A piano

When we were raising our group and they attended the local school--Nieman at 67th and Nieman -- we had a carnival every year to raise money. One year the president ran off with the money--we got it back. The men had to take over the offices as the women were upset. Ray was vice president so did programs. He got great programs and one was a teacher from the Kansas City Conservatory of Music. We decided our children should take music. First we needed a piano so we went to Jenkins Music Store. Then we enrolled them. At that time only three were old enough so they all had the same teacher. I don't know if all three still play but know Susan does. I know Sally's daughters both play. As the years went along the teacher quit at the Conservatory so we went to her house. I think the youngest, Scott, even had jazz lessons. After they were married and had children of their own, our piano moved to Lawrence, Ks to Scott's house for his three children. I think they all have pianos now.

When I was growing up the depression was in full swing. Before it hit, my three older relatives took lessons at Washburn College but I had lessons at the grade school at noon one day a week for twenty-five cents. My own parents had a baby grand they had bought from the widow of the doctor who had delivered us. I played a great "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers". I only had one recital and I just sat there and did not play my piece. I had no other recitals. Now I play the harmonica and do a great "Happy Birthday". I think I would run out of wind if I did "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers".