The Hayden Family in 1950's. Mom was the heart of the home and the glue, director, planner and chief disciplinarian. Dad was the provider, WWII Navy veteran, family CEO, prime example, teacher, musician, master mechanic, and head of all kinds of inspiration. He could do anything, and we ran hard to keep up with him. Dale (now retired, and on the left), expert rifleman and hunter, was a much loved high school math teacher. Ron (on the right also retired) was an Medaled Air Force Pilot and Industrial Engineer, and has retired to a Post Office in Ohio. The squirt in the front and center is me, Roger. He's retired, sort of, or maybe just tired. Our growing up was of the best kind America could offer.
Here's how the big old family upright piano came to our Pennsylvania farmhouse.
Uncle Bob bought it at an auction for $5. He turned to my Dad and said, "Do you want this piano? I already have two." He then turned to our neighbor Carl and asked, "Can I borrow $5.00?" And Dad took the piano home. I was six, Dad showed me a couple tunes on the keys, and the playing and learning has never stopped.
Here's how the big old family upright piano came to our Pennsylvania farmhouse.
Uncle Bob bought it at an auction for $5. He turned to my Dad and said, "Do you want this piano? I already have two." He then turned to our neighbor Carl and asked, "Can I borrow $5.00?" And Dad took the piano home. I was six, Dad showed me a couple tunes on the keys, and the playing and learning has never stopped.