|
2007 InCider Press Page 3 |
|
September 2007 InCider Press Page 3 |
|
Lines of honorable men without jobs wait for work and/or handouts. Women and children stay at home, hoping for the food that Daddy can bring home. Income – zero; Available funds – none; Main resources – hope and friends. The Depression of the 1930s brought dramatic pain to many people, and dramatic programs to assist them, i.e. the government-generated work programs that created jobs for many, many destitute men and that completed many wonderful construction projects that are still with us today. Some of us have stories of our own families as they struggled through this tough time, and some of us lived it. The songs we have now for CSD (Central States District) choral competition in Kansas City in October, and the songs we will use for the spring show often reflect these hard times Perhaps if I share a bit of my family lore that comes from the Depression Era, some more of our Chorus might share such stories. Have you had a similar reaction as mine to our songs? Each of us would have a different take on them, of course, because we bring our own past experiences and our own personality to the texts. So—here I share some memories: As I learn the words and music about destitute men standing in line, waiting to get some bread for the family, my memories recall my parents’ struggles in the dust bowl of the Oklahoma panhandle and of Southwest Kansas. My Dad had married my Mom in 1929; he had a good job as a high school principal, coach, history teacher and penmanship teacher in little Nashville, Kansas. I was born on my grandparents’ farm in 1930. The next year Dad followed his father and mother by becoming a minister in the Methodist Church. He got his first assignment in the heart of the dust bowl, at Gate, Oklahoma in 1931. My life included a lot of dust, I guess, and no concrete evidence of toys, etc., but pictures show a happy boy. Dad’s salary for two years almost never included cash, but rather in-kind donations, such as food, clothing, etc. Most of the parishioners had no money. But my folks always talked of the joy of working with these people; they enjoyed the support that they shared with each other. The Conference moved them to another small town, with similar conditions. The end of the financial bind according to my child’s view, came in 1938 in their fourth town, Arlington, Kansas as Dad bought a brand new Chevrolet. All of these years of the Depression included many visits to people with hard lives, and these images arise in me as we sing. Of course, each song has its own |
|
message. At first glance, the new songs often seem confusing and possibly uninteresting. After Ken works with us, and we get acquainted with tune and text, they almost always create a strong, sometimes powerful impact on me. The final ugly scene (my interpretation of music and text) of having to demand from a former war buddy a ten-cent handout gets me angry! How about you? ♪ |
|
The songs you are singing have a story. |
|
Terry was a great help in our July chapter events. He, along with Al Roepke and John Trail organized our double VLQ's for singing in our chapter's "northlands" on Sunday July 22nd. Then Terry and Karen were our hosts for a great chapter picnic in their country home and yard, including great decorations. But wait, maybe this award should go to Karen? We know she's also very helpful in all the activities Terry takes on. Thanks for all you both do for us! Bob Swenson, President ♪ |
|
President Bob Swenson presents Terry Nanninga with the Barbershopper of the month award for August. |
|
When Harry Harmony went to the doctor for his yearly physical, his blood pressure was high, his cholesterol was high, he’d gained some weight and he didn't feel so hot. His doctor said that eating right doesn't have to be complicated and it would solve his physical problems. He said, "Just think in colors. Fill your plate with bright colors of greens, yellows, reds, etc." So, He went right home and emptied an entire bag of M&Ms onto a plate, ate them and sure enough, he felt better! |
|
An adventure with Harry Harmony |