In the fall of 1964, Dubuque goodwill ambassador Mary Regina Hayford assumed the role of “Little Old Lady” and traveled to New York City on a mission to fight the perception of her hometown as being the epitome of Midwestern provincialism.
When asked if Mrs. Hayford would be invited to the offices of The New Yorker, a bemused spokesman for magazine politely declined. “We just have never gone in for this kind of thing,” he explained.
Neil Sheehan, “Little Old Lady From Dubuque Seeks to Change Town’s Image,” New York Times, September 26, 1964, page 33.
January 25, 2007 at 2:17 pm
It would be really nice to see pictures or ads from the New Yorker of Jane Mylrea, the replacement for the original “Old Lady from Dubuque.” Or information on why they chose her??!?! Also would like to see more details regarding the original lady’s “trip across the nation.”
November 2, 2009 at 12:38 am
[...] My favorites . . . My favorite comic strip is Bloom County by Berke Breathed, and my favorite character is Bill the Cat. I recently learned that Bill the Cat is from the “gentle, green hills of Dubuque, Iowa.” I also love the story of Mary Regina Hayford who travled to New York in the 1960s to try to change the sterotype of Dubuque. I think she even appeared on Johnny Carson show: http://dubuquer.wordpress.com/2007/01/23/a-chic-and-vivacious-woman/ [...]
November 3, 2009 at 8:55 am
Mary Regina Hayford was my grama…and quite unique to say the least. She passed away in 1989 and would be more than thrilled to know that she is still making headlines!!!
November 3, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Hi Jen. Thanks for posting a comment. I’ll send an email to you to ask for stories about your grandmother. She certainly was a fascinating person!