Former President Jimmy Carter passed away on Sunday, December 29 at age 100. Many stories have been told about his life and legacy, but did you know that he had a connection to Romeo?
In September 2000, when a certain presidential election was getting hot, Bruce Township couple Dale and Judy Lopus had the opportunity to meet Carter and his family while they were in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
The November 8, 2000 issue of The Romeo Observer detailed this trip in the article, "Local couple meet Jimmy Carter, other Carter family members in Plains." The Lopuses traveled to that town for a convention of political items collectors. According to the article's author Assistant News Editor Kirk Haverkamp, Dale was "a member of the American Political Items Collectors, an association of people who collect campaign pins, bumper stickers, signs and other, more unusual items associated with political campaigns."
Dale and Judy went to Plains in September 2000 specifically for a meeting involving a small group that specialized in items associated with Jimmy Carter. Dale had a lot of respect for Carter for his humanitarian work and the way he blended back into life as a private citizen after his term as President. He also discussed how Carter rode "into town on a bicycle for a softball game he was to play with his Secret Service escorts" and played several positions, thus demonstrating how much of a fine athlete he was despite being in his 70s at the time.
The Lopuses encountered other members of the Carter family as well. When they visited the shop owned by Carter's sister-in-law Sybil, Judy was interested in a cookbook written by Rosalynn Carter and asked the shopkeeper if the former First Lady was able to sign it at an event later that day. Sybil replied, "Well, why don't you ask her?," and gestured to the woman standing at Judy's elbow. It was Rosalynn Carter herself. The Bruce Township couple met Rosalynn again at the aformentioned softball game when she sat right next to them.
The Lopuses would again see Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at a banquet sponsored by the collector's group. It's likely here that the photo seen above was taken. From left to right, there are Dale Lopus, Rosalynn Carter, Jimmy Carter, Judy Lopus, and Chip Carter - Jimmy and Rosalynn's son.
That wouldn't be the last encourter Dale and Judy would have with the Carters. On the Sunday after the Lopuses attended an adult Sunday school that Jimmy taught at, they were at a downtown cafeteria standing behind the former President, who was buying dinner for about nine members of his family. Dale realized that he left his wallet in the car and quietly asked Judy if she had any money. Overhearing the conversation, Rosalynn said, "Don't worry. Jimmy'll get it."
They were still not sure if she was serious.
The Romeo Community Archives houses the Judy Gass-Lopus Collection, but sadly, it doesn't contain any items associated with any political campaigns.
Dale and Judy are also no longer with us, but at least they will be able to see Jimmy again.
RIP Jimmy Carter
To learn about the Lopuses and Jimmy Carter's connection to Romeo, you can contact the Romeo Community Archives at rca@romemodistrictlibrary.org or call (586) 690-4890.
Images and sources courtesy of the Romeo Community Archives; Melvin E. and Joan D. Bleich Collection, The Romeo Observer, November 8, 2000, p.3-A