The City's Backyard

The City's Backyard S3 E24 Bea Franklin, the 98 year old widow of a WW2 Army Photographer and the daughter of Pep Boys Co-Founder Jack!

March 23, 2023 Matt Zako
The City's Backyard
The City's Backyard S3 E24 Bea Franklin, the 98 year old widow of a WW2 Army Photographer and the daughter of Pep Boys Co-Founder Jack!
Show Notes

Extraordinary 98-Year 'Young' Bea Franklin Serves As A Real-Life Witness To History!

Her House-guests included a former US President + TV & Sports Stars

Bea Franklin is quite something. At 98 years of age (99 this June), when most people her age are quite inactive, this treasure is an oxymoron. Breast cancer survivor Bea is living, quite possibly, some of the best years of her life as she tells her extraordinary life story for anyone who'll listen. And she is quite worthy of the attention.

From a 1942 rooftop concert at the Astor Hotel where she saw legendary crooner Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey to her household friends that included boxing legend Rocky Graziano to being the daughter of the Founder of the automotive legend, The Pep Boys, which later morphed to the Strauss Stores. She was actually present for the iconic "Kiss" of that unknown sailor in Time Square 8 days after the two atomic bombs exploded in Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Japan) at the end of World War II. These were just some of iconic moments Bea Franklin bore witness to.

*Witnessing the famous iconic "Kiss" in Time Square and how she managed to be at the right place at the right time

 * Her late husband of 51 years, Jerry's experiences photographing President Roosevelt and other historic dignitaries

 * Her famous Dad who co-founded The Pep Boys

 * A United States President + TV & Sports Stars who she welcomed into her home