I don't know if any of you took the time to talk with the squirrel lady in Riverside Park.I would stop and talk to her many a summer mornings after my swimming lessons. She called all the squirrels Chee Chee. She had saved many babies so she carried them with her often. She would soak bread in milk for them
She lost her husband in the war and never remarried. I made her a cake but forgot the baking powder so it didn't rise too well. I took it to her apartment accross from the VFW. She made tea so we had our cake with the tea. She read the tea leaves to me after. She was a very interesting woman. She fell on the ice one winter and couldn't get up. She froze to death. I attended her funeral and there was only one other woman there. I was wondering if anyone also knew her and would share some thoughts about her.Thanks

I remember her very well. I used to watch her sit in the park and feed the squirrels. She wore a big black coat and black shoes in the winter. I am sorry to hear about what happened to her. I know many others must remember her as well.

What was her name?

Her name was Louise Adams.

Wow, this has to be the lady I remember from the mid-50's who lived near Palmer and 5th street. I didn't think anyone on this site was as old as me to remember that far back! She did love her squirrels. She was not terribly fond of me as I was somewhat of a neighborhood hellion.
I had a baby squirrel that I raised and bottle fed, and the darn thing would follow me around like a puppy. After Mrs. Adams saw what good care I took of the litte creature, I was all right in her book.
God rest her soul.
Bruce Wilson

A squirrel is just a rat with good PR.

*ducking*

I too remember the Squirrel Lady!! I was raised on 4th and Orr so spent many a day at the park and yes, she was a very interesting lady to talk too. She was the inspiration that led me to make "friends" with a family of 4 baby squirrels living in our backyard. One of them my Dad & I tamed and he would ride around on our shoulders. He even came in and watched TV (when Mom wasn't home!!)

I moved away over 20 yrs ago and have not had many opportunities to make it back for visits. It's a crying shame she died the way she did. Had I known, I definitely would have found a way to get there and pay my respects.

What year or years do you all remember Mrs. Adams. My recall is about 1956.
BW