Randall D. Reynolds - Jack & Helen Frye Story

Dedicated to the friends and family of Jack and Helen Frye, and especially, Rosie Targhetta Armijo. The Frye story is greatly enhanced with rich and colorful anecdotes graciously shared by these invaluable witnesses to history.

Also dedicated to my partner of 21 years who has supported me through thirteen years of endless research, graciously tolerating the required dedication to complete this indepth historical narrative.

JACK & HELEN FRYE STORY

By

C hapter 1

T apestry of Threads

1979

O n this autumn day in November of 1979, at the Wings of the Wind house, a terminally ill Helen Frye rests in her comfortable armchair with an oxygen tank and tray of medicine paraphernalia at her side. The endless crimson vistas of Helens beloved Sedona Frye Ranch spread out below her, as seen through the plate-glass windows of her hilltop home.

With her eyes closed, and in a trance, Helen listens to Jo Stafford singing, ...Fly the ocean in a silver plane. Helens caregiver enters the large room and pauses as she observes the record player. She smiles softly as she looks over at Helen. Walking over to Mrs. Frye, she adjusts the colorful shawl on her lap. Its time for your pill, she says gently as Helen opens her eyes. The weary woman reaches up with shaking hand and takes the medication uttering, Im only 71, yet I feel the doctors are correct, I havent that long to live. Yes, there, there, Mrs. Frye, says Helens caregiver soothingly. Youve had a long and wondrous life, everything will be fine. The kindly woman leaves the room as Helen slips into a beautiful dream serenaded by You Belong to Me.

Jack Frye appears in the mist of Helens mind standing next to a silver twin-engine plane with Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc. stenciled on the fuselage. He beckons to Helen and smiles warmly as Helen strolls out to the plane, dressed in heels, seamed-stockings, and a full-length mink coat. Excited and full of anticipation Helen rushes to Jacks open arms. He sweeps Helens petite figure into his massive embrace, they kiss as he lifts her off the ground and spins her in a circle. Jacks breath is warm on Helens cheek and the scent of his lime shaving soap permeates her senses. Helen awakens with a jolt, exclaiming to herself, My God what a vivid dream, so real, like I was actually with him again! Helens heart races as she whispers, Not yet Jack, not yet.

The next day, Helens dearest friend Rosie helps her dress saying, I always loved that House of Apache Fires you and Jack built. Such spectacular views and beautiful rock work! I still remember when we all moved up there in the summer of 1948. Wistfully, Helen replies, Just a dream, nothing more than a broken dream Rosie, but I have to see it just one more time. The day is crisp and sunny, a beautiful Sedona morning, and Helen is eager for this last final gesture.

Within an hour, a station wagon filled with Native Americans navigates the red dirt road through the ranch and up to the rear entrance of the Indian Pueblo mansion. Once parked, the passengers exit while several help Helen out of the car and up to the rear door of the sprawling red rock dwelling. Helen reaches into her pocket pulling out an old tarnished silver key, as she unlocks the door, one of her Native American friends helps her push on it. The massive door protests and groans with a mournful creak, swinging inward. Musty dank air, like that escaping a long-sealed tomb, washes over the group, who all step back sharply as if in reverence. One of the Native Americans mutters to his companion, House of Spirits!

Stepping into the entry of her dream home, a flood of emotion permeates Helens body; she shivers and reaches out to a wall to steady herself. Mrs. Frye asks her friends to leave her alone now as she starts her journey from room to room. First though, Helen pauses as she pulls out a jeweled cigarette case and lights a cigarette. She draws on the cigarette like an old friend. As she exhales slowly, the blue smoke flows through the house like a foggy mist.

This house looks empty, but its not empty to me. Its filled with all my most precious memories, my hopes and dreams, says Helen with a wisp of a smile. She continues as she whispers to the shadows, I know youre here Jack, but not yet my darling, not yet. Helen takes a moment to gaze around the master bedroom suite. Suddenly, a flashback scene confronts her, overwhelming her senses. She reaches out to grab the log fireplace mantel, steadying herself, while a spectral vision flashes across the room transporting her back in time...

Red Rock vistas of vibrant color unfold around Jack and Helen as they place down markers flagging the corners of the House of Apache Fires building site in 1941 Sedona. They are dressed in western regalia; two saddled stallions graze nearby on the edge of a red rock cliff overlooking a verdant creek. Suddenly, Jack and Helen turn to each other with love and accomplishment in their eyes. The surreal Sedona vista opens up in a massive sunset panorama beyond them. Standing on the edge of the cliff facing west, the two are silent, as they hold hands, both in awe of the view as the golden rays of the setting sun spray out over the pinnacles and spires. Helen exclaims with a grand sweep of her arm, This is our legacy Jack, our life together, this place called Sedona! At that, Jack draws Helen into an embrace and whispers with his Texas drawl, I love you Helen darling, I love you!

The scene fades quickly. Helen, quite overwhelmed, puts her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide. The dreary interior of the House of Apache Fires with its crumbling plaster and empty hallways reappears before her. This house IS truly haunted, Helen exclaims shakily as she continues through a dark corridor to Jacks TWA home office. Helen peeks into the shadowed room with its scenic corner windows. Again, a menagerie of flashback images washes over her, images, which envelop the room.

Helen and Jack, with Howard Hughes are at the Ambassador Hotel Cocoanut Grove Club at Los Angeles. Excitedly they pour over plans for a revolutionary new airliner at a private corner table overshadowed by indoor palm trees. This scene fades, as another appears, filling the void.

Jack and Helen, Harriet Appelwick, their private TWA Hostess, and Howard Hughes ride the grand vistas of the Sedona Ranch. Helen and Jack show their companions the building site and views their new home will enjoy. At sunset, they all ride across the highest bluff of the ranchEagles Nest. Passionately they regale each other about TWA flying round the world after the war. The men have the experience transporting the troops overseas with the Connie. Soon well have our routes and start passenger service, Jack exclaims proudly! Howard smiles in agreement saying, Youre doing a fine job with TWA Jack! We will be the biggest and the best! Helen chimes in confidently, The war-work, darling, just a first step in the scheme of your grand vision! She and Jack both smile warmly at each other, their faces filled with love. For a moment, Helen notices Howard looking at her with lust in his eyes, his heart seemingly filled with envy and desire. Quickly he looks down. Another scene washes over the room.