Donna Douglas Remembered

    I had the pleasure of meeting Donna Douglas one time, in the basement of the old Albany Armory. A group of us from Valley Falls rode down in somebody's station wagon to serve as volunteers answering donation calls for a charity fund drive.  It may have been the Jerry Lewis Telethon, and it was in the early 70's.  I think the station wagon was Sandy's, and other members of our group included Sally D., Bonnie C., Elaine S., and probably Sharon S.  So long ago. 
    I remember one of the celebrities there was Vicki Lawrence, who sang her one and only hit song, "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia."  It may have been a nice recording, but her voice and the melody fell flat in the concrete walls of the old building.  It was pretty dreadful.
    Donna Douglas was there also, and answering phones along with the rest of us.  She was, in person, stunningly beautiful in her blue jeans and long blonde braids.  During a bathroom break, which was down in the cellar, and very stuffy, Donna came down and, remarking that fresh air was needed, leapt up to where the narrow windows were situated along the top of the wall, and succeeded in cranking it open.  She was very friendly and gracious---a breath of fresh air herself.