While doing research for last week's column about Ellie Norris and George McGovern, I learned that three precious pieces of history have been located at the McCook Public Power District office.

The historical finds are reels of 16-millimeter film showing: 1. Bob Manley interviewing Mrs. Norris shortly before her death in 1972; and 2. Two reels of a public television program which featured an hour-long profile of George W. Norris. The program stars Tom Bosley of "Happy Days" fame, who portrayed Sen. Norris.

Mike Roe, engineering manager for McCook Public Pow-er, found the reels while going through the files in the MPPD vault. The inventory was necessary be-cause items from the old vault were moved out during construction, and had to be placed back in storage after the new vault was completed.

Unfortunately, the old technology does not do justice to the historic importance of the interview of Ellie Norris. Duane Tappe, the site manager of the Norris Home, said the film images are grainy and the recorded voices are gravelly.

But, there is hope the film can be salvaged. Tappe has forwarded the reels of 16 mm film to Linda Hein, the former site manager of the Norris Home who now lives in Lincoln. Their hope is that the film can be converted to video, with garble in the audio portion edited out.

If that can be accomplished, a showing of the 1970s interview will be arranged. That will be a treat for the public, as it will give them a chance to meet one of McCook's leading ladies. Ellie Leonard and George Norris were married in 1903, the same year he embarked on a 40-year career in the U.S. House and Senate.

Sen. Norris passed away in 1944. Mrs. Norris lived on for 28 more years, quietly and graciously honoring the life of her late husband, who gained nationwide recognition as "The Gentle Knight of Progressive Ideals."

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Justin Haag, who was a member of the Gazette news staff for several years, e-mailed me after reading the column about Ellie Norris and George McGovern. The column caught Justin's attention because earlier this year he met with McGovern. The occasion was a speech which McGovern delivered at Chadron State College, where Justin now serves as communication coordinator.

"I now know how McGovern must have felt when he met with Mrs. Norris," Justin wrote. "I felt just as tongue-tied when I met McGovern. He has aged considerably, but is still sharp as a tack."

McGovern, 83, recently underwent pacemaker surgery.

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The column also brought back memories for Phillys Lyons, who was a friend and admirer of Mrs. Norris. "She was lovely, thoughtful and informed up to the moment of her death."

Mrs. Lyons remembers 1972 well because she was among six candidates for Nebraska's Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate that year. She did not win the nomination, but the campaign was a memorable experience.

Among Mrs. Lyons' memories is traveling with McGovern's campaign train. "He thought Mrs. Norris had passed away, but I let him know she was alive, living at Hillcrest Nursing Home and very alert and willing to receive visitors."

The memories about Mrs. Norris continue to flow. Hopefully, the 16 mm film can be converted, and we can get another glimpse of this special lady.