Who is Claire McClanahan?

Born to Polly O’Brien and John McClanahan at home in Noon, Mississippi, Claire Ellen was often described by her mother as an age-reversed child – the terrible twos began at birth and got worse through the toddler and elementary school years until she turned 13 and became the ideal daughter. As Miss Polly offered that storyline, careful observers might note that Claire's father tended to purse his lips and gaze at the floor, unwilling to contradict his wife in front of others but barely able to contain his absolute knowledge that their eldest daughter hadn’t changed one whit from the moment of birth to the present.

Young Claire excelled at athletics. She and her Noon High teammates set the state record in the 440 relay that stood for twelve years and dominated the class B basketball scene. Less charitable folks tended to claim the foursome developed their running speed by escaping from sheriff’s deputies and irate peach farmers. Claire’s school performance was considerably less stellar. Moonshine, juke joints, and midnight escapades mix poorly with academics and her high school record was littered with poor grades and notes on the order of, “Needs to apply herself.”

Mississippi University for Women, “The W,” proved a turning point. Free from Mama and Papa’s ineffective tyranny, Claire no longer experienced the urge to party at the edge and discovered the delights of physics and chemistry. Her poor preparation during squandered high school years had to be overcome by intense effort at college. By the end of her sophomore year, Claire set herself a goal of advanced degrees and a career in research. It wasn’t to be. By mid-term of her senior year, school had become boring again. The prospect of additional years of study seemed intolerable and besides, there was a handsome officer at nearby Columbus Air Force Base.

Captain Hugh Swensen wasn’t intimidated by her but neither did he try dominating her. He actually listened when she spoke, a rarity among men. And unique in Claire’s experience, he either understood what she said or asked questions until he did. On a warm May afternoon they made the short drive to Alabama for a same-day marriage and left for a posting in Japan three days later.