Yes, Okeys are still on the move ... but what about Snoopy?
Snoopy has been an iconic figure around Manchester for as long as the Okey family has lived on Ann Arbor Hill ... and in truth, maybe even a little longer than that.
by Marsha Chartrand
Long ago and far away, a young family fulfilling their military obligation in San Diego, California, were visiting their parents on Grossman Road in Manchester. As they drove down West Main Street, they caught sight of a mailbox in the shape of a Snoopy doghouse, with a cut-out Snoopy atop the roof.
World War I "Flying Ace" Snoopy and his "Sopwith Camel" were very popular in the newspaper comics as well as television specials of the late 1960s and early 1970s. A quick Google search also shows toys, games, books, model kits, watches, bulletin boards, and more modeled after the beloved character cartoonist Charles M. Schulz had created as part of his "Peanuts" series. It's said that American soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War during those years began to identify with the image of a wearied Snoopy being relentlessly chased by the Red Baron to symbolize their own victimization at the hands of the war.
JoAnn and Monty Okey were so taken with the Snoopy mailbox, that they went back to California and built a mailbox for their home there in Fallbrook, CA., "filling a hole" in that community, according to JoAnn, for the remainder of their time there.
When Monty's Navy service drew to a close, it came time to locate their permanent residence, and the Okeys had already decided on Michigan, somewhere mid-way between their parents' homes. Manchester was pinpointed as the spot, but they didn't want to overshadow the other family who had the Snoopy Mailbox on Main Street.
But lo and behold — the former Snoopy's owners had retired and moved away, leaving room for JoAnn and Monty to bring their own unique brand of Snoopy-ness to Manchester! And so they did.
For the last 40+ years, Snoopy has sat at the top of Ann Arbor Hill and his character has been changed daily (or nearly so). Some mornings he sets out in his bathrobe to check the mail. On many a Friday night he's cheering for the Mighty Dutchmen. He might often be found reading a book (or a newspaper!) with his friend Woodstock. Sometimes he's simply lounging in the sun (or taking shelter under an umbrella). And on patriotic holidays, he's definitely out there saluting the Stars and Stripes. It's been a while since we've seen the WWI Flying Ace atop his Sopwith Camel, but you never know ...
There is quite a collection of Snoopys in the Okeys' storage shed. JoAnn could not (or did not wish to) divulge an exact number. She did say that on occasion, a Snoopy has wandered off, while other new Snoopys have been gifted from sources unknown. Some simply "die of old age." So the collection is constantly changing and rotating. And the community definitely takes an interest.
When the Mirror shared the story of the Okey family's imminent departure, one of the most common questions asked was, "What will happen to Snoopy?" Comments on Facebook have noted that he would be deeply missed. We've received personal texts and emails as well as letters to the editor asking about Snoopy's future.
We had asked JoAnn what would become of Snoopy in our initial interview, but that didn't seem to fit in the story at that time. So now, it seems like time for her response to be shared.
"Snoopy will first be offered to the new owners of this house," she said. "It seems only right that this remains his home, if the new owners are willing to have him here. However, if that is not an option, there is a growing waiting list of neighbors who have demonstrated their willingness to adopt Snoopy and his mailbox," along with the legend that now accompanies it.
Thankfully, we don't need to be concerned about missing Snoopy ... this is one Manchester tradition that will live on in our hearts!
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