Esther Barnes
English Theme
January 30, 1933
So that funny little boy is Ray Widders? For months I have heard the name, but never would I have associated it with this person. One usually has ideas as to how one thinks an unknown person will look. Being familiar with the name, and reputation, I had my own ideas as to the personal appearance of Ray. Imagine my chagrin when I was told that the fellow in the dark suit was Ray in person! I have been disillusioned. My idea of Ray Widders, b. s. (before seeing) was a tall, dark, handsome fellow, with a physique like Johnny Weismueller. I shouldn’t be so disappointed—he is rather dark. I’m still wondering why, and yet haven’t figured why Arnold called him “Clark Gable” Widders, but still, his ears do stick out.
Seriously, I really did have a mental picture of him, but it was quite the opposite of how he really looks. I had supposed that he was younger than his brother, that he was short and blond. One can easily see that Ray and Loren are closely related. They really aren’t alike in personal appearance, but there is something about them that is quite similar.
Mrs. Widder’s little boy, Ray, is really clever. He reminds me of Eddie Cantor, Walter Winchell, and the Baron, all at the same time. I certainly enjoy listening to his oral compositions. Composition I should say, as I have heard only one. He also reminds me of Eugene O’Neil, the way he gives those little side thoughts, other than the ones which pass through his lips.
They say that “big things come in small packages,” so I suppose I shouldn’t feel so badly after all, because he isn’t a second Tarzan. Anyone so clever certainly doesn’t need both physical and mental development.
Teacher’s comment: Ex