Random Thoughts: Piano brings back memories
I am reading a book that really brings back memories. It is written by Dr. Ken Ohm and he has taught in colleges for 36 years. He is a Kansan and writes in such a delightful way about his experiences growing up on a farm. His description of attending the one-room country school is just priceless. He even tells about holding up one finger when he needed to go to the outdoors outhouse. Do you remember that? The book is named, "Spatzies and Brass BBs." If you want to know what Spatzies are I guess you will have to read the book.
The picture of the Hannaford grand piano in the Marion County Record reminds me of some stories I was told about it. The first Roger Hannaford was very religious and he would only allow hymns to be played on it, so all the young people in Marion County he gathered around it for a singing bee obeyed his rule.
I used to picture it placed in the large entrance front room of the Elgin Hotel. Wouldn't that have been impressive?
When it was left in my hands, I could find no one in the family who wanted it so I decided it should go to the museum. I am glad it is there.
I remember my dad bought one just like it at some farm sale. It sat in our living room. My mother played it some and my sisters and I played paper dolls under it. I wonder where it is now? I know we didn't move it to our home in El Dorado.
— NORMA HANNAFORD
