be thankful. David spent the remainder of Thanksgiving with his brother Edwin Shapard, at Skelly Field in Tulsa, Oklahoma, cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks football team in their 14 to 7 victory over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

    On Friday, November 29th, David drove to the Fort Smith train station, welcoming back his son and daughter-in-law from their trip and transporting them back to his house. To David’s delight, he was to host the young couple for the reminder of the weekend, with plans to drive them back to Norman, Oklahoma, on Sunday. Once back at his house, his son and daughter-in-law sat him down to offer him some news about why Tenny Belle had been so anxious to return home, and why his offer had been so meaningful. That news was that David E. Shapard was going to be a grandfather! They explained that she wanted to tell her family first before the news was made public. David was beside himself with pride, astonishment and joy, with so many blessings in such a short amount of time.

    David and his son spent most of Saturday together, as Tenny Belle had been invited to a ladies’ afternoon bridge party at the home of Miss Connie Chastain on 18th Street. The two men, enjoyed the day discussing the future, family and fatherhood, and everything in between.

    On Sunday, December 1, 1935, David attended the morning service at the First Methodist Church with his son and daughter-in-law as his guests. David introduced the young couple to pastor H. C. Henderson, as well as, to numerous members of the congregation, many of whom remembered his son during his youth in Fort Smith. During the service, they sat on the right side of the church, which was David’s regular spot. After going to lunch, resting and some last minute socializing, the happy couple packed their belongings for their return trip to Norman, Oklahoma. As was customary at the time, an offer had been made to any family, friends or acquaintances needing a ride, and Mrs. Elsie Davis, the 37 year old nurse and widow of Dr. J. R. Davis, accepted. There is some evidence to suggest that David and Mrs. Davis were dating. Around 4:00 p. m., the traveling party left Fort Smith in David’s V-8 Ford Sedan, collecting Mrs. Davis on the way out of town. They were all wearing heavy coats as the temperature was quite frigid, and was expected to drop to the mid-twenties by nightfall.

    Approximately an hour and a half into the trip, as the sun was beginning to set, David stopped for the party to stretch and take refreshments. They had just finished traveling north of Eufaula, Oklahoma, the town in which David was born 48 years ago, certainly kindling a story or two. Before returning to the road, David’s son suggested that he should drive the next leg of the trip, as it was getting dark, to allow his father to rest. Acquiescing, the men switched seats - David occupying the passenger seat, his son driving, with Tenny Belle and Mrs. Davis in the backseat.

    Roughly thirty minutes later, at 6:15 in the evening, the car was traveling along highway 62, and came upon a sharp curve in the road, approaching a bridge, a half mile east of Boley, Oklahoma. A few miles back, the paved highway had transitioned to gravel. The lights of an oncoming car momentarily blinded David’s son, who lost the road, instantly striking a steel girder of the bridge at 50 miles per hour. The car was put into a spin crossing over the road, striking the opposite side of the bridge. The impact was absolutely horrific and unexpected – bodies violently launched from their seats among the deafening explosion of metal and shattering glass – followed by pain, moaning and stillness.

    David’s son, though extensively traumatized and in shock, had only minor physical injuries. Climbing out of the wreckage, he immediately rushed to the aid of his pregnant crying wife, who had been seated behind him, finding her miraculously spared from significant harm. Mrs. Davis, who had been seated next to her, on the passenger side of the car, was not so fortunate. She had been ejected from the car and was found on the road completely unconscious, having sustained blunt force facial trauma, among other injuries. Sadly, she was the only member of the party with extensive medical experience, yet her condition rendered her inefficacious. David’s son then rushed to retrieve his father, who had taken the bulk of the trauma. The impact had violently projected him out of the automobile, smashing his head against the bridge. His body was lifeless - in an instant it was just over.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 29) 1935 The Box

Chapter 29

The Box

1935

    In 1929, Elise Shapard, her son David Conger Shapard and her teaching assistant Frances Reynolds, departed Fort Smith, Arkansas, for Enid, Oklahoma, where they reestablished the Blue Bird School at their house at 1122 West Broadway. Never to stay long in one location, the following year, Elise moved them to a more impressive home at 1224 West Main Street, where they continued to run the school. About 1932, a year after David Conger Shapard left for college, Elise and Frances moved to 430 South Garfield Street, where they resided and operated the Blue Bird School together for the next few years. It appears that during the summer of 1935, Elise and Frances secured arrangements to move the school to 1501 West Randolph Avenue, however, around that time, Elise became habitually ill, eventually having a nervous breakdown, requiring rest. Unable to fulfill her duties, she relinquished ownership to Frances Reynolds, who successfully operated the school at the new location, with Elise’s help, until Frances' marriage to Mr. Charles Ford in 1946, whereupon the Blue Bird School was finally disbanded.

    It was in early September of 1935, while David Conger Shapard was in Enid, Oklahoma, assisting his ailing mother, that God’s perfect timing softened his heart. In the midst of moving some items to storage for his mother, David opened a trunk and discovered a large box filled with a multitude of letters addressed to him from his father, spanning about six years. None of them David had ever seen. When he confronted his mother, she admitted that she had concealed almost every letter sent by his father to him at the Enid address, in a selfish effort for her to remain the most important person in her son’s life. David was infuriated at his mother’s deceitfulness and he abruptly departed, taking with him the nearly one hundred letters.

   Over the following days David read through his father’s words, each one chipping away at the years of bitterness and anger that had encased his heart. By the end, David realized that he had been led astray by those closest to him into believing a great many certainties about his father – none of which were accurate. He had condemned an innocent man based upon false evidence. He realized his venom all those years towards his father was misdirected, cruel and wholly unjustified. As he read the last letter, David Conger Shapard experienced an inconsolable contrition and allowed the humbling lesson to work deep within his mind and his heart. With the full support of his gentle and loving wife Tenny Belle, David yearned to reestablish a true relationship with his father, and thus he asked his father to meet him so they could talk.

    Perhaps in all their lives, there was no greater emotional moment than what was shared that day, in early-September of 1935, when father and son finally reunited in person with willing hearts. It was truly life changing for both of them. All the past woes between them were finally buried, all their wrongdoings and misgivings absolved, and all the bitterness and sorrow expelled in each tear shed that day out of forgiveness, concern and joy. There was so much lost time to reclaim. Yet, for the first time in almost a decade, the future shined with brilliant promise as a devoted father finally had the love and respect of his only son – and his only son finally received the love, security and dedication of his father that, unbeknownst to him, had always been there. From that day forward, David’s son no longer coldly referred to him as “Mr. D. E. Shapard,” but now lovingly as “Papa” and “Dad.” It was an absolute miracle.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 28) 1935 The Prophet David E. Shapard

Chapter 28

The Prophet David E. Shapard

1935

    In the days after Sumner’s death, David E. Shapard went into deep reflection upon the tragic murder of his sister and the sudden heart attack that took his brother, and came to truly fear and respect the ephemeral nature of life. How the end will come unexpectedly, and how, only after it is all over, that we fully realize the moments that counted in life. How much time we offer up for the locusts to devour. How much love, happiness and peace are betrayed in the pursuit of earthy and carnal things. How the smallest moment can change the course of a life, and lives, forever. How precious and fleeting our time is with our loved ones and friends, and how our best efforts should be rendered before it is gone, resolving regrets and securing our relationships. At any moment finding ourselves in our own final chapter, and hoping that our story was one worthy of the life we were given.

    Beginning in late January of 1935, the ‘gloves came off’ and David made it his sole purpose in life to restore the fractured relationship with his son. He was on an urgent mission to ensure that his story would be complete in the event his life would be cut short, and that his son would never doubt how much his father loved him. No longer would anything, nor anyone, be an encumbrance between he and his son. Time was suddenly of the essence - as if he had been given the gift of intuition and prophecy.

    In an incredible moment of premonition, he wrote to his son stating; “I want to make this statement to you. Some of these days, and I hope it will not be too late, you are going to find out the true facts, that your feelings toward your father are all unwarranted and you will regret some of the things that you have said and done. A little investigation from other sources, other than where you have gotten your information, would give you an unbiased opinion, and for your own benefit. I hope you will make some investigations.”

    Adding to the uncanniness of this moment, David received an unsolicited telephone call from Mrs. Wallace Bruce expressing her sympathies at the passing of Sumner. Recall that it was Mrs. Bruce and her husband Mr. Wallace Bruce who had testified against David at his divorce hearing at Walnut Ridge. Years earlier, a few months before his unexpected death in 1931, Mr. Bruce came to David expressing his sincerest apologies for having taken part in his family affairs.

    As it came to pass, during her phone call with David, Mrs. Bruce expressed the same regret, stating that there were many unbecoming facts about Elise that were not revealed until years later. David used the momentum of this moment to relate to Mrs. Bruce that, since the divorce, he and his son had become estranged. David asked Mrs. Bruce to assist him in rekindling the relationship. For her part in erroneously interjecting herself in the affairs of his family, she graciously agreed, and provided David with a letter accurately explaining the many things that happened during that time. David mailed to his son Mrs. Bruce’s letter and pleaded with him to do some investigation into the matter for the sake of their relationship. Before concluding his letter, David again stated an urgency to repair their relationship, as a feeling was welling up within him that; “Some of these days it might be too late.” It was a curious forewarning.

    David then set his sights on bigger game, and fired off letters to Elise’s former divorce attorneys, Mr. W. L. Curtis and Mr. Harry Ponder, explaining to them that, in part, due to their smear-tactics during his divorce, his son had lost the respect and love that he should have for his father. David pleaded with them, as Christian gentlemen and fathers themselves, to write to his son, explaining the true facts of the case, clearing his name of the things they reported he did - that he did not. David stated that he was “only interested in not having his son go through life with the feelings that he has towards his father, when it was all uncalled for.”

    While there is no evidence that Mr. Curtis replied, David’s letter did significantly resonate with Mr. Ponder, who agreed to assist Mr. Shapard with his mission to restore the relationship with his son. The two men conversed over the phone and David even invited Mr. Ponder to join him as his guest at the Baylor-Arkansas football game to talk things over. As a result, Mr. Ponder issued a letter to David’s son, care of Mr. E. S. Jennings at Conway, Arkansas, explaining a great deal of past events in clarity.

    Unfortunately, although not unexpectedly, all these efforts were seemingly in vain. David’s son remained unpersuaded by his father’s efforts. In late February of 1935, David received a callous and abrasive letter from his son stating, “Dear Mr. Shapard, Please don’t bother Mrs. Jennings with any more of your letters. All letters from here on out will be returned unopened…I am returning your last letter as you may want it.”

    While the relationship with his son had gone cold, things were heating up at David work. On May 22, 1935, David’s District Manager, Mr. W. H. Eustice, at the Equitable Life Assurance Society was killed suddenly in an automobile accident. A few days later, Mr. L. G. Moses, Agency Manager for the Equitables in Little Rock, Arkansas, wrote to David propositioning him for the job. Thus far, David had worked for the company for 12 years, and had risen through the ranks of Agent, to Special Agent, and now District Manager. Mr. Moses explained that for the first time David would become a salaried employee of the company, no longer working on commission, yet would be required to devote all of his time to the Society, except for the customary two weeks’ vacation. It was a huge promotion with assured income. David graciously accepted the offer, and, in early June of 1935, he was officially promoted to the new position by the company. As the Fort Smith District Manager of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, David now oversaw 23 agents in seventeen counties within northwestern Arkansas. David continued to headquarter out of his former office space in room 803 at the top of the First National Bank building in downtown Fort Smith.

    Although his son’s heart seemed impenetrable, David would not be dissuaded. Over the following months, he continued to reach out to people from the past willing to assist - in particular, Elise. David recognized that she was the key, and without her support, their son would perpetually remain in a hostile relationship towards his father. David and Elise fostered healthy communication with one another, both realizing that it was time to bury their past for the benefit of their son’s future. As Elise wrote on June 13, 1935; “God never made a more wonderful boy…You can look the world over and you will never find another David, so for this reason too, I want you to be with him…” Elise gave David his son’s address in Oklahoma City and informed him that she had talked to their son and he had agreed to meet with his father on Sunday. At the meeting, despite David’s best efforts, his son remained stoic and unsympathetic towards his father. While time was unknowingly running out, their relationship seemed unmendable, however, God had other plans.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 27) 1934 A Father's Undue Suffering

Chapter 27

A FATHER’S UNDUE SUFFERING

1934

    David ushered in the year 1934, attending the Dixie Classic New Year’s football game, between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Louisiana Centenary Gentlemen, held at Fair Park Stadium in Dallas, Texas. He was in the company of Mr. Hurd Miller and a young man from Fort Smith. Although an invitation had been extended to his son, David Conger Shapard, it went unanswered. David’s brother, Sumner Shapard may have joined them at the event, as he and his wife Benetta had been residing in Dallas, Texas, since mid-1933. While the atmosphere was thrilling, with over 12,000 in attendance, the game ended in a tie of 7 all. Arkansas scored first in the second quarter, answered shortly after by Centenary. The third and fourth quarters were quiet on the scoreboard, however, the Arkansas crowd cheered as the Razorbacks pushed within 14 yards of the endzone, only to be quelled by an unsuccessful field goal attempt for the win.

    While David unquestionably devoted time for enjoyable social diversions, he equally applied his efforts towards his occupation and fraternal work. For the year 1934, he earned $2,754.90 in wages from the Equitable Life Assurance Society. Furthermore, his sales volume for the year had been so impressive that he, not only became a member of the distinguished $100,000 Corps of the Southern Century Club of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, but also won an all-expense paid trip to the 75th anniversary celebration of the company to be held in July in New York City. In anticipation of his trip to New York, David purchased a brand new 1934 Ford V-8 from the Sheridan Motor Company of Fort Smith.

    As for his fraternal involvement, over the last year, David had been on the fifteen-man Advisory Committee to the Masonic Home Association Board who were in charge of the Masonic temple of Fort Smith. Just prior to the great depression, the Masons of Fort Smith had invested $410,000 in the construction and furnishing of the Masonic temple. The lethargy of the depression had proved greatly distressing to the organization in their ability to repay the loan. In February, the Masonic Home Association Board and the Advisory Committee completed a year-long negotiation with the lending agency, developing and enacting a new finance plan that extended the loan over a ten year period. The new plan made the payments easier for the organization with less chance of default.

    To celebrate their success, the Masons of Fort Smith hosted a victory celebration at the temple on March 16, 1934. The elaborate program attracted the largest gathering of Masons in the history of the region. Well over 1,000 Masons, from Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma attended the event in which the twelve leaders of the various masonic bodies were honored. David Shapard was distinguished and recognized at the celebration for his excellent work as the Commander for the Fort Smith Consistory of Scottish Rite Masons.

    For three days in early May, the Fort Smith Scottish Rite Masons held their 17th annual reunion at the temple. David Shapard, along with six other men, were elected to the Executive Committee in charge of the reunion. They made elaborate preparations for the event in advance of the arrival of hundreds of members from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The last two days of the reunion, degrees from the 4th to 32nd were conferred by the Knights Rose Croix and the Fort Smith Council of Kadosh.

 

   On May 24, 1934, David Shapard had the great pleasure of attending the college graduation of his niece, Barbara Shapard, from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. David’s brothers Edwin Shapard, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Sumner Shapard, of Dallas, Texas, and their wives also attended the event, along with Barbara’s brothers Edwin III and John. It was a grand celebration and long overdue reunion for the Shapard family. After graduation, Barbara remained in Texas for many years teaching elementary school.

    Near the end of June, David wrote a letter to his son offering for him to spend the summer in Fort Smith earning $200 helping his father. His son did not accept the offer.

    During the last week of June and the first week of July of 1934, the United Commercial Travelers held their City Championship Golf Tournament, open to every club in Fort Smith. Forty-four men entered the two-week tournament that was held on the greens of the U. C. T. Country Club. David Shapard claimed victory as the fourth flight winner, with a 5 and 4 win over Mr. Leon Hattaway.

    In a bit of hilarity, during the tournament, some of the men passively remarked on recent news stories, from various parts of the country, pertaining to marathon golfers who determined to play the most holes in a single day. Upon hearing the conversation, David Shapard, the ember of the club, told of his record setting efforts on the U. C. T. gold course, with W. F. Broderick, back in 1927. The men were greatly entertained by David’s retelling of the events of that day - from teeing off at 5 a.m., and ceasing at 7:30 p. m., both men having 117 holes or 13 full rounds of golf to their credit. David had 627 strokes for the day, and Mr. Broderick recorded 657 strokes. David bantered with the men, saying, “That’s my record for somebody to try and beat!” The gauntlet had been thrown and the challenge was accepted, and a two-week marathon golf tournament, open to all Fort Smith players, was held by the United Commercial Travelers Country Club, from July 16th, and ending July 29th. From what accounts could be gathered, David Shapard’s 1927 single day record remained unbeaten!

    Although David was the inspiration for the marathon tournament, he unfortunately was unable to participate as he had previous obligations to attend the 75th anniversary celebration of the Equitable Life Assurance Society held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York. David was the guest of his company for the trip, which he won by producing the highest sales volume for the year of all the Equitable agents. Before departing, he wrote to his son David Conger Shapard, wishing him a happy 21st birthday and sending him a stunning $65 gold octagonal pocket watch and chain, inscribed “To David Shapard from Dad, your twenty first birthday, July 29, 1934.” In the letter, David also informed his son that he was leaving on the 19th of July and would not be returning until early August, yet, that he would be glad to hear from him at any time. There was no reply from his son.

    On July 19th, David E. Shapard readied his new Ford car for the long journey. For his enjoyment, David arranged for three beautiful single ladies to accompanying him on the trip - Miss Nora Paget (1889-1944), who was a secretary at the Masonic temple; Miss Rose Kehrea who was an Equitable Life Assurance agent, and her sister Miss Freddie Kehrea. The jovial traveling party arrived in New York, after a multi-day road trip by way of the Shenandoah Valley to attend the celebration, and relished in the first-class accommodations of the Waldorf-Astoria. After the event, David, did not return immediately to Fort Smith, but instead treated his lovely companions to a week-long vacation adventure by motoring to Washington D. C., Philadelphia, Canada and Niagara Falls. Upon their return, David took them to Chicago to attend the World’s Fair - A Century of Progress International Exposition, where they marveled at the latest wonders in innovation, technology, automobiles, manufacturing, etc. There is some evidence to suggest that David and Miss Paget developed romantic feelings for one another on this trip, and began dating discretely afterwards.

    Arriving home to Fort Smith on Sunday, August 5th, David was delighted to find a letter and a package in his mailbox from his son. Upon opening the letter, the joy of the moment, as well as, the happiness of last two weeks, drained with each word read. Unbeknownst to David, while he was on his vacation, his son David Conger Shapard had married Miss Tenny Belle Jennings, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elias Swafford Jennings, at the First Baptist Church in Conway, Arkansas, on July 22, 1934. David’s son, nor his ex-wife Elise, had informed him of the wedding, excluding him entirely from the event. As the letter continued, his son unmercifully berated his father for abandoning him as a boy and for breaking up their family. He spited his father for rendering an innocent child and his mother to a state of poverty, and denounced his father as a low-life and the antithesis of how a husband and father should behave. Before concluding, his son informed him that he was aspiring to become a lawyer had earned everything in his adult life on his own merit and no longer needed anything from his father. Within the package was the gold pocket watch David had sent his son for his 21st birthday, acrimoniously returned to sender.

    Perhaps at no greater time in David Shapard’s life were the principles he learned through his Christian upbringing and Masonry better put to the test, than at this moment. Albert Pike, the former Sovereign Grand Commander of Scottish Rite Masonry of the Southern Jurisdiction stated: “Every degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite from the Fourth through the Thirty-Second, teaches by its ceremonials as well as by its instruction that the noblest purpose of life and the highest duty of man is to strive incessantly and vigorously to win the mastery of everything of that which in him is spiritual and divine over that which is material and sensual: so that in him also, as in the universe which God governs, harmony and beauty may be the result of just equilibrium.”

    David took pen to paper and lovingly tried to reason with his son, stating: “As you suggested, I have read and re-read your letter, and the more I read it the more sympathy I have for your poor, ignorant, misinformed soul as to the true conditions of your circumstances, and may the Lord have pity on you if you do not acquire any information as to the true cause of your having lived apart from your father all the years that you have.” David suggested that his son come to Fort Smith and inquire of many disinterested parties about the particulars of his parents’ marriage, to discover the truth for himself.

    He further wrote, “I am very sorry that you have formed the opinion of your father that you have, and I assure you that if you had all the facts as they actually are and not from a prejudiced mind you would have a different opinion. As time goes by and you come to the point where you realize that you have made a mistake, remember that your father still loves you and is willing to have you come to him at any time for advice, council, or for information… Wishing you and your wife lots of happiness and success in life, and hoping that some day our relations will be more pleasant. With love from your Papa.” David expressed that he would hold his son’s pocket watch, and would be glad to send it back to him at any time.

    A few weeks later, David learned that his son had passed through Fort Smith, with his new wife, while on their way to visit her parents in Conway, Arkansas. David wrote to his son letting him know that he became aware of his travels and that he was sorry that he had not been given the opportunity see him and meet his bride. He further relayed the interesting news that he had known his son’s father-in-law, Elias Swofford Jennings (1855-1946), for about 25 years. David remarked that when he sold hardware for the Webber-Ayers Hardware Company and then the Atkinson-Williams Hardware Company, he often saw on the road Mr. Jennings, who was a traveling salesman for the Oliver-Finnis Company. The letter went unanswered from his son.

    In an unexpected turn of events, on October 16, 1934, the day of David’s wedding anniversary, he was stunned to receive a telegram from Elise, stating: “This time twenty two years ago was the happiest day in my life and time nor conditions can ever cause me to cease loving the one whom I have been the happiest with and the saddest without.” For the first time in years, Elise softened her heart to David. Perhaps it was her son’s recent wedding that got her reminiscing, compounded with the guilt of having forever stolen that moment from David. Perhaps it was repentance for her part in the divorce and now her loneliness. Perhaps it was regret for prejudicing her son’s mind against his father, with the short-term intent of hurting her husband, only to witness the suffering of her beloved son in the long-term. Perhaps it was her Christian faith finally taking perfect root in her heart. Perhaps it was all of it. In any case, it was an olive branch extended in peace, and David was grateful.

    Although David had no intention of rekindling a relationship with Elise, as too many things had been said and done that destroyed the respect, confidence and love that existed between them, he did desperately desire a relationship with his son. David replied to Elise’s letter; “I have not understood your actions for some years, and if you are sincere in what you have wired me, what have you told or allowed someone else to tell our son to cause him to treat his father as he has. I sent him, on his twenty-first birthday, a watch that would retail for about sixty or sixty-five dollars and it was returned to me with about as insulting a letter I have ever read, and there has been absolutely no legitimate reason why he should feel toward his father like he does. Now, if you are sincere in this telegram, it is up to you to tell this boy the truth about everything that has happened between you and me, and if you will, the feeling that exists between all three of us will be considerable better. Do right always and always things will be right.”

    While Elise agreed and worked gently to reestablish the relationship between her son and his father, she quickly realized that it was not as easy to undo in a man what was easily done in a boy. Like clay that was once pliable and now hardened, David Conger Shapard was now a twenty-one year old married man, in law school, and tenaciously resolute in his opinions. For the rest of the year of 1934, David Conger Shapard refused any and all contact with his father.

    The holidays passed for David E. Shapard as they had for the last many years. In preparation for Christmas, he tended to the needs of the thousand underprivileged children of Fort Smith and beyond through the outreach of the Amrita Grotto. On Christmas eve, however, he drove to Muskogee, Oklahoma, to enjoy Christmas as the guest of his brother Edwin and his family. The following day, their older brother Sumner called to spread some holiday cheer.

    Sumner Shapard had a very active lifestyle, working as a salesman for a New York firm while headquartered in Dallas. Although his mind was perfect and his body had no pains, recently his heart had begun to sputter when he walked too far or exerted himself. About five months before Christmas, Sumner was waiting on a customer when he fainted. Upon examination, his doctor informed him that his heart was giving out and that he must no longer engage in strenuous work.

    While recovering his health, Sumner and his wife Benetta visited her sister, Mrs. George Bass (1880-1957), and brother, Dr. Edwin E. Sanger (1884-1968), for a few weeks in Yukon, Oklahoma. Dr. Sanger’s daughter, Sunshine Sanger (1922-?), recalled that when uncle Sumner and aunt “Net” would visit that he did not drive and always had a colored chauffer. During that era, colored persons we not allowed to sleep in the hotels in the town of Yukon, so the chauffer would either have to drive to Oklahoma City for accommodations, or else the Sanger’s would discretely permit him to sleep in the basement of their house. Sunshine liked her aunt and uncle very much, and described aunt Benetta as “so kind and loving.” Her memory of Sumner was that he was a great storyteller, with a contagious laugh, and was “charming, intelligent and austere – a perfect Southern gentleman.”

    Benetta’s nephew, Dr. Paul Weldon Sanger (1906-1968), son of Dr. Paul Sanger (1874-1933), who was a newly practicing physician in Yukon, learned of Sumner’s health situation and offered Benetta employment, commencing on January 1st of 1935, in his office as a means of income. Benetta and Sumner agreed to the generous offer, and immediately rented a small apartment in the town. Before moving to their new home of Yukon, they spent Christmas visiting their daughter Jane, son-in-law Dr. David Ingram, and grandchildren Betty (1923-2015), Jane (1925-?), Peggy (1926-2014) and Patricia (1930-?) in Houston, Pennsylvania.

    In Yukon, Sumner passed the days quietly, at one point penning a brief autobiography. However, sitting in idleness was absolute misery for him, and he struggled mentally with losing his ability to work and to be useful. After much reflection, he settled that life is not worth living without purpose, and made the decision to return to work. On Monday, January 21st, Sumner took the train from Yukon, Oklahoma, to Dallas, Texas, and resumed his usual salesman route for the week. During the day he traveled around the city selling his wares, while resting each night in the comforts of his old familiar Dallas apartment at 807 North Madison Avenue.

    In the early morning hours of Friday, January 25, 1935, Sumner’s heart finally gave out and he passed away at the age of 59 years old. His remains were transported to Yukon, Oklahoma, where the funeral service was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Bass on Monday January 28th, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, by Rev. Hallmark of the Methodist church. David Shapard, Edwin Shapard and Sumner’s wife, Benetta, and their two daughters, Dorothy and Jane, were in attendance, as well as, many other friends and family members. Sumner’s body was buried in the Yukon Cemetery, in or near the large Sanger family plot.

    Sumner had been the entertainer of the family, and in his absence, Benetta, though social, became less talkative, more reserved and reclusive. After Sumner’s death, Benetta resided for a while in Yukon with her sister and brother-in-law, Emma and George Bass. Later she rented a room around 15th and Shartel in Oklahoma City. In her elderly years, she lived with her daughter Jane Ingram in Houston, Pennsylvania, where she passed away at 85 years of age, on September 1, 1962, at 4:20 in the morning. She was cremated, and her ashes were sent to Yukon, Oklahoma, where she was buried next to her beloved husband.

    David Shapard was absolutely devastated by the sudden loss of his brother. Sumner had always been a father figure to him and had been an amazing example of manhood throughout his life. Even after Sumner moved away from Fort Smith, he made it a point to return every four to five months to stay connected to his brothers and their families. He was dearly loved and greatly missed by so many.

    Compassionately, over the last year, Sumner had been periodically visiting with his nephew, David Conger Shapard, in Oklahoma City to talk things through about the strained relationship between father and son. Apparently, the two men had developed a very close and agreeable relationship. Out of respect, after Sumner’s passing, David E. Shapard twice tried to call his son, at his last known phone number, to inform him of his uncle’s death and imminent funeral. Both times his calls were ignored.

    David then wrote a letter to his son, care of his mother-in-law Mrs. E. S. Jennings (Eva Iola Willbanks Jennings) at Conway, Arkansas, since his son had refused to give him his new address in Oklahoma City, informing him of the sad news. The Jennings family relayed the letter to David’s son, which for the first time in six months evoked a response to his father. His son wrote only five sentences in reply, three of which expressed his sorrow about uncle Sumner and how he was “dearer to him than all the rest.” Although the funeral had passed, David’s son did travel, the same day he received the letter from his father, to Yukon to give his condolences to his aunt Benetta.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 26) 1932-1933 Work, Relationships, Societies & Gangsters

Chapter 26

Work, Relationships, Societies and Gangsters

1932 -1933

    On the morning of January 21, 1932, David and 22 other gentlemen attended a special breakfast at the Goldman Hotel in honor of National Life Insurance Day. Mr. L. N. McAfee presided over the meeting, whereupon plans were discussed to form the Fort Smith Underwriters Association. A committee of David Shapard, John Andrews, Paul Mennenoeh, J. K. Jordan and George Hughes were named to draft a set of bylaws, select nominees for officers, and accomplish other tasks to commence the organization. Four men gave speeches during the special breakfast, one being David Shapard. It was decided that the association would meet once a month. At the following meeting, held on February 20th, officers were elected, and David Shapard was installed as the first Secretary for the organization.

    The Masons of the Amrita Grotto launched their 1932 program for the year with a series of meetings, on February 6, at the Fort Smith Masonic temple. Of the 20 territorial districts under the blanket of the Amrita Grotto, 15 were represented by attending prophets. The annual report revealed that the Grotto had an impressive membership of 2,063 prophets, of whom 972 resided within the city of Fort Smith. Before the conclusion of the meeting, officers were installed for the present term. David Shapard, Harry Robinson and Ed Wright were elected as Trustees.

    For the year 1932, the first major event of the Fort Smith Council No. 86 of the United Commercial Travelers commenced on February 20th, with a gathering of over 125 members at the Fort Smith Country Club. The Saturday event, sponsored by the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, included an afternoon of golf, followed at 6:30 p. m. with dinner, lectures and entertainment, in the form of vaudeville acts, story-telling contests, golf awards, singing and two dances by the students of the Madden School of Dancing. During the evening, David Shapard, as past president of the country club, spoke briefly on the work of the club and the order, and encouraged harmony and cooperation among the members of both the Country Club and the United Commercial Travelers as a whole. David was elected, at the following meeting in March, to the Board of Trustees for the Fort Smith council of the United Commercial Travelers, along with Homer Norvell, Clarence Fine, Luther Reed and Lloyd Vineyard.

    In mid-April, Sumner Shapard came to Fort Smith to visit his brother David. The men also enjoyed the company of their brother Edwin from Muskogee, Oklahoma, during the few days that they were together. After departing, Sumner traveled to Clarksville, Texas, on business, where he became critically ill. Word was sent to his brothers who followed the situation closely, however, by April 21st, his health had greatly improved to the relief of all.

    Around July 10th, David’s son, David Conger Shapard, was on summer vacation from college and he and some of his friends decided to hitchhike from Oklahoma through Fort Smith and beyond. Once in the city, he called his father’s phone number from the city directory, however, there was no answer. David last saw his father in early February, when the two men spent the day together on the Oklahoma A & M campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma. After David and his friends ate lunch, at the Hayes Café, in downtown Fort Smith, they ventured on to parts unknown.

    A day or two later, David E. Shapard happened to dine at the same café and was informed by one of the waiters that his son had been there looking for him. Distraught at having missed his visit, David wrote to his son explaining that since the directory had been published, he had moved residences to the Ward Hotel, and that Mr. Hurd Miller was currently occupying his former rented residence, and was on a trip to New York, explaining why there was no answer. David sent his letter to Elise’s address in Enid, Oklahoma, and forwarded copies to Mrs. Joseph Calloway in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as well as, to Mrs. Eva Hamilton in Dyersburg, Tennessee, believing these to be possible destinations where his son may venture. Unfortunately, the summer passed without father and son convening, and David Conger Shapard ceased all communication with his father until February of the following year.

    Comically, during the summer of his freshman year in college, David Conger Shapard decided to make some money as a door-to-door magazine salesman for the Holland’s Magazines of the South company. He began his solicitations full of determination and confidence, and apparently was quite successful in his venture - until the day he was approached by a police officer. In all his quick ambition, David had neglected to procure a salesman’s license, and as such was promptly arrested and placed in jail. Evidently, the salesmen of a rival magazine company were not amused by young Mr. Shapard pilfering their customers and turned him in to the authorities. Having no one to bail him out, and realizing he was going to be detained for a day, he made the most of his circumstance and used his phone call from jail to try to make one final magazine sale!

    On the morning of September 8, 1932, Elam “Vincent” Stevenson (1897-1932), the youngest son of Dr. E. H. Stevenson died at the young age of 35 years old. The Shapard family had been close friends with the Stevenson family since the 1880s, as Dr. Stevenson had been their family doctor, was highly active in the methodist church and lived across the street from them. Furthermore, Dr. E. H. Stevenson’s eldest son, Dr. Eugene Stevenson (1880-1967), was best friends with Edwin Shapard, Jr., and had delivered David Shapard’s son at Sparks Hospital. After David’s father passed away in 1889, the Stevenson family had been an anchor of support for the Shapard family. Illustrating the mutual love the two families continued to have for one another, David Shapard was honored to be a pallbearer during Vincent’s funeral at the Methodist Church, followed by interment at Forest Park Cemetery. Interestingly, only a few years later, in November of 1934, David Shapard was again an honored pallbearer at the funeral of, the beloved 78 year old, Dr. E. H. Stevenson.

    The year 1932 came to a close with David catching the flu and being hospitalized just before Christmas. While he was in bed recovering, he wrote to his son, at Elise’s address in Enid, Oklahoma, wishing him a very fine Christmas and letting him know he was still waiting for a letter or a visit from him. The letter sadly went unanswered, as were the many before it. It had been stated that, after the divorce, almost every letter sent by Mr. Shapard to his son at the Enid address was concealed by Elise. Apparently, she kept about a hundred of them hidden in a box, only to be accidently discovered years later by her son, whom had been led to believe, erroneously, that his father cared little for him.

    One of the terrible effects of the Great Depression was the miserable poverty and resultant circumstance that afflicted much of the population. In desperation, opportunities to steal, bootleg, kidnap and murder became enticing, bringing about some of the most infamous gangsters and thugs in American history. Bandits like “Pretty Boy” Floyd, Bonnie and Clyde, “Machine Gun” Kelley and the Barker Gang roved the byways of Arkansas, evading law enforcement officers and astute citizens alike. Most notably, from 1931 to 1932, Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, the South’s notorious fugitive bandit, and his wife and son, using the alias surname of “Hamilton,” resided at a house in Fort Smith, on 36th street backing on to the Lewis Tilles Children’s Park. During that time, Mr. Floyd avoided detection by claiming he was a traveling salesman from Kansas City. Furthermore, his son, Jackie, attended Rogers School, the same school David Conger Shapard attended a few years earlier.

    “Pretty Boy” Floyd began his life of crime at an early age, and after serving a three and a half year prison sentence for robbery, at the age of 24, he became involved with more established gangsters. His crimes went from theft, to bank robbery, to prison break and then murder. His weapon of choice was a machine gun, that he effectually wielded in his many crimes in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Ohio. Though Mr. Floyd had reached the status of Public Enemy No. 1 in Oklahoma by 1932, it was in June of 1933, after the “Kansas City Massacre” in which four law enforcement officers were shot dead, presumably by Mr. Floyd, at Union Station in Kansas City, that he became Federal Public Enemy No. 2, behind John Dillinger.

    On June 9, 1932, Fort Smith law enforcement officers received a tip that Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd was on his way, and would be arriving in the city that day, via the free bridge from the Oklahoma side. Garrison Avenue become completely militarized in preparation for his arrival. Nearly every peace officer in the city assembled downtown. An abundance of shotgun and rifle barrels, in the hands of sheriff’s deputies, protruded from the balconies of the Main Hotel. Patrol cars and motorcycled officers traversed the avenue, and guards were positioned in nearly every business house. The whole city was on edge. Although every window was a front row seat to the spectacle by the nervous citizens, the guest of honor did not arrive.

    It was in this environment of uneasiness and concern that David E. Shapard, offered his skills as a marksman and veteran of the Arkansas State Militia, to capture or eradicate Public Enemy No. 2. Although many citizens regarded the gangsters of this era as Robin Hood vigilantes fighting against the circumstances of the Great Depression, David viewed them simply as thieves, thugs and killers. Furthermore, he had no patience for romanticizing the criminal deeds of these lawbreakers, as he was still suffering from the pain of his sister’s murder at the hands of similar thugs, that had yet to be apprehended. David wanted to do what he could to prevent another senseless killing, and on January 27, 1933, David E. Shapard was appointed as a Deputy Sheriff of Sebastian County, Arkansas, for a term of one year, by Sheriff John B. Williams, in the hunt for “Pretty Boy” Floyd.

    Decent society men like David E. Shapard would indirectly bring about the downfall of these gangsters, by restricting their ability to hide, being ever vigilant and being willing to take action when necessary. By 1934, the gangsters had lost their foothold. As it came to pass, Bonnie and Clyde were ambushed and assassinated, on May 23, 1934, by a posse of six officers on a lonely Louisiana highway. Two months later, John Dillinger, Public Enemy No. 1, was killed on July 22, 1934, outside of a theater in Chicago. After his death, “Pretty Boy” Floyd became Public Enemy No. 1, and would be gunned down by federal agents and local law enforcement in an Ohio corn field on October 22, 1934. The reign of the most notable depression era gangsters had run its course.

    In mid-February of 1933, David E. Shapard received a letter concerning his son’s pending initiation into the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, from Mr. B. J. Vaughan, who was the Varsity Club Orchestra Manager at Oklahoma A & M College. Mr. Vaughan expressed that he was writing the letter without David’s knowledge, and informed Mr. Shapard that; “David has worked like a Trojan to acquire an education. He has made quite a success in that he has made his Dean’s Honor Roll several times, he has a host of friends, and above all, he has practically supported himself. The height that confronts him at the present time, however, is inaccessible without outside help. He has had to miss one initiation before the coming one on account of finances, and unless someone helps him, he shall have to again be left in the lurch.”

    Although it had been one year since Mr. Shapard had last heard from, or seen, his son, he replied the same day to Mr. Vaughan, offering whatever assistance he could in the matter. Mr. Shapard further added; “I knew from David, when I was in Stillwater last February, that he was working pretty hard to put himself through school and this I thought was a good thing for him, for as long as we were living together David hardly knew what it was to work. He was a good boy that had a good mind and made lots of friends, but rarely ever studied, and to know that he is working and has the ambition to climb makes me more than anxious to do what I can for him.”

    On a Sunday in late February, Mr. Shapard was invited to travel to Stillwater and meet with his son through their liaison Mr. Vaughan. The three men, along with David Conger Shapard’s friend, Van Williams, assembled for a lunch together, whereupon it was announced that Mr. Shapard would fund his son’s long overdue initiation. Overjoyed, David invited his father to spend the remainder of the afternoon together, to reconnect. Evidently, this benevolent gesture, from father to son, softened David Conger Shapard’s heart towards his father, allowing for a temporary reestablishment of a relationship between them for the following year.

    Once Mr. Shapard arrived back to Fort Smith, he wrote his son an endearing letter, ending humorously, “Of course, when you are initiated, you will not be able to tell me just what was done to you, but I would be glad to be advised as to whether or not you are still alive.” Although his son had no qualms about expressing his loathsome attitude towards writing letters in general, he did keep up a healthy correspondence with his father, informing him of grades, sports, activities, mutual friends and, of course, his fraternal initiation. A touching gesture occurred on March 13th, when David received, by post, his son’s college portrait that he had taken through a Stillwater photographic gallery. David treasured this image, being the only current photograph that he had of his son.

    During the time that David was rekindling his relationship with his son, he was also putting great efforts towards his occupation and the philanthropic and fraternal societies to which he belonged. While the previous year’s income from the Equitable Life Assurance Society had been his lowest in well over a decade, he would rebound nicely in 1933. David reported a gross income from his wages of $3,399.91 for the year, of which he netted $2,137.12. Although he was continually tethered to his debts, he did procure enough free capital to leave the Ward Hotel and rent a room at the home of his long-time friends, Earl (1877-1933) and Frances Buck at 220 North Sixteenth Street.

    In early May, David, and a large delegation of the Fort Smith Council No. 86 of the United Commercial Travelers, traveled to Texarkana, Arkansas, in special train car on the Kansas City Southern railroad, to attend the annual state convention. Fort Smith Mayor J. K. Jordan was the honored toastmaster for the event, which was also attended by delegations from Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Batesville and Russellville.

    In late August, David was in charge of the ticket sales for a 9 o’clock p. m. benefit dance to be held September 2nd, at the Café Royal, at 1112 ½ Garrison Avenue, to raise funds for the Labor Day Convention of the Southwestern Grotto Association. The Fort Smith Amrita Grotto was host, this year, to the ten Grottos that comprised the Southwestern Association, with an expected attendance of around 3,000 prophets. The convention was held on September 4th, at the Masonic temple, with a morning program, afternoon ceremonial, parade and evening festival. As part of the event, the renowned Mithra Grotto Band of Shreveport, Louisiana, held two open air concerts at the Lewis Tilles Children’s Park, enjoyed by the attendees and public alike.

    In mid-September, David traveled, for a district work meeting, to Hot Springs, Arkansas. The three-day event began on September 10th, and attracted delegations of Equitable Life Assurance Society agents from Arkansas, Oklahoma and St. Louis.

    At sunrise on Wednesday, September 27th, David Shapard was in his room readying himself for work. The serene cadence of the morning was suddenly suspended by the frantic shrieks for help from his landlady, Mrs. Frances Buck. In haste, David opened his door to find Mrs. Buck pleading with him to “Help Earl!” Three days earlier David’s landlord and long-time friend, Mr. Earl Eugene Buck (1877-1933), had taken to his bed after contracting a slight cold. When Mrs. Buck roused that morning, to her horror she was unable to wake her husband. By the time David was summoned and raced to Mr. Buck’s bedside, he was already deceased, having died only a few minutes earlier from a heart attack.

    Mr. Buck was 55 years of age, and had come to Fort Smith in 1917, operating Buck’s Furniture Company until his retirement in 1930. Five months prior to his death, he had entered politics, being elected as the City Commissioner No. 1, serving in the capacity as the commissioner of the Department of Finance, Heath and Public Safety. After Mr. Buck’s passing, Mrs. Buck allowed David to continue his tenancy. On top of paying rent, David also helped out Mrs. Buck in every respectable way during her time of sorrow and acclimation, further strengthening their friendship.

    To help elevate his mood after the passing of Mr. Buck, David enjoyed a day of camaraderie with his friends, on October 14th, 1933, watching the Arkansas Razorbacks battle Baylor on the gridiron. A few days later, David began corresponding with his son, inquiring if he would be interested in attending next Saturday’s game in Dallas, between Oklahoma A & M and Southern Methodist University. David offered to drive to Stillwater to pick up his son, and one or two of his college friends, and take them to the game, as well as, pay for all their expenses.

    As it came to pass, his son acquiesced, and on Friday, October 20th, David left Fort Smith by automobile and traveled to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he connected with his son at the Beta House. Amongst other activities that day, David enjoyed a spirited game of bridge with his son and the young men at the fraternity house. Early the following morning, David and the boys drove to Dallas, Texas, for the football game, returning to Stillwater the following day. From all accounts, it was an agreeable and entertaining event for all.

    David was truly putting forth great efforts to connect with his son, and for a short while their relationship improved. However, beneath the surface, his son seemed to harbor great trepidation about fully letting his father into his life, perhaps feeling like it was a betrayal to his mother. As the months passed, David’s son became growingly apathetic, pulling farther away from his father, until nearly all communication had once again been stifled. David continued to write to his son, yet, it was heartbreakingly all in vain.

    Although seemingly forsaken by his own son, David had the love of the children of his community. On the afternoon of December 24th, the Masons of the Amrita Grotto hosted 1,000 underprivileged boys and girls, ages 3 to 12 years old, on the lawn of the Masonic temple, next to the giant decorated Christmas tree, where they received gifts from Santa Claus. David Shapard and Thomas K. Morton had successfully fulfilled the monumental task of purchasing all the Christmas toys for the children, which were placed into bags by the Grotto members and their wives in anticipation of the event. After receiving their gifts, guests were also invited to enjoy a special program presented by the children of the Sunday School.