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
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.
I love reading about this story.
ReplyDeleteRemind me to tell the version of this story I was told.
This all makes sense now.
Thank you Nathan!