A Letter from a Friend:
My story begins when I was 5 years old. My mother told me and my sister Anne that on the weekend we would take the train to Geneva to meet our great-aunt Kate. I had heard stories of her worldly travels and at Christmas we always received a special gift from her. Living in Chicago in 1946 and not owning a car, the train was really our only option. What an adventure!
We walked up Third Street to The Little Traveler and rang the doorbell. Someone let us inside and we waited in the foyer to be greeted. I remember looking up the long staircase as I heard aunt Kate’s footsteps from above, then at the turn of the stairs she came into view with a big smile. She was a very gracious and generous woman whom I will never forget.
I have returned to The Little Traveler often since then and, in fact, I was there last weekend. I always take a moment to gaze up the stairs when I enter to remember her. I am so pleased that her legacy lives on. Her name was Kate Howard Raftery, the founder of The Little Traveler, but she was my great-aunt Kate. Great indeed!
John Howard Loader
Oak Lawn, Illinois
John will receive a $50 gift certificate as a token of our thanks for this lovely letter. Send your letters to Almanack Editor, 404 S. Third St., Geneva, IL 60134.