A month or so ago, I read where someone had received an autographed photo from Doris Day. Since her reclusiveness is legendary-so much so that slimy supermarket rags publish photos that make her look like a bag lady every couple of years-I didn’t think such a thing was possible. The trick, the individual said, was to go through her animal foundation and make a donation.

My wife gives to these groups all the time and was more than happy to allow me to break the VWRS annual budget of zero dollars for this one. So I sent Ms. Day my usual gracious letter, asked about Virginia, and included a small check for the “babies.”

It worked.

Thursday, I received her reply. It’s not as personal as a note card from Gloria Jean or a phone call(!) from June Lockhart (Tumblr followers, I’ll fill you in on those in the future), but it was still wonderful of her to take the time to answer the question and have her staff send me a reply.

I’m surprised that Doris didn’t know Virginia. While it’s possible that George Weidler kept Doris and his family apart (plus their marriage corresponded timewise with Virginia and Lionel Krisel’s elopement), I really would have guessed that Doris had met Virginia in vaudeville in 1943-44 since Virginia headlined with Les Brown on occasion.

If anyone has a suggestion for my next “target”, please let me know.