Charlie Starkweather.

Charlie Starkweather was born on November 24, 1938 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was responsible for a killing spree in 1958 in Nebraska and Wyoming. He and his girlfriend, Caril Ann Fugate traveled southeast Nebraska. He first killed Caril Ann's parents and then a couple near Bennet, Nebraska.

He was eventually arrested in Wyoming and then brought back to Nebraska where he stood trial and was executed in very short order. Things move much more slowly today.

He is buried in Wyuka Cemetary in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Nebraska Nellie

Happy birthday, Ruth Etting.

Ruth Etting was born on November 23, 1897 in David City, Nebraska. She moved to Chicago when she was 17 to attend art school. She began singing in a nightclub and was a featured singer by 1918. She married the Gimp--Moe Snyder, a Chicago gangster. He ran her career and she was America's sweetheart. She sang many songs that were hits at the time and many of which we (some of us anyway) still know and love. Ten cents a Dance and Shine on Harvest Moon are among them. The marriage fell apart and she became involved with the piano player. The Gimp shot him and he went to prison. Etting divorced him and married the piano player.

With this scandal, she lost her luster as America's sweetheart and was never able to revive her career.

In 1955, the movie Love Me or Leave Me was made loosely based on Ruth Etting. Etting was played by Doris Day and the Gimp was played by James Cagney. I love the movie and recommend seeing it.

Several years ago, I attended the Ruth Etting Days in David City. In researching for this blog, I found a website in her honor. Please go to ruthetting.com. You can learn more about her songs and her life.

Happy birthday, Ruth Etting.

Nebraska Nellie

Happy Birthday, Dick Cavett.

Dick Cavett was born in or near Gibbon, Nebraska on November 19, 1936. During most of his school years, he lived in Lincoln. His parents were both teachers. At age 10, his mother died. His father later married another teacher. Cavett Elementary School is named after them.

Dick Cavett was a television writer and a talk show host and interviewed many stars. He maintained contact with people here in Lincoln.

I remember once a few years ago, I was listening to KFOR early in the morning and they were announcing that it was his birthday (but not on his real birthday). It turned out that they knew he was in town and were hoping to talk to him. He called in from a convenience store that he was driving by to tell them that it was not his birthday. This must have been pre-cell phone days. They were able to do a nice interview with him on the phone and it was hilarious that they actually pulled it off.

Dick, I hope you have a lovely birthday.

Nebraska Nellie

We have another famous Nebraskan's birthday on Friday. Anyone know who?

Happy birthday, Marg Helgenberger!

Marg Helgenberger is one of my favorite current famous Nebraskans and has been since CSI started. She was born in Fremont on November 16, 1958. She grew up in Nebraska and attended Kearney State College and finished at Northwestern University.

She has been in numerous television shows and movies. I think she is a marvelous actress. She plays strong intelligent women and I love her role in CSI.

She has been sponsoring a golf tournament in Omaha since 1997 to raise funds for breast cancer.

I hope she is having a wonderful birthday.

From your fan,

Nebraska Nellie

Lincoln Boys Choir.

This Saturday the Lincoln Boys Choir will be having their annual fundraiser with the Waffleman. There will be a silent auction and a live auction as well.

Come hear them singing while you dine on waffles and check out the terrific baskets at the auction. Hope to see you there.

The Waffleman will be serving 8:30 to 11:30 am at the Shriner's Building, 1050 Saltillo Road, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Don't miss it. It's always delicious and fun.

Nebraska Nellie

PS Some of my photos will be on the auction.

More birthdays to come this month. Stay tuned.

Happy birthday, Chip Davis.

Chip Davis is a famous Nebraskan who started Mannheim Steamroller. He was born on November 15, 1947 in Hamler, Ohio. He eventually moved to Omaha and took a job in advertising. He first wrote jingles and advertising music. Then he began writing non advertising songs. Who among us that grew up in the 70's wouldn't remember the song Convoy.

It's great to have such a talented person from Nebraska. Chip, I hope you're having a great birthday.

Nebraska Nellie