One summer evening in 1940, Dad, Mom and us kids were sitting on the porch, when a small flat-bed truck pulled up into the yard and backed right up to the porch. It turned out to be a friend of Dad's, and he had a piano on the truck. After the hellos were over, the man uncovered the piano, sat down and started playing. He was very good at it, and pealed off one tune after another. He stopped momentarily and told Dad what he wanted for it. Dad said he didn't have the money.

Without a word, he started playing again. Then again he stopped and repeated the price. Dad again said he did not have the money. Again, just as if he had not heard Dad, he started playing again.

After a few more tunes he stopped and said that he could take trades, like livestock or farm produce. Dad started laughing and he went back to playing.

This tug of war went on for some time, and after dark, Dad and the man came to an agreement. I never knew what Dad gave for the piano, but I remember well how they put in in the house. It was a big upright, and was very heavy

That piano was played by many friends and relatives, but none of us kids ever learned how to use it. I think Dad must have been disappointed