The Pianola
Visiting Grammy & Pappy’s house could be a challenge at times. They didn’t have much of a backyard to play in, the house had a tendency to feel gloomy, and the bathroom was up a flight of stairs, often into the darkness.
The best thing was when Grammy decided to open up the pianola! She opened the sliding doors on the front and loaded up a piano roll. Micki and I were responsible for the pumping. I watched in fascination as the roll wound itself from one side to another and the keys responded as if by magic. Sometimes, there were words printed on the roll and we would sing along as they marched by. The living room would be full of aunts and uncles and cousins, all singing.
At some point, Pappy would add a harmonica accompaniment. I would see him sometimes take his hand from the little instrument and sneak it into his pocket. It was some time before I realised he was taking out his false teeth!
We sang Tzena, Tzena, Ramona, My Old Kentuckey Home, By the Light of the Silvery Moon, The Whiffenpoof Song, St James Infirmary and on and on. I loved every minute of it!
I owe a lot to that pianola.
