Ruby Jean Boxley, Sheila's mother, and John Boxley, Sheila's brother, visited us in San Francisco in 1984 during the Democratic National Convention.
Now Ruby Jean loves politics, and she has been hobnobbing with the great and the near-great of Arkanasas public affairs for a decade. Although not a convention delegate, she viisted the hotel where the Arkansas delegation was staying and had several pow-wows with the "Biggies" there, including Governor Bill Clinton.
One evening I stayed home with little Mark, while Ruby Jean, ?Joy, Sheila, ?Gerry and John all went downtown to check out the action. When they came home, they were quite excited to report that they had seen none other than Gary Hart, coming out of the St. Francis Hotel.
That Sunday at early service at Calvary Presbyterian Church we were shocked to see someone with a flashlight prowling around in the loft with the organ pipes. It was a Secret Service agent checking for hidden bombs, as Presidential Nominee Walter Mondale was about to attend the eleven o'clock service.
To cap off all this excitement, Ruby Jean announced that ?we, she, John, ?Joy, and I were all going to the big party that Willie Brown was throwing for the official delegates. She had some kind of a hand-written note requesting the credentials committee to "show every courtesy, blah blah etc," signed by a delegate, possibly by Bill Clinton???? Big deal!!!
This gigantic bash was on Pier 45 adjoining Fisherman's Wharf. The delegates were screened and admitted at a fence and gate at one side of the big pier, with a large side entrance to the building beyond. The ladies at the "credentials desk" were swamped by delegates showing their badges and pushing forward. At the big entrance beyond was stationed a group of San Francisco's finest uniformed policement.
Ruby Jean led the way, with John beside her and ?Joy and ?? close behind. She said finally, "Follow me! And don't look back, and don't stop until we're inside!"
Not even pausing at the desk, she waved her "document" mutttered something about "Special Guests" and pressed ahead.
"Now don't look back!" again warned Ruby Jean, striding toward the cops at the door. By then the women at the gate were screaming and pointing at us! However, the policemen took this to mean that we were very special VIPs, and instead of throwing us out, they escorted us in--and they said they hoped we would enjoy the party!
It was, indeed, a "Big Blast"! The huge, barn-like wharf had a festive atmosphere--gaudy flashing lights, colored streamers, etc. There were several small stages throughout the building occupied by performing Pop singers and dancers, rock bands, jazz combos, etc. Our host, flamboyant Willie Brown, grinning ?a???ly, appeared suddenly here and there to bid us welcome and to introduce the entertainers. Big, noisy crowds of relaxed, happy Democrats.
Replicas of San Francisco's famous landmarks were everywhere--The Coit Tower, City Hall, Ferry Building, Transamerica Pyramid, Palace of Fine Arts. A Cable Car clanged for attention. You could even walk across a small copy of the Golden Gate Bridge and have your picture taken!
Fabulous free food! Every few steps a booth with different goodies: Japanese tempura and sushi, Chinese dim sum, Mexican tacos and burritos, Italian canneloni, Polynesian teriyaki, crab and shrimp cocktails--and of course, hot dogs, burgers, and fries. And then scones w/coffee or Eskimo pies, "It's Its," popsicles or ice cream cones. Unbelievable!
Thank you Willie--even though we were uninvited guests. And thanks, Ruby Jean, for your mischievous, fun loving "chutzpah!"