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MARILYN MONROE WAS A BORO FAN - 11-2-08
Louis Spence
In 1962 whilst taking a break from her acting career, Marilyn Monroe came to Middlesbrough Football Club to watch Alan Peacock, Boro's handsome centre forward. She had seen his photograph in the London Evening Standard and liked what she saw.
When informed that Manchester United, Arsenal, Spurs and Aston Villa were more glamorous options she replied: "Gentlemen prefer blondes and he sure looks like a gentleman to me."
Arriving at Ayresome Park she was recognised and let through for free by turnstile operator Arthur Snodgrass. Smiling demurely, she invited him to join her in the Holgate End once he had closed his kiosk. Having skimmed a few quid, Arthur thus arrived with an Oxo and a Newboulds Pie for the famous film star.
Standing behind the goal, Miss Monroe took one bite of the pie, grimaced, and shouted "Catch this you palooka" before successfully hurling it at the back of the away keeper's head. Hurriedly escorting her from the ground, Arthur invited her back to his home in nearby Jedburgh Street.
On arriving back Arthur quickly slipped his younger sister Doris a couple of quid to "go to the pictures" leaving the house to himself and his celebrated guest.
Doris, now 72, takes up the story.
"When I got back Marilyn had gone. Arthur looked worn out but very happy. It was a cold night so he loaned her his beloved Boro bobble hat that I had knitted for him. In return, she had given him some item of clothing, Arthur never did say what. They arranged to return each others items within the month, which Arthur did.
"One month later we were watching the news on our new Pye 12" TV when Marilyn came on screen singing "Happy Birthday" to the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Arthur's eyes lit up when he saw her again.
"It seemed only a few weeks after that when we heard of her tragic death.
"Our Arthur went all quiet then sighed, saying there was some things you would love forever and you would never get over. He was never the same after that and a year later he died.
Of a broken heart.
He had really loved that Boro bobble hat... he missed it terribly."
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