HallreMarks
[HallreMarks Archive]
The “HALLreMARKS” link will feature informal articles, thoughts, extended biographies, and works by individuals who have experienced much in the world of gymnastics. We trust you will enjoy the themes implicit in each presentation and you will find an idea or two to help guide your interest in our great sport. So, enjoy the writings and all to come.
A Granddaughter Remembers
By Kathy H. Kane Cottier
Just discovered your U.S. Gymnastic Hall of Fame website through a Google search of my grandfather's name, Roy E. Moore.
Needless to say I was delighted to read through the posted biography and other related information. It was good to see so many familiar names, such as Abie Grossfeld, George Gulack, Frank Cumiskey, etc., some of whom I've met, but mostly names I remember hearing at home. We lived with my grandfather until his death in February, 1957, so in many ways it was like having a third parent - but better. To read Jerry Hardy's description of Grandpa is indeed heartwarming. He was very much a man of character and one you never wanted to disappoint. A frown from him had a much greater impact on me than any correction from my parents. As a child going to the office in New York (a family business started by my grandfather, his brother, and their father) with my dad (my grandfather brought my dad into the business shortly after my parents’ marriage in 1946) I could tell that Grandpa was not only admired and respected, but genuinely liked by everyone - from those who worked in the office, to those in the shipping and assembly areas. I was proud to be his granddaughter. Still am.
The photo taken with John Bissinger on the first page of Grandpa's biography, was around the time he met my grandmother, Helene Herboth-Moore, on a ship going to Europe. She was going to study music in Germany. They kept in touch and eventually married in Mankato, Minnesota, May 1917. Grandpa didn't believe in moving too fast. My mother was born in New York City in January 1919. Unfortunately, my grandmother died in January 1936. As my mother was going off to college that September, and because of my grandmother's death, Grandpa didn't attend the Berlin Games. But I do remember his comings and goings through the early and mid-fifties, the AAU meets and meetings he attended, his trip to Helsinki on the Queen Mary and how exciting it all seemed.
Although I spent much of my childhood standing on my head, doing handsprings and jumping on the beds (every Christmas and birthday I asked for uneven parallel bars) unfortunately, I never got into the sport to the extent he probably would have liked. But I believe the essence of competitive sport is something I carry with me. At 54 I took up running, and although my 4.4 miles in 57 minutes will probably forever be my personal best, I keep at it and sometimes think of Grandpa as I struggle on. It isn't important where you finish, but that you do all you can to finish, and you do it with respect for yourself, the sport, and those around you.
I am thrilled about this website, an opportunity to acknowledge the many athletes who have contributed significantly to the sport of gymnastics. How wonderful it would be to take this to the next step – a physical home for all the information and memorabilia that I am sure exists in the closets and attics of those involved. I would be honored to be a part of that effort.
Again Larry, thank you for your acknowledgement of Grandpa's contributions to the world of gymnastics. It is wonderful to see him recognized for his athletic achievements, of course. But to read such kind remembrances of the man makes this granddaughter feel that much closer to the Grandpa she lost so many years ago.
Kathy, Thank you for your kind comments. I just wish that USA Gymnastics would take this site so others like yourself could re-experience the great moments of youth, and families could finally feel that the hard work and time spent by other long ago HOF Inductees is finally being recognized by today’s leaders in our sport.
Thanks again and God Bless,
Larry B.
