Smiley Anders for November 3, 2009

• By SMILEY ANDERS
• Advocate columnist
• Published: Nov 3, 2009 - Page: 1B

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The death of former governor David Treen reminds me of what a gracious man he was.

He could appear stiff in his public appearances, especially when compared to Edwin Edwards. But one-on-one he could be surprisingly relaxed and fun-loving.

During his time in the Governor’s Mansion he and his wife Dodie would put on a Christmas party for the press corps — despite the adversarial relationship that normally exists between a governor and those covering his administration.

I recall the parties as laid-back affairs — just snacks and cocktails, plus pianist Ronnie Kole up from New Orleans to provide music.

The highlight of the evening came when the governor would don a turban and do a “Karnac the Magnificent” routine with him in the Johnny Carson role and Billy Nungesser as Ed McMahon. The routine poked gentle fun at the Capitol press corps.

He seemed to get a big kick out of the parties, which went on until Dodie would finally suggest to him that it was time to call it a night.

I guess if I had to come up with a single word to describe Dave Treen I’d choose this one: gentleman.   

Just like home

Jim Nichols says, “Our daughter, a sophomore at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., called one night.

“My wife and I both commented that she sounded a little more homesick than usual.

“Then, in the next morning’s Advocate, there was the article ‘Birmingham, Ala., mayor convicted of taking bribes.’

“It’s interesting what tidbits and factoids trigger waves of homesickness!”

Let ’em eat pike