History forgets how often our neighbors were involved in shaping it, even in small ways. During the 18 months that Brig. Gen. George Marshall commanded the U.S. Army’s Vancouver Barracks, Clark County residents were in daily contact with him and his wife, Katherine. Through their sharing of oral histories, we can learn more about the Marshalls. These oral histories contain details about their lives biographers usually have yet to discover.
Theddora Morrow’s connection came through her job working in the home of Marshall’s financial officer. The general visited every Thursday and sometimes on other weekdays. She recalls learning to make Crêpes Suzette, and Marshall claimed she made them just like the French. Mrs. Marshall often called on Theddora when she needed extra help serving and Theddora recalled receiving a “thank you” note from her.
She remembered the general had a “fiery Irish temper.” Theddora recollects in her oral history seeing Marshall “chew down a guy at 20 paces, and he made mincemeat out of him.” At the time, her temper was equally hot. Marshall advised her to make her temper work for her by redirecting it toward her duties and only losing it when she could benefit from it.
Theddora also remembers the general’s horse, which she claimed stood tall at 17 hands. Marshall rode every morning. She made friends with the grooms in the horse barn, who taught her to ride military style.
