Harry the drummer

(1980 memoirs)
Before I leave off telling you about boys I knew at school, I'll have to tell you about one more, Harry.  He was a small person, a drummer in a school band that played in the gym at least once a week for after-supper dances.  I would walk back to school alone after supper and sit out quite a bit as he was busy.  Sometimes he'd get someone to play for him and we'd dance.  I never really cared for him very much, to tell the truth.

I as in Mice

(1980 memoirs)
Irma married James Harbridge, built a house in Fond du Lac.  He died not long ago and she lives there, often visiting one of her two daughters.  I went with her brother Leonard for a while, a wonder at the piano.

Unused organ

(1980 memoirs)
Next [in Frankie's living room] came the organ, which I don't believe she ever mastered.  [It was to be the one heirloom that her grand-nephew wanted.]

Dancing

(1980 memoirs)
When Tommy (Doris) Tucker [later Hamley] and I danced a little in the living room, Frankie did come in and say we'd have to stop because the floor was "too weak to stand it."  [She may have been right; even in the 1920s it was a very old house, probably built in the 1860s.]

Victrola

(1980 memoirs)
I must have come to live with Frankie for four years, while I got my college degree, in 1922.  Now that I am old myself and used to being alone, I marvel at her charity and goodness for having me around.  Of course I was kin.  I was Frank's girl, and she knew my people, and that made a difference.  But tho I know I loved her from the start, I know now I did many many things that must have upset her very much, and many that she suffered in silence.  In the first place, I had a very small "victrola" with cheap records (jazz).  What fortitude it took to listen to that - and never a word of complaint.

Martha's song

Only song Grandma Martha Parsons sang:  "The north wind doth blow, / And soon we'll have snow, / And WHAT will the Robin do then? / Poor thing.  / He'll sit by the barn / And keep himself warm / And HIDE his head  under his wing.  /  Poor thing."

Dance hall

(1992 Memoirs)
when I was staying with Aunt Olga in Oconto, there was a dance hall two houses from her (on Main Street) and I would go there with a girl friend about my age and dance.  Not waltzes -- perhaps a one-step.  I do not remember how the music was provided or what it was.

Long hair

(1968 December 1)
Cannot imagine you a Beatle fan.  You have something (I don't like) in common tho.  Haven't you?

Auditorium remake

(1968 Februry 3)
Friday spent nearly all day abed and took pills and was OK to go to opera at night.  The Auditorium has been painted pale blue.  All the gold cupids and trim done over.  New furnace.  Red covers on seat backs.  Red carpet.  It was "La Boheme" in Italian from Wis. U. and very well done.  There were two sets - actually painted on each side.  The interior of attic became outside of tavern.  I was intrigued.

Chorus line

(1993 December)
Yesterday a long row of girls, about a dozen, came in my room after being introduced and permission granted.  The leader said, "We are a bunch of girls who likes to get together.  I am from Ithaca."  The large girl in the center gave the tone, and all sang Xmas songs, very lovely.  Also one day kindergartners.

Sing-along?

(1992 December 11)

The cooking here is excellent - one thing. Ruth Williams came one afternoon and Jan always. I lay down for a little nap after dinner, and 3 people came in to see if Iwere ill or if I would come to a Sing-Along.

Georgette

(1992 November 16)

How am I? Well, far from good. I think I'd describe it as weak. "I eat, I drink, but not as I should" - taken from an old song, "Georgette, Georgette, why can't you be good.?"

Lost lyrics

(1991 near Thanksgiving)

Jan asked for poem "Over the River and Thru the Woods," I told Bill, and he got Jean to zerox it from a book. Admirable!

Beggar's Opera

(1991 January 22)

Do you have a copy of John Gay's "Beggar's Opera"? I am anxious to read it; I don't think it is really an opera (sung) - do you? So often quoted. I promise to returnit quickly.

Nickelodeon

(1991 January 22)

I have an idea that might please Dorothy. I'll enclose a dollar which you will change to nickels. Tell her you will hide a nickel every day in the room the piano is in, which she may hunt for after she finishes practicing. Tell her it is just for fun. Places to look might be under the sheet music, under a corner of a rug - no place where she might break a vase or such. If she doesn't like it, just quit and buy stamps with the remainder.

Epateuse

(1991 January)

I was glad I decided to go to the concert as my headache went off. The pianist wore an off shoulder red gown on which seemed to be red Xmas tree lights which twinkled. Showy for the provinces, I thot.

Jeeves

(1990 December 3)

Sunday night I waited for Jeeves, and it was 10:30 on account of the drive for money. I was so tired I could hardly enjoy it. So late. Almost worth it to hear the opening music - so familiar I sometimes get up and do a few steps.

Bastille Day

(1989 July 14)

It seems to be the 200th anniversary of French Independence, asI hear bursts of the Marseillaise on the radio. I used to sing this in French but no more.

Wagner

(1989 April 22)

Did you listen to The Ring today? I think the lectures are as good as the music. When he came to the part saying even Wagner didn't know what it meant, I gave up! I like to think about it tho.

Pastorized

(1989 October 7)

Sunday. Home from church. Talking to friends I find many do not care for the present man. He is not episcopal enough. In the morning "calendar" he has himself referred to as Pastor Culver. Poor ignorant guy. Some are staying home. But he has established a Sunday School and a 4-piece choir.