Harper Belle Spires: "Memom"

I have so many fun memories of doing things with Memom- down at South Padre, learning tennis and basketball from her, and all her wonderful homemade holiday and birthday cards. But a couple years ago, I got the opportunity to interview her for a school project, which was a great experience because I actually didn't know much about Memom and her past like I did about Papa. So I've decided to share that interview! Some of you who read this may know most of this, and the questions are kind of basic and general but it was enjoyable for me to learn more about her. I do hope you enjoy it :)

Where were you born?

Saratoga, Texas

Do you have any siblings?

A brother four years older and a sister four years younger.

What was it like growing up there?

It was a very, very small town and a nice neighborhood. My dad was superintendent of the district and principal of the high school.

Did you move around a lot?

Not really, but we moved to Beaumont when I was six.

I know you're a big sports person, and coached a lot. When did you begin getting interested in sports?

I don't know, it must be in my DNA. I've always loved sports and always had to work harder because I was smaller and not as strong as everyone else.

What sports did you play in high school?

I played tennis and softball.

If you remember, what was your first job as a teenager?

I was 13 and not old enough, but the public pool hired me as a lifeguard anyway.

Were there any sort of rules or laws back then that have changed dramatically since then, like voting rights for women?

Well, when my mom wanted a drivers license, all she had to do was go ask for one and they'd take her picture and give her one. But then when I wanted one, I had to take lessons. They didn't have instructors so your parents would teach you, or you'd teach yourself, and I taught myself the rules from the book.

What was your first car?

A baby blue Mercury.

What were the gas prices back then?

Under fifty cents!!

Where'd you go to college, and what sports did you play?

TWU, and I played tennis, basketball and soccer. I was also a competitive swimmer, and then when I got bored with competitive swimming I joined synchronized swimming.

When did you meet Papa?

After college, in Harlingen. I met Dean first.

Papa told me the story of how you two met. Can you tell me your side of the story? (Memom and Papa's stories were the basically the same, but also totally different)

My friend was going to dinner at Dean and Dolores' and she was scared, so I went with her. Papa was there, and he fell right in love with me, but I didn't with him. And on our first date, Papa paid the parking attendant to leave us alone while we were in the car, still in the parking lot!

What's the biggest change you've seen from when you were in college to now?

Electronics and technology.

Who was running for president when you first voted?

I don't remember really, but it might have been Truman.

What was your first job out of college? Did you enjoy it?

I must have, I did it for 22 years! I taught and coached physical education in Rio Hondo for three years, and then I moved to Harlingen, where I developed a drill team and taught Phys. Ed. Then Rio Hondo offered for me to come back, and Papa said I should. He later told me it helped us get by then.

What have you enjoyed most about retirement?

Golf, of course, and the freedom to do what you want to do and not have to worry about work.

Love you Memom!

~Harper Belle