It was a cakewalk
Folks who use the term, "It was a cakewalk," probably never attended one. Back in 1948 when the young reporter fresh from KU joined the staff of this newspaper one of his first assignments was a cakewalk.
That's not to be confused with "easy chore" but an actual cakewalk. They were commonplace in rural communities back then. And cakewalks were good clean fun.
The reporter was introduced to Keith Kelsey, Ron Kieferle, and Max Dunn. A talented group, they provided down home music for the cakewalk held in Wren School (now the attractive home of Mr. and Mrs. George Waner).
Max, Keith, and Ron provided the music and the young reporter got acquainted. It was his first social event in a new career.
That was more than 55 years ago. Today a New Mexico newspaper story tells of Max Dunn providing much appreciated volunteer music for senior centers in the area. He's still at it.
Max and his wife, Betty, provide music of the World War II era. There's some country western, some gospel, and a lot of big band songs which the senior citizens enjoy.
They bring their music to several senior centers on a regular basis. Max also provides a bit of friendly chatter. Those who know him, realize his talent in that field.
He is a self-taught musician who grew up on the family farm south of Marion County Lake. He provided music not only for cakewalks, but also for weddings, funerals, and community programs.
After moving to Emporia, where he was a successful insurance agent for 25 years, Max remembered his roots, often returning to Marion County to entertain friends at the nursing homes and senior centers.
He and his high school sweetheart, Betty Tiemeier, went their separate ways. She and her late husband had been in the newspaper business in the southwest. After his death, Betty and Max met again at Las Cruces and were quietly married. Together they continue to play for old folks and she volunteers to help those with vision problems.
They played their 275th show on Christmas Day and were awarded an attractive certificate of recognition by the mayor of the City of Las Cruces.
Your Ol' Editor not only remembers Max, but also Betty. They went with George Helmer and his date one night, in George's new Chevy, to Herington for a movie.
But that was long ago and life has been a cakewalk ever since.
— BILL MEYER
