The Marshalltown Crier photographer wanted a good shot. He might be able to sell it to the major dailies in the state. This was home-town boy making it big. Robert Calvert, certified war hero and California State Senator was announcing his bid for the Big Show—running for the U.S. Senate in the 1964 elections. The group on the verandah of the Marshalltown Hotel gave each other directions and suggestions as they closed ranks. Robert, his wife and son; his brother, William; his parents. At the last minute, a face appeared over Robert’s shoulder and smiled as the shutter clicked. “Just a second,” the photographer said. “I don’t know who you are. Are you supposed to be in the picture?” Robert gave a weak grin. “Sure, that’s OK. This is an old Army buddy. He knows all my dark secrets.” The group laughed and broke up. The photographer shrugged and loaded up his equipment, thinking well, the important people were identified and this may not go any further. He doubted that a major daily would want such a cozy family scene anyway.
