Kankakee, IL – In March 1963, four Illinois women achieved what seemed impossible: each was dealt a perfect hand in a bridge game. The odds of such a feat stand at 1 in 2,235,197,406,895,368,301,559—making this one of the rarest documented moments in bridge history.
The women, Mrs. Harry Lehman, Mrs. Lester E. Wagner, Mrs. Albert T. Sellers, and Mrs. Gordon Hay, were members of a local Kankakee bridge club. What began as an ordinary game night transformed into a national sensation, bringing these Illinois women unexpected fame and curiosity from far beyond their community.
Their accomplishment quickly caught the attention of producers at CBS’s popular TV show, “I’ve Got a Secret,” hosted by Garry Moore. The show, known for revealing quirky and unbelievable stories, invited the four women to New York City. Millions of Americans tuned in to hear about the Kankakee players who beat septillion-to-one odds, captivated by how an everyday game led to a statistical miracle.
During the show, the women shared details of their extraordinary hands, which made bridge enthusiasts across the nation marvel. The Kankakee women’s poise and charm on national television endeared them to viewers, cementing their place as small-town icons who experienced a brush with fame.
After their TV appearance, the women returned to Kankakee as local celebrities. Community leaders organized a luncheon in their honor at the Kankakee Holiday Inn, where friends, family, and fans celebrated their achievement and newfound renown. This event became a cherished moment in Kankakee’s history, inspiring pride throughout the town.
Their story continues to be a testament to the power of the unexpected, reminding us that remarkable events can arise in the most unassuming places. The Kankakee bridge club’s improbable game from 1963 still resonates, capturing the spirit of small-town America and the joy that comes when ordinary people achieve the extraordinary.
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