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Julie Gammack's avatar

Marilyn is coming back to Okoboji and will perform in a dinner-theater setting in the Lakes Art Center!

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Mike Triggs's avatar

Julie - I too had many fond memories of Marilyn at the new in. My sister worked in the coffee shop below the below the show lounge where she performed.

And also thank you for posting your dad’s column. Growing up my dad required me and my siblings to read something everyday in the DM Tribune and share what we had read at the dinner table. It could be a news, sports story, an editorial or a column. I would always share what I had read in your dad’s column that flanked the left hand column of the evening paper.

Sadly, today’s children are rarely, if ever exposed to a daily newspaper and dinner table talk has been replaced by peering at a handheld devise. And for sure, today’s generation will never be exposed to exposed to great award winning writers like Gordon Gammack.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Mike, what a wonderful memory! And what a great family ritual. THANKS

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LaVonne Neerland's avatar

First time at Hoyt Sherman Place at Jazz in July . A great celebration and terrific show. Glad to see Marilyn Maye in person for the first time. She pointed out how the fact that we had not paid to see her was remarkable. "I'm expensive!" She said. The first of 100 planned events to celebrate 100 years of that fabulous theater. C U Next year Marilyn?

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MARCIA FISHER's avatar

Julie, We saw Marilyn about 6 or 7 years ago at Okoboji. She was fantastic! At that time she was wearing spikeheels. I notice she is wearing lower ones now! What an amazing lady! We are going to spend a few days up there later this week. We would certainly have enjoyed seeing her!

Also, I loved reading your dad’s writings. It brings back memories. Thanks for this neat column!

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Julie Gammack's avatar

We are here this week. Want to meet for dinner?

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Lyle L Simpson's avatar

Julie

You and I go back a longways to your days with Nick Tormey. Glad you are doing well. I went to Marilyn's program at Hoyt Sherman and Okoboji both Tuesdays and had my picture taken with my cousin. She really is special. I knew her before East High. You and your Dad have been special for our community for my entire lifetime. Thank you for continuing to share our community history with us. Lyle Simpson

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Thanks so much, Lyle!

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MARCIA FISHER's avatar

We are staying at the Oakwood Inn B&B. Tom’s family are all getting together on East Lake where one of his sons has a home. I don’t know how much free time we will have. We will be there Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and home on Sunday.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

The Oakwood is fabulous! Say hi to innkeeper, Bridget Johnson. I house my writers' retreat speakers there.

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MARCIA FISHER's avatar

We always stay there and we really like the present owners. I will say hi to Bridget!

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randall maharry md's avatar

Julie,

I worked for the Spirit Lake Medical Center as a family Dr and in the Dickinson County Hospital as an ER Dr in the summer of 1969; prior to reporting to the US Army and eventually serving in Viet Nam. One of my patients was Nat King Cole’s brother who was performing at the New Inn. I believe it was Freddy Cole.

Randall Maharry MD

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Julie Gammack's avatar

How interesting! Welcome to the Iowa Potluck! Glad to have you.

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Gary Neveln's avatar

Was Marilyn the singer for Bob Ray's theme song when he first ran for Governor?

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Yep. See my mea culpa for not including that fact in the comments below.

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Artis Reis, Former Judge's avatar

August 8, 1970 at The New Inn. After our wedding in Monroe, Iowa, that afternoon, Ted Reis(now deceased) and I got in our new yellow 1970 MGB and started our honeymoon with Marilyn’s wonderful show.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Love this!

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Dawn Roberts's avatar

Thank you Julie. I missed her most recent visit to Des Moines so this article was much appreciated.

Steve and I saw her at the zoo about 20 years ago and again at the Temple in DesMoines in 2012 following a birthday dinner at the Des Moines Club with Bob & Billie Ray, Caroline Levine and Bob & Gloria Burnett.

The video and article brings back many fond memories. Steve and I also happened to be sun bathing on a blanket next to hers in Puerto Rico many many years ago.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Small world, indeed!

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Dawn Roberts's avatar

Yes.💕

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Bill n DC's avatar

Wow.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Why did I think I could get away with omitting the Bob Ray campaign jingle angle to a column about Marilyn Maye? I mistakenly thought the Potluck has been a bit Bob Ray heavy, so left it out of this column. That was dumb. Here you go, kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYLbWwYQtOs

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Nicholas Peters's avatar

"Will everyone here kindly step to the rear and let a leader show the way. Here's where we separate the men from the boys, (something, something) and now Ioway is saying...he is the best yes he'll pass every test, he'll make Iowa proud you'll agree...on Election Day, vote for Robert D. Ray and let a winner show the way!" My apologies for my paraphrasing. Bob Ray and Marilyn Maye, he was the first political candidate I worked for (Teens for Ray) and Marilyn Maye was my first celebrity crush!

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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

Everything about your column has made my day, Julie!! Thank you.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Thanks so much, Kathi! She's an Iowa treasure.

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Linda Powers's avatar

Your column is a full bouquet for my heart.

Linda

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Julie Gammack's avatar

How sweet of you to say! I just got home from spending an hour with Marilyn. She's as warm and gracious as you might imagine.

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