Missouri Memories

Sara Lockwood Williams (1891-1961), Papers, 1885-1961

Sara Lockwood was born on April 13, 1891, in Rock Port, Missouri, to John and Mary Jane Lockwood. She attended the University of Missouri, where she received her Bachelor of Journalism and M.A. degree. After graduation in 1913 she worked several for newspapers, including the St. Joseph Gazette, Tulsa Times, Philadelphia Ledger, and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. She returned to Columbia to teach at the University from 1921-1927. Then in 1927 she married Walter William, founder of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and University President, 1931-1935. After his death in 1935, she taught at Yenching University in Peiping, China, and served as director of public relations and associate professor of Journalism at Rockford College, Rockford, Illinois. She returned to Columbia in 1951 and directed the journalism alumni activities at the University of Missouri.

Tuesday, November 6, 1951

We were so pleased to be leaving K.C. in sunshine- Marvin & I left Sue's at 11:30 after he had been to Zenith office to have impression taken for one ear piece of his hearing aid. No snow in K.C. & highways clear for at least 50 mi. I drove merrily at my usual speed. Then we began seeing more snow & here & there some on highway. Deeper at Concordia where I slowed down (thank goodness) for crossroads. I hadn't heard radio warnings about roads out at St. Louis & I was completely unaware that there would be ice. Right at crossroads my car skidded. Like a fool I braked & tried to straighten- but zigzagged across highway. Fortunately no cars coming. I saw deep ditch at left- a slight ravine at right. I knew I was going off, so I headed for shallow ditch & gently we nosed in. Neither the car nor we were hurt, but I couldn't get the car out of the ice. I was grateful we were right at a service station. Everyone was so concerned & helpful. A wrecker from Concordia pulled me out & I got chains put on while M & I had coffee & rolls. At 2:30 (after an hour at the station) we started on. Roads became worse- great sheets of white ice. In many places couldn't tell where highway was unless there were fences or ditches! I crept along at 20 m. per hour. Some 30 m. from Boonville we were stopt for 20 min. while highway patrol cleared road after bus wreck. Cars lined up in front & behind me waiting. Bus driver lost control when he swerved to avoid a passenger car. Bus on its side in deep ravine at south, car turned over in ditch at left. One man killed, 7 seriously hurt, & many others injured! I did creep after that, praying every mile of the way. One chain broke & I stopt twice to have it wired- an unearthly racket & I felt sorry for M. with his new Ear phone. He was wonderful; never complained or exclaimed! We reached Boonville at 5 & stopt at Hotel Frederick. I couldn't have driven that 25 miles home-especially after dark! Edna and Adda both at hotel invited us to spend night with them but I declined. M & I had good dinner, walked to drug store for magazines, then to our rooms. My back ached & I was very tired from the nervous strain but I wasn't scared- no reaction of that kind.

Wednesday, November 7, 1951

My jaunt to K.C. and St. Joe cost me close to $65.00 & I had thought it be might be $35! Because of icy roads I had to buy chains & pay to have wrecker pull me out of ditch at Concordia so for car (gas etc.) I paid out $22.50. Then staying overnight at Boonville & paying meals there & on highway for for Marvin & me brought up my expenses. I won't take another auto trip soon! But I'm so glad I went this time & took Marvin! At least he will have lots to talk & think about all winter! I left Boonville at 8:30 & crept into Columbia at 10 a.m. Twenty-five miles in 11/2 hrs! The roads were so icy that even with chains I dared not drive faster. Columbia city streets are as bad as the highway. I was so shaky when I got home I decided to stay home this afternoon (missed fortnightly again). I should have gone to Neff Hall to work on Alumni News- but will put in a full day tomorrow. I wrote notes to all MWPC new members & reinstated ones- 10 in all- & enclosed their membership cards. Miss Rucker phoned to say the Journalism Women's meeting tomorrow night will be at the Frank Rucker's instead of at English home. Much better in this weather. Now I can go. I opened an account at Wilson Market and ordered groceries, so I wouldn't have to go to town for them. Glad I can get delivery.