Tag Archives: Dad

Dad’s tiny harmonica

Family, Memories, Music, ,

When I was a kid the top drawer of my dad’s dresser was off-limits. That didn’t mean I never looked in the drawer. In fact, whenever I had the house to myself I would open the drawer and check out the contents. There were things I didn’t understand until later like a potholder set with male and female reproductive areas depicted, including fake fur that represented pubic hair. There was also an envelope that contained photos of a nude woman — these are pretty mild in today’s world. Classic, even.

There were two musical instruments. One was a Jaw harp (my dad called it a “Jew’s harp” but I always heard “Juice harp”) that I was not allowed to play because it could knock out a tooth, according to my mom. My dad would play it now and then, I think he was probably pretty good at it. The other musical instrument was a Pee Wee Harmonica. He would play that too, and I know he was good at it. I gave him a full-sized harmonica for Christmas one year and he played that for us. He was always appreciative of our compliments, I can remember his smile after playing.

I don’t think I ever really looked at the printing on the side of the Pee Wee harmonica, but it says it was made in Occupied Japan. Dad was in the Navy from 1948 to 1951 so it makes sense that he got this during that time since the Smithsonian American History website lists the date these were manufactured as 1945 to 1951.

It has a little circular hook to attach to a keychain, but I’ve been meaning to clean the Pee Wee Harmonica up and put it on a chain to wear as a necklace but never got around to it. Maybe today is the day.

What’s in Your Wallet? — Dad

Family, Memories, Things, ,

I made a similar post about things in my Mom’s wallet about a year and a half ago. Here are some from my Dad’s wallet. These were probably what was in his wallet when he died.

Dad’s Social Security Card — I was shocked to see that his middle name is Manvill here. I always thought it was Manuel
BC/BS Card
Credit card from now defunct Joseph Spiess Company– an Elgin institution for decades
Medicare Card
Last drivers license

Mom and Dad’s Wedding Announcement

Family, People, , ,

The editor must have been on vacation because 1) my dad did not actually take my mother’s last name and, 2) the word bride’ in the last sentence is missing an s after the apostrophe.

Patrick-Green Nuptials Read

The marriage of Miss Patricia Ann Green, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Green of 501 Raymond St., and Elvin M. Patrick, son of Mr. And Mrs. Frank Patrick of Hampshire, was solemnized Saturday afternoon, Sept. 4, at 4 o’clock in the First Methodist church at Hampshire, the Rev. Albert Ihne officiating.

The couple’s only attendants were Miss Barbara Grissom of Elgin and Donald Donahey of Gary Ind. A prelude of organ music was played by Mrs. Ihne. The bride was given away by her father. Guests witnessing the ceremony were members of the immediate family.

After a honeymoon at the Dells of Wisconsin Mr. and Mrs. Green will reside with the bride’ parents until their apartment is ready.