From a FAKE to a REAL Autograph

Thought I would share a funny memory.  50 years ago meeting a favorite celebrity was not always a reality unless you lived in California or New York. So as I did many would write to their favorite TV and Movie stars asking for an autograph. No self addressed envelope just the stars name and Hollywood, California. To this day everyone hopes that it is signed personally by that star but many were by secretarial, printed, auto pen and today by even laser. But that blog is another day. Well, I sent for ALAN HALE Jr. who played the Skipper on Gilligan’s Island. After a few weeks a 5x7 picture came to my home but even at 12 years old I could see it was printed and not an authentic autograph. I place it in my album anyway along with many others. One Day my Dad told me he was going to a Telethon and Alan Hale was to be there. I gave the picture to my Dad and asked if he could have the same picture sent to me be autographed as “This One was a Fake" My Dad said he would do his best and I knew right away he would get it done. When he came home that weekend with his great smile, handed me the picture. My Dad told me he sat with Alan Hale and told him my story and knew this one was fake. So Hale took the picture and signed" Ray, Its real Alan Hale Jr.". He was more than happy to do it. To this day I still have the picture and always remember how my Father really did the little things that we never forget.