The book was "The Bobbsey Twins at Plymouth Rock." A hardback, it cost $1.29 on sale, brand new. In a way, this inscription tells you pretty much everything you need to know about me and about my father... I was always reading, and he was absolutely 'over the moon' nuts about the Space Program.
A story featuring my father was picked up by wire services and appeared in newspapers from New Mexico to Maryland in early April, 1958.
Here's the full text:
Dime Apiece For Space Projects In Tutor's Plan
TOLEDO, Ohio
Teacher Erwin Feltz read a news story the other day to the effect that American taxpayers would pay a dime each between, now and Dec. 31 for space satellites. "Think what the nation could do," he told his wife across the breakfast table, "if everyone contributed a dime voluntarily and the tax money could be used for other space projects." The 29-year-old Feltz discussed the idea with his superiors at Washington Township Junior High School, got nods of approval, and launched "Project Moon Money" at the schcol Wednesday. In the morning, Feltz used the public address system to describe the project to the school's 1,310 seventh, eighth and ninth-graders. 'By late afternoon, "Project Moon Money" already had approximately $90 to its credit in dimes, nickels and pennies and even a few bills. One boy donated three dollars. "I tried to persuade him to donate less," Feltz said, "but he told me it was his money and he could do with it what he wanted. Feltz said he and other teachers at the school hope the plan will spread throughout all schools in the nation. "If the kids come through, maybe the adults will get behind the plan, too," he said. "And with a population of around 170 million, just think of the money that could be raised. "We think a program like this can help the United States get ahead of the Russians in space and stay ahead," he added. One problem still ahead of "Project Moon Money" is what to do with the funds it raises. Feltz is making inquiries to find what governmental agency could accept the money for the space program.
I do not know how much money was collected -- or to whom it was given! -- although I know Dad was very proud of the effort because he kept the newspaper clippings; Mom talked about how tickled he was to have been able to do something to support space exploration.
Ex luna, scientia
from the moon, knowledge
the motto of Apollo 13, April, 1970
He would have loved the Shuttle program. When we lost Challenger and Columbia, I cried and thought of him. Someone asked if I remembered where I was when the Kennedys were shot. I don't. The only time the television was on in our house was for the evening news and for NASA broadcasts.
When you grow up in a household like that, it's probably easier to believe your parents when they tell you that you can do anything, be anything. I just wish he could have stayed longer to see more of what we've accomplished.
If this post sounds familiar, I first wrote about this on July 20, 2009, in my "Beans" blog, but thought it was worth revisiting, especially so close to the moon landing anniversary.
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