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University Daily Kansan Wednesday, March 24,1965
Roscoe G. Simpson Honored For 'La Dolce Vita' Approach
By Jacke Thayer Roscoe rides again!
Yes, it's once again "Roscoe G. Simpson week" at KU. The so-called "Roscoe G. Simpson Foundation of North America" sponsors the annual celebration. KU rites this year were initiated by Jan Parkinson, Prairie Village junior and leader of the local group.
Although the event has been associated with the Tau Kappa Epsilon house, Parkinson said it is not a house function.
"We're just sort of unofficial ambassadors for Roscoe on campus," he said.
THE ELUSIVE and mysterious Roscoe had his heyday "from about the turn of the century until 1920," Parkinson said.
"Roscoe was a rather flamboyant character in his day." Parkinson continued. "He is perhaps best-known for his invention of sunglasses. At one time, he was fairly well-to-do—something of a philanthropist."
But Roscoe's good days came to an end, according to Parkinson.
"You might say that philanthropically he invested unwisely. A series
of bad investments made him a pauser." he added.
PARKINSON SAID NO one knew exactly when Roscoe was morn, but he died in bad financial straits in 1929. This is the third year for the KU celebration, according to Parkinson. And why was Roscoe singled out for special honors?
"It sort of came to me in a mad frenzy one night about 2:00 a.m. when I had two tests the next day," Parkinson said.
"Roscoe seemed to represent the kind of person our society has sort of 'lost touch' with. He was a take-it-as-it-comes, easy-going fellow and didn't get too excited about things," he continued.
PARKINSON SAID HE FELT Roscoe's whole philosophy was best summed up by a statement he made in 1918: "It's better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick."
Ins week's festivities began Sunday night with a "banquet of sorts," for the board of governors. This board includes Parkinson, chairman; Dan Foster, Great Bend senior, executive vice-chairman; Glen Barnard, Oswego junior, secretary; Ed Sanders, Oswego junior, treasurer; and James King, Hutchinson junior.
The big event of the week, according to Parkinson, will be the Governor's Ball Friday night. A "by invitation only" affair, the week's queen will be crowned sometime during the evening.
Tonight, Parkinson said, the board will hold a progress meeting to decide if the publicity has been effective thus far, and to determine other activities for the week.
"The queen will be chosen before Friday by the board of governors. Names have been submitted to them, and they pick the queen on whatever standards they feel will best express the spirit of the occasion," Parkinson said.
Fraternity and Sorority Jewelry
ABΓΔEZHΘJKAM
Queen candidates are Nancy Beck Independence, Mo., freshman; Philanne "Toppy" Yould, Salina senior; Brook Manning, Joplin, Mo., senior; and Jan Withers, Mission freshman.
UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE SERIES
presents JOHN DOS PASSOS'
MARCH 25,26,27
"U. S. A."
MARCH 30, 31, APRIL 1,2,3
Tickets: $1.50 - .75 with KU ID