Inquisitive Quest

Gary receiving a vindicating honorable discharge from the army, fulfilling his final military discourse at the Post Out Center.   Glenn Froman was anticipatory, the drummer having borrowed the bass player’s car for the 560 mile drive from Kokomo Indiana to reunite the pianist with the band.  Gary wasn’t surprised to see Glenn walk into the center as he waited on the paperwork to receive his final back pay.  The two beginning their journey, Gary questioning why he was traveling east to Kokomo and not west to California.  His decision to join Glenn and guitarist Jerry Willis in Kokomo Indiana was not decisive, but transitory and the long drive provided an opportunity to give his action more thought.

Darkness having set upon the travelers, a rain beginning, the product of a passing thunderstorm.  the two deciding it would be a good time to halt their journey and find a roadside diner.  Gary mentioning and Glenn receptive to traveling west to California, exploring the possibilities of booking the band.  The roadside pause giving Gary an opportunity to call home, it had been a prolong time since he had talk to his parents and he recognized their probable concern.  His mother was upset, questioning why he wasn’t coming home, the musician conveying  the situation, emphasizing the band traveling to California.  The call concluded, Gary assuring his mom he would be returning.  Glenn asking about the call, Gary relating about their california decision,  now the only question mark was Jerry Willis.

During Gary’s absence, Glenn had taken a giant step, entering into a matrimonial union, the pianist recalling that he had meant June Brewer once before when she was dating Glenn.  Gary listened as Glenn mentioned how Jerry agreed to accompany him and June to Indiana,  transporting June’s horse to his father’s farm and that June was in the later stages of a pregnancy and had moved back home but was currently visiting relatives in Clovis New Mexico.  An arrival in Kokomo, found Gary awakening to the sudden change in his environment,  it was good see Jerry again, the two having shared not only their approach to music but some serious and humorous times.

He was surprised when told Rickenbacker Guitar playing fort sill soldier, Tom Holt, had followed Glenn and Jerry to Indiana and had secured an additional week day gig as a single act playing in a bar.  The discussion turned to traveling to California and the expense of making the trip, Gary mentioning that it wouldn’t be a problem having received his army severance pay.  With their California trip decision made,  Glenn proceeded to see what the two thought about  changing the band’s name,  a group playing at Indiana Beach called the Untouchables had dissolved, going their separate ways, and thought the band name Untouchables would be ideal for them.

Gary reunited with his Wurlitzer Electric Piano, with one night remaining,  the Club date  coming to a conclusion,  the band loading Jerry’s ford, deciding to stop at a diner with a well-lit parking area, able to view the Convertible conveying all the band equipment from inside.  Their meal completed, the three approaching the car,  something seemed amiss, Gary recognizing a dry cleaning laundry package containing white shirts on the ground.  The shirt packages having been placed with others in the convertibles boot covering Jerry’s stowed guitar case with its  pristine black and white Fender Stratocaster.  Taking a closer look,   moving the remaining packages, the guitar was missing. It became was apparent,  someone observed it being put in the convertibles boot at the club,  and in all probability followed them to the restaurant, somehow seizing on an opportunity to steal it.  Jerry placing a call,  law enforcement was notified, there was nothing they could do except take a stolen property report, the situation futile, the guitar irretrievable.   The 877 mile journey to Lawton Oklahoma was scheduled to commence in the morning, but a decision to stay another day was made,  hoping something might turn up, but to no avail,   A sadden Jerry very dishearten,  but remained resolute about the future.

It was a familiar hearth for Gary, the musician arriving in Lawton and Hardy Suggs Music store on D Avenue.   The three travelers greeting the familiar Hardy,  Jerry venturing the question about having a used Fender guitar, to his benediction, Hardy answering in the affirmative.   The guitar not a Stratocaster,  but another fender product that was an ample messenger of music,  a Telecaster.  The Lawton visit providing Gary an opportunity to  call upon Lawton music, the establishment that rendered him his #110 model Wurlitzer electric piano.  the musician in need of the tuned metal reeds that produce the resonating piano sound,  aware that only Wurlitzer distributors stocked them.

Their journey to begin, every available space consumed with storage, preventing the convertible top from raising, giving meaning to a scattered thunderstorm watch on their journey.   Gary having notified his family of the groups embarkation,  being assured of accommodations upon their arrival at his home in Oakland. The journey would encompass well over 1600 miles, with an overnight stop in Clovis New Mexico so Glenn could visit with June,  then a non-stop continuous excursion west.  The enterprising exploit beginning, the Ford incurring the responsibility for success, the front seat of the open air jitney  providing a temporary home for the three Untouchables.

The well-traveled road west

The 1953 Ford with its consignment, Glenn, Jerry and Gary all packaged for delivery,  traveling west from Lawton Oklahoma on Highway #62,  the musicians first stop Amarillo.  Coming into view were the statures silo’s and scattered high-rise building silhouetted against the horizon,  providing a preview to a building performance by the budding West Texas town. A detour was enhanced,  negotiating southwest on Highway #60,  the venturing trio befalling the heritage cow-towns of Hereford,  Bovina,  Texico,  their destination,  Clovis New Mexico and an overnight visit for Glenn to illuminate prospective scenarios for his expectant wife June and himself.

The early morning establishing a Clovis departure,  the Ford providing  passage west on highway  60,  then northwest on 84,  discovering its junction with infamous Route 66.  Continuing on, traversing below the Sandia Mountains entering  metropolitan Albuquerque,  the documented highway 66 still entertained its path thru the center of town,  the new Route 66 soon to be interstate 40, its city bypass still under construction.   The westward road plotting its course on the scenic  New Mexico plateau,  the occupants of the Ford having to maintain a weather vigil, unable to protract the convertibles top.  On the horizon, omnibus rain clouds dotting the sunlit vault,  threatening a cascade curtain of condensation,  but yet had made a presence to intersect the postured roadway.

The celebrated expanse of landscape, it’s  bellowing raised islands of rapture giving form to the mesa’s of the high plains plateau in the distance..    Approaching Gallup, a small community located in the center of the 27,000 sq. acre Navajo Nation,  the horizon showcasing a darken brume of a towing thunderhead threatening their path with a  possible deluge from the sky.  Good fortune enter town was bestowed,  a  A&W Drive-In  providing shielding cover for the undressed convertible, the delay enabling an early lunch for the three wayfarers.  Gary noting that all of the town was located south of the railroad tracks, commenting that Gallup appears to be a one side of the tracks town.

Traveling thru Winslow Arizona, the marauders continuing the uphill journey reaching the mile high citadel of Flagstaff, stopping for fuel and then a downhill slalom through the celestial ponderosa pines that blanketed the omniscient mountains, the Ford  journeying down from this enduring ambiance, its next projection  Kingman Arizona.    The throes of Kingman in the rear view mirror, a border crossing,   a hesitation for the Arizona-California state line inspection station.   Into the cauldron depth of  Needles California and the upcoming Mojave desert, its barren boundaries  stretching to Barstow.

The hour registered late afternoon,  a brief stop for fuel and a suggested six-pack of beer for the three to consume on the Needles to Barstow Mojave run.   The first indication of something being aberrant  was the appearance of desert water bags decorating the hood-ornaments of the oncoming cartage.   The surroundings giving way to insipid landscape frequented with desert bloom,  cacti and chaparral yucca,  a wonder to some,  but desolate to others.    Jerry was mindful of the engine temperature as the Ford continued to cruise Route 66,  the overhead sun basking the  wind-driven rays on the uncovered musician seated in the front seat.  the threesome, unaware of the ultra violet radiation consuming them.

The small town didn’t broadcast its name,  but the injured ones in the convertible found refuge in the air-conditioned diner.  The sunburn that permeated their appearance gave notice of the pain.   Gary concluding,  the combination of wind, sun and possibly the beer may have been the culprits responsible for their exposed now scorched facial  parchment.    After inquiring at the lone retail convenience establishment  adorning this wide-spot in the road,  the only available remedy to provide some solace was  a bottle of Jergen’s hand lotion.  The fragrance of the Jergens permeated the occupants, but the unrelenting discomfort continued serving notice,  never to venture thru the desert without covering.

Darkness having descended when the quandary travels became a talent of change,  their perception of the road was different, the three noticing the headlight illumination on the road appeared  dimmer.   The Ford projecting both an amp gauge as well as a generator light,  and it was then noticed a faint flickering glow from the dash light,  then finally it energized,  a steady red warning glow proclaiming its presence.  Continuing on Highway 58 toward Bakersfield,  the three realized the audacious consequences with a generator failure and as they continued,  their expectations of finding a solution was  wane.

Visibility was approaching inadequacy,  a decision to continue or stop was in mid discussion when miraculously a service station with garage appeared,  and even more astounding,  it was alight with patrons.  Disembarking,  explaining their plight,  finding the proprietary help only able to assist with a phone call,  expressing the nearest parts emporium would be closed,  and not available until morning.   Inside the open garage,  an individual was concluding activity on his transportation, having just replaced generator parts in his car.   Gary and Glenn addressed the garage work bench discovering old remnants from generator repair work, again approaching the attendant inquiring about them.  The attendant relating that they were remains of past work,  and in all probability were of no use.  After a brief discussion the two musicians deciding they might as well pull the Fords generator and at least give it a visual once over.

Rising the Fords hood, Glenn  removing the generator,  the two examining the brushes,  rotor and armature, Gary having been here before in high school auto shop,  finding the latter looking suspiciously damaged,  the armatures wiring looking parched.  On the bench amongst other parts was a similar looking armature, the two began to scrutinize whether it was any value not knowing its condition or even if it would fit.   Arrested with no meter to validate armature continuity, the two armatures appeared to look identical,  Gary suggested that it was worth a try, as they weren’t going anywhere anyway and once installed it would provide a yea or nay test of success.  Fate or luck, either was acceptable, later the hours before dawn finding Glenn navigating the Ford northwest,  the yea or nay generator test a resounding yea.   The ceasing of motion stirring a slumbering Gary and Jerry,  Glenn halting at the side of the road, a silent agreement,  a short recess for dormancy was in order before continuing on.

The morning dawn bringing the final leg of their quest, Jerry maneuvering the Ford maneuvering from Bakersfield heading north to Fresno on Highway 99,  the  long journey soon to end.  Once past Modesto,  Gary directing him to take the Tracy turn off, the wayfarers  soon traversing the wind-driven Altamont Pass and the Livermore Valley.  Passing the Dublin Canyon Road turnoff, cresting the rise looking towards the horizon  and the Oakland san Francisco bay area.  The three untouchables venturing into an uncharted west coast music arena

The Ford convertible,  jaded from its sprint of traversing mountainous palisades and decumbent plateaus,  enduring searing temperatures and component failure,  finally achieving a placard of recognition at Gary’s parents’ house on Greenly Drive in Oakland.  The itinerant musicians fulfilling a 25 hundred mile quest from Indiana,  adding  a new chapter to a musical score entitled, California.  Over a year having transpired since Gary’s last return home, an air of  the past remained, recollections, the experiences,  and memories of youthful endeavors,  his boyhood home still commanding an atmosphere from its anointed past.

Unloading the Ford of its melodious burden,  the three comrades would domicile in Gary’s old room,   the downstairs apartment with its private entrance, his parents welcoming Jerry and Glenn with an acceptance equating family.  The travelers ready for an intermezzo, a time to reflect and chronicle an itinerary, to survey the location of local entertainment facilities and make an assessment of their employment possibilities.

The music trio discovering an unexpected dilemma,  California was an organized labor union state.  For a musician or musical group to conference or audition for employment required membership in the American Federation of Musicians, an affiliate of the AF of L,   with its approximately 100 member national and international unions retaining jurisdiction over a craft,  and full autonomy of their own affairs, gaining the right to bargain collectively for wages, benefits, hours, and working conditions.

Gary and Glenn finding upon closer examination, all services, including bartenders,  waitresses, delivery services,  involving a public entertainment facility in the San Francisco Bay Area embraced mandatory union membership.  An inquiry to musicians union  Local 6 in San Francisco, found that union membership for non-residents including first quarter dues would equate to $185 dollars per member.   The Trio was taken aback with this precipitous cost prohibitive disclosure, aspirations beginning to ebb,  with their diminishing funds a solution was not readily conceivable.

Perseverance,  resolution prevailed, Gary was not without supposition, advancing a prospective solution,  a telephone call to his aunt Loretta in San Francisco presenting the bands obstacle.  The phone call to his Aunt enabling the nephew to present the bands financial predicament and the possibility of financing of their union membership with the promise of repayment

The three musicians arriving in San Francisco at her Steiner St. address, Gary recalling the last time he was there was after his uncle Dino had passed and he was in high school.  His aunt letting him use his uncle’s Cadillac for school, but it was short lived as the Cadillac Fleetwood was deemed property of the estate and would have to remain in storage until settlement.  Concluding their brief stay,  Gary’s Aunt counting out six one hundred dollar bills, with a smile adding not to worry about paying it back. Gary always believed his aunt Lori was special, now she was esteemed, the musicians extending their gratitude, Gary not so much for the monetary capital but for her confidence in their endeavor.

The 53 Ford convertible once again burden with instruments parlayed across the scenic Bay Bridge, taking the ninth street exit,  entering the Tenderloin District of San Francisco achieving their destination at 230 Jones St., an edifice constructed in 1924 and home to the American Federation of  Musicians,  Local #6.   Entering the reception area of  the august building, finding two others prospective members seated,  the three inductees receiving application forms and upon completing the calligraphic aspects were asked to remain seated until called upon.

Gary noticing that one of the waiting individuals entered a large open accommodation room, removed a violin from its case and commenced to perform.   The second  seated person rising, accompanied by a representative to another adjoining area, with sheet music in hand seated himself at a  piano invoking the composition.  After a brief wait,  a union representative approached the remaining three, cordially addressing them about retrieving their instruments from the car,  then questioning whether they  preferred to apply as a group or individuals.  The decision was forthwith, it would be a group effort, the three hastily setting up the instruments, the official observer remaining  present, the Untouchables rendering a version of Yellow Bird, an acknowledged new instrumental hit by Arthur Lyman.  The official nodding his approval, the association with the union was confirmed,  with their payment, the Untouchables were now card carrying union members of San Francisco’s American Federation of Musicians, Local 6.

Approaching the bay bridge,  the Untouchables in an animate mood, one of confidence and attainment, now possessing the credentials to prospect for fame and fortune in the world of california entertainment.   The convertible beginning its traverse across the top deck of the premier span,  the view enabling the returning homespun musician,  to evoke memories of the past.  Their return to Greenly Drive, the group now accredited and licensing to venture into the land of musical opportunity, researching the bay-area periodicals.  Glenn and Gary finding many  perpetuating entertainment established venues with their prospective business hours and locations.   A decision being made to constrain their initial pursuance to the East-Bay rather than San Francisco, realizing they were strangers in a strange land,  but concluding that assertiveness,  cultivates discovery.

The band having secured their license from the Union to solicit for employment and were ready to sample the live music opportunities that the East Bay had to offer.  A decision being made it would be best to do their booking enquiries thru the week , accepting Gary’s parents weekend invitation to journey to pioneer, a Serra-Nevada Mountain way-stop  on highway 88 thru Kit Carson Pass.  Their property  still in the construction stage,  it’s colloquialism designation,  a cabin,  but in reality a future two bedroom small retirement home.   The purpose of the trip being to convey building materials for the ongoing project.

During Gary’s military service,  his dad having purchased an additional pick-up truck,  a quarter ton 1948 Chevrolet,  giving retirement status to the families 4 speed responsive 40 Chevy.   Setting about,  his parents occupying the piloting seat,   the three wayfaring  musicians occupying the pickup bed like steerage passengers, seated among the amassed construction  material.   Traversing thru the Livermore Valley,  it was soon discovered that the 1948 transports performance was struggling,  vacillating with hesitations.  Gary’s father finally halting its progress, diagnosing a fuel pump problem, and accordingly turning about, nursing the pickup back to Oakland before the fuel pump inadequacy caused a standstill.

The cargo transferred to the old responsive 4 speed 40 Chevrolet,  the group once again resuming their travel,  bound for the Sierras.  The three cohorts thankful that the building material in the back of the pickup,  providing some protection from the onrushing wind.  Leaving the stifling calamity of the San Joaquin Valley,  turning east on highway 88,  that venture east thru Kit Carson Pass to Nevada.   The rolling acclivity of the foothills becoming prevalent,  Gary pointing out to the California newcomers, the hillside mine tailings,  their residue giving notice of past excavation for the accolade of precious metals, gold.

The stage stop town of pioneer having remained.  a timeless remnant of the past  coming into view,   the encompassing travelers turning north, onto buckhorn ridge road, the last blacktop, a gravel and dirt trek for the remained of their journey.   the pickup making itself down the final dirt lane,  still very much familiar, Gary affronting the recollections of youth, the prospect of adventurer no longer the precursor of record, but still a viable memory.

Disembarking, viewing the raising walls predicated the sub floor, proclaiming a beginning credence to its oracle, a signature of accomplishment addressing the cabin structure.   The visitors more than willing to assist the elder Willson in the fabricating task at hand, their labor a welcoming  addition to the com plex, but Gary awaiting opportunity,  having another calendared event readied for activation.  The night in the forest laden environment was enshrouded in darkness, save the hue, and shadows cast by the pitted bellowing flames of the bond fire,  a much remember tradition from Gary’s past, its essence surrounded by a captive family.  The morning bringing an undertaking to corral the clandestine results of their fruition.   once accomplished, allowing the applauded help, time to begin a quest of promontory discovery,  a search for the hidden remains of past gold excavations.

The three explorers outfitted with a flashlight venturing down a path from Gary’s youth,  past the families natural water source, a spring discovered years ago still flowing from the track laden abandon mine.  Traveling deeper on the zoological trail with its tree enshrouded  canopy seeking signs of the vigilant mounds of mine tailings, remnants of past excavations.  Eureka!  A discovery of a pine needle covered mound leading from a draw, a positive sign of excavation.  With further investigation, behind the concealing brush the remains of a mine entrance, and from its appearance its ground level opening could be access from a prone position.   A closer examination found a steep sloping incline, Gary well aware of the possible danger of vertical shafts of twenty feet and deeper, having stumbled upon them in his youthful discovery era.  Knowing from experience, a first discovery would accelerate Jerry and Glenn’s enthusiasm just as his exuberant was vaulted in the past, noting that it was often ensued during haste and that inventiveness sometimes would preclude precaution.

An approach was conceived to ascertain the entrance could be breached and what lay beyond the entrance.  It was devised that Jerry would enter laying on his stomach breaching the entrance slowly lowering himself into the subterranean abyss, Gary would follow holding his legs and following suite, Glenn holding Gary’s extremities.  Jerry could then determine whether this was just an exploratory hole or the entrance to a once workable mine.  The results from Jerry’s observation were  discouraging,  if it was once an entrance the tunneling was no longer viable, having been sealed decades ago.  It was only after the abortive attempt did Jerry mention a concern about being first into the darken abyss,  the possibility of rattlesnakes.

The exploration continued with two other findings, both relics of the past with a non-attainable entrances and no certainty of opulence, but with the act of  discovery, Gary achieved introducing his friends to his youthful days and the sharing of the past.   The returning transit to the bay area was a non-event, the 22-year-old  Chevy still a reliable highway performer,  the returning  musicians once back in Oakland still hopeful of a discovery,  not a gold mine from the past, but a mother lode on the bandstand.

The three musicians began their forage for employment, but soon a sense of ambivalence was beginning to prevail,  the bay-area clubs hosting live music were mostly cataloged by music designation, country, blues, jazz, rock, Latin,    very few catering to a versatile band with a total inclusive repertoire.  A survey of several eastbay clubs distinguishing,  most were four piece bands with the basic two guitars, bass and drums, or if a five piece group,  an added instrument depending on the genre of the music.  Gary conjecturing it would be ambiguous to try and dislodge an acknowledged  country or top forty band with a confirmed cortege of followers,   but a struggling club might be open to a new musical venue.

It always made good business sense to have one individual represent the band,  as lounge and club managers preferred negotiating with a display of  leadership rather than a consensual group.  The Untouchable discovering two Eastbay  opportunities in Oakland presenting themselves,  the first in the 3200 block of East 14th Street,  and the second in the 94oo block on MacArthur Boulevard, both clubs laboring with four piece bands.

Jerry’s Ford once again journeying across the Bay Bridge,  the band members venturing to a downtown business district lounge on San Francisco’s Sutter Street.  The establishment was acknowledged to Sylvio Tognazzi,  Gary’s little known cousin by marriage, the son of his Aunt Loretta’s deceased husband Dino by his first marriage. His Aunt having ventured that the band might inquire with her stepson Sylvio, as his nightclub sometime frequented live entertainment.  Entering the club, the band discovering an interesting concept,  a small raised performing platform behind the bar,  a provisional area for entertainment.   A congealed  conversion with Silvio,  disclosing the club had provided entertainment during the busy afternoon and early evening hours in the past,  but by single or duo performers.  Gary thanking his cousin,   it was obvious the raised platform behind the bar lacked the stead to accommodate the band.

Returning to Oakland, Glenn readying his rehearsed trump card,  the  overall sound of five instruments, the club only having to compensate three musicians making up the  band,  the 2 Eastbay associations showing a definite interest.  An audition presentation for the East 14th Street  and MacArthur Boulevard clubs was in the makings,  but the band deciding to forgo the East 14th  club with its shot-gun bar, make-shift stage, and definite lack of atmosphere.    Audition for the MacArthur Boulevard lounge,  known as The Elbow Room was at `10 a.m.,  a time chosen to prevent disclosure of managements desire for a change from the current Latin band.

The Elbow Rooms street appearance was presentable,   the club having a luxurious mirrored bar on the south, the bandstand and dance floor on the west and able to seat 75 in a carpeted,  well decor atmosphere.  The band setting up on the dance floor to audition, Gary having mixed feelings about auditioning with the other bands equipment still on the bandstand,  and presumably unaware that they might soon be replaced.  It was confirmed The Untouchables would start the following Tuesday on an open-ended contract for five nights a week.

The Union contractual agreement signed by the club management that was filed with Local #6 of the musician union in reality didn’t correlate with the actual agreed upon terms.  The union contract imposing the union wage plus calling for an additional stipend amount if the band supplied a piano, a P.A. System and to compensate for the Band Leader position,  the Untouchables meeting this criteria.  Management offering a take it or leave lessor wage if they wanted the job, the owner advancing what he referred to as  a  ‘common practice clause’  in lowering the amount the band would receive,  asserting it was adherent of all the clubs in the Bay Area.  The union setting the contractual demands beyond what management would pay, even though a band was required to sign a receipt for the Union contract amount, Gary acknowledging a better term for the ‘common practice clause’ it was called  ‘kickback’.

The last time Gary ventured to the memorable  Lake Chabot golf course was in high school, the recollection of Hank Ball and him caddying on weekends and the many after school tee  offs indelibly etched in his memory.   Glenn and Jerry having never been exposed to the eighteen holes of challenge,  their expertise was limited to an entertaining past time called miniature golf, but this would soon change.   The three traveling to the  60018 yard par  72 course that opened in 1923, a five dollar rental fee provided a golf bag of used clubs enabling them to charge the fairways and hole the greens.

The scenic hill course a wonder, the feel of the clubs once again bringing back an awareness to the chapters of past events that had transpired.  Gary was absolute about one thing with introducing his friends to golf and to Chabot, its monstrous  673yard,  par 6,  18th hole, something that every golfer would remember, even these two novice’s.  Gary wasn’t at all surprised that once Glenn and Jerry experienced only what a golfer can, they would be hooked.

It was the unexpected of the expected.  Glenn’s wife June giving birth to a daughter named Kim and was in Lawton.  Glenn without hesitation making a decision to return by bus.   The club management somewhat unhappy about the short notice, but also the decline of the other bands regular following with the  change of music venue.  With Glenn’s departure, Gary was in a state of limbo, it was decision time, he could remain and return to the past, or venture on the uncharted highway of tomorrow.

The Twilight Zone episode coming to life

The 53 Ford was laden with the band equipment and the clock having started for Jerry and Gary’s 1600 mile trek to Oklahoma.  Gary’s view of his East Oakland hills childhood home on Greenly Drive was in recession,  the landmark hillside mass extracted by the Gallagher and Burk quarry and the edifice of Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, a station for 6000 during WWII extirpating the advancing dysphoria that comes with goodbyes.  His brief return enabled a search for congruity, to establish an imprint rather than to absorb and reflect on the caliber of  his surroundings, but giving thought to his flight as an  opportunity or a prospective but still questionable and with his departure the chronicles would  remain as written.

     The black 53 Ford Convertible peregrinating southeast on mountain boulevard to McArthur boulevard,  then eastward  on US 50,  the voyage just beginning.  Upon entering  Castro Valley an immediate complication,  a dashboard blinking red light once again appearing,  serving  notice of a generator in distress.   A sense of day ja view  beginning to prevail,  it was the same problem experienced on the bands trip west.   After a brief discussion,  the two musicians concluding that it was better to  resolve the problem now while in the civilized world,  rather than later in the middle of the Mojave  desert.   Exiting the highway into metro Castro Valley,  the search for an automotive repair  facility coming to a conclusion,  and with the installation of  a rebuilt generator,  the two stalwarts once again resuming the ambiguous journey,  Oklahoma their ambition,  uncertainty a destination.  With highway 50 merging with 99 north to Sacramento, the ford traveling south on 99 to Bakersfield, and the junction of 58 to Barstow.

      Inaugurating 58, they passed a hitchhiker adorning a denim jacket, possessing a small suitcase satchel. Gary recalling, and mentioning to Jerry his thumbing days at Fort Ord,  and the unforgettable experience of an eighteen wheeler auto transport rig stopping for him and a soldier buddy named  Steward, being asked where they were headed and wanted off,  then told the cars were unlocked, realizing there wasn’t room for both of them in the cab. They rode from San Jose to Oakland in an upper trailer level new ford.  Continuing on, the two still keeping a watchful eye on the dash,  a lingering doubt still remained but confidence was prevailing,  the generator was behaving normally.  Hopefully this trip across the arid Mojave expanse to Barstow and beyond should go without incident.  Unlike their first encounter and the summer desert heat, unable to put the convertible top up because of a hastily storage arrangement.  This time the enclosed transport provided a more convening environment.    Oklahoma their ambition,  uncertainty a destination.

     Neither Jerry or Gary having bequeath the weather a single thought,  residency in the bay area tends to make a person circumvent weather extremes,  especially in October,  but approaching  Flagstaff,  the temperature began dropping and a powdery light snow began to fall.  Jerry having a concern about antifreeze, noting that the Ford was devoid of the weather accommodating substance.   The two deciding on a brief stop to eat and gas up at a truck stop in Flagstaff,  questioning about the weather, the local attendant reassuring them that this early season powder would not hamper their travel.

   The attendant was right, exiting town the snow ceased,  the Ford procuring its downhill eastward  journey,  and with their descent the sun once again proclaimed itself.  It was leaving Winslow that the two once again encountered an elapsed  hitchhiker in a denim jacket with a small satchel,  both commenting that this was the second time they had passed this person.  Gary having thoughts about a 1960 twilight zone episode, the Hitch-Hiker,  only it was Inger Stevens appraising the same hitchhiker several time during her travels.   The Californian mentioning the scenario to Jerry, both laughing, but it was agreed  upon,  if the traveler appears again, they would stop and accord his plight.

   It was leaving Albuquerque, the two  in the Ford professing an upcoming truck-stop, noticing a person wearing a denim jacket and carrying a small suitcase satchel standing, thumb extending facing the oncoming traffic, it was the phantom traveler.   Without hesitation,  Jerry pulled the Ford to the side of the road,  the hitch-hiker approaching, thanking them, introducing himself saying he was traveling to Shamrock Texas.  When questioned about his thumbing conveyances, he related it was the big rigs that provided his rides, which answered the question of seeing more than once,.\ but to the two travelers in the ford,  the twilight zone still remained ominous.

   The wayfarers of the highway arriving in Lawton,  fulfilling thirty-two hours of travel since leaving Oakland, their Castro Valley generator replacement stop included, the two weary travelers ready for a brief hibernation.   Glenn having rented the two bedroom side of a duplex for the couple and their new addition, mentioning to the west coast arrivals,  it could serve as a temporary reside pending getting their own  accommodation.  Glenn was true to his word, giving assurance, having booked them for the coming weekend.  Gary discerned it would take time for the group to reach a status of ascendancy,  but by renewing the initiative and collating their individual virtuosity, wonders could be accomplished,  and the untouchables would be ready to take on the competitive challenge.

The Medicine Park Hotel

    Upon the bands return to Oklahoma, the Untouchables experiencing a lapse in full time booking opportunities, the American Legion, VFW, Am Vets, Elks and Moose Lodge were available, but all were weekend engagements,  additional efficacious bookings required delving into uncharted quarters.  Gary, Jerry and Glenn paying a visit to Medicine Park named after the Medicine Creek which flows through the center of town. The settlement was established on land purchased by John Elmer Thomas, a future U S  representative and senator in 1908, who envisioned a resort community to utilize the pure medicinal qualities of  medicine creek, which were well known by the plains Indian residents. Thomas naming the constabulary the Medicine Park Summer Resort and Health Spa.

    The prospective musicians visiting the operators of the Medicine Park Hotel, The hotel, a defunct cobblestone and wood placard at the entrance to the 60,000 acre Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge.  The three story structure being completed in 1915, the fifty room hotel featuring a ball room annex, the focus of social activities in the 1920’s and 30’s.  The nearby Wildlife Refuge and Lake Lawtonka attracting thousands of people each weekend and throughout the seasons.

    Medicine Park having become the “playground” for the state’s rich, famous and notorious.  Outlaws and horse thieves mixed with noted politicians and businessmen, soldiers and officers from Fort Sill, families, and the socialites established in the new cobblestone community.  the town’s colorful history filled with such figures as Will Rogers, Wiley Post,  Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd.    Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys became entertainment regulars  from 1929 through the late 1930s, with  numerous other famous bands of the day who made their way through Medicine Park in route to big city venues in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Fort Worth.  Thru the years  the town and resort blossomed,  having upwards of 200,000 visitors annually , but after world war 2,  the hotel like the rest of Medicine Park, languished and moldered.

    On a given weekend upwards of over 400 patrons would endowed a dollar to enter the hotel portals,  dancing and quenching their thirst for music and the amenities. The bands preparation included  acquiring printed hand bills, distributing them in the commercial parking areas of Lawton and outlying areas to broadcast their upcoming appearance.  The Medicine Park location, with its proximity to the wildlife refuge was secluded but still accessible to the local constabulary and the thousands stationed at Fort Sill.   The results of their visit, the two making a cover charge percentage agreement, the band providing a weekend musical interlude. The weekend found the cover charge gratuity far exceeding expectations from a large diverse attendance.

    The night life possibilities of Altus was still a viable prospect, the town being representative of most military towns, the band having performed at the nonmilitary affiliated Colony Club, and Gary and Jerry  at the Pink Elephant with the Rhythm Tamers.   The band approaching the base NCO and Officers Clubs about bookings, discovering they were contracted months in advance and essentially used onpost groups, and with the VFW and America Legion remaining  mainstay engagements for Friday and Saturday nights.  Gary questioned whether it was the clubs  prominent music, or the clubs augmented game room that solicited the crowded weekend customers.   Inside the VFW, positioned at the entrance to the clubs game room was seated an uniformed deputy  in full regalia  representing the Jackson County sheriff department, inside, lining the walls,  the much sought after Las Vegas style slot machines.

    The musicians were on the road again,  the band was traversing to Chattanooga Oklahoma,  26 miles southwest of Lawton.   This small community of five hundred was hosting their annual fall barbecue and rodeo.   Don, “red-eye”  Kinder,  a benefactor of Troy Elledge,  and the disbanded Rhythm Tamers,  having contacted the Untouchables to replace the defunct Tamers.  the band to perform at the late afternoon rodeo, and barbecue event,  followed by an evening moonlight dance.   The band setting up on a flatbed trailer adjoining the erected rodeo circuit arena,  to address the gathered array with several appropriate country songs.  Don Kinder presiding as the public address announcer for the rodeo event,  beginning with a welcoming announcement to all in attendance, naming the dignitaries responsible for this annual showcase occurrence.

    It was the final announcement that froze Glenn, Gary and Jerry.  over the public address system came a proclamation   “would you all please stand as the band plays our national anthem”.  The two musicians looking at each other with a surprised expression,  never having been ask to play the national anthem.   Gary taking stock of the situation,  telling Glenn to play a continuous drum roll,  looking at Jerry,  saying, “the key of C,  redeye don kinder making a satisfying novice vocal attempt.   The bands Chattanooga rodeo national anthem  experience,  something to be remembered.

    Glenn was struggling with his home life, and Jerry was seeing more of Frederick, having left the rental house he and Gary had shared.  Gary too having wandered, spending more time with Raydell Hennessy, better known as Jackie, the two having  reacquainted from meeting over a year ago.  Jackie introducing the pianist to her mother and young son from a prior marriage,  the relationship having its ups and downs, but without a clear vision of a future, and not speculating.

    It was inevitable,  the bands bookings having become repetitious, innovation was at a standstill ,   Gary becoming solace in thought,  his world becoming an enclosure.  Having vacated the apartment,  as a necessity,  Jackie imposing on her estranged father Ray Carpenter for a place he could stay until other arrangements could be made.    Realizing a diversity of circumstances with the apparent paresis of the band,  the questionable relationships with Jackie,  immobilized  without transportation,  Gary’s  meaningful life was in checkmate, both professional and    personal,   the torpidity of prospect issuing him a summons,   return to California.

The decision to return to California having been made.  Prior to his departure, Gary arrested his Wurlitzer electric piano to serve a sentence within the confines of a pawn brokerage establishment,  finding it necessary to capitalize on a  financial disbursement for its confinement.   Acquainting Glenn that he would forward the piano’s bail after accessing his destination, a decision as to its disposition to be made at that time.   The sudden advent of departure was of no consternation, the concerns addressing the band finding an impetuous attitude and a loss of focus was evident, Gary reasoned,  disappointment was inherit.

The Greyhound Scenicruiser adhering to its post at the Bus Station at 2nd and C  in Lawton,  waiting for the traveling cortege to board, its ambition Oakland California.   Gary seated in the confines of the darken bus as it accepted the highway, not the conveyance of choice or expediency,  but opportunity,  the passenger indecisive in thought, endeavoring for perspective,  but objectivity still at a lost.   Awakening from his slumber as the Greyhound entered the small town of Pecos Texas,   halting its progression giving pause for the passengers to stretch their legs.

The traveler disembarking,  the name Pecos ringing a bell, then remembering as a 7 or 8 year old,  the stories of Pecos Bill.  According to legend, a toddler named Bill fell off a wagon heading west and was raised by coyotes on the Pecos river and is responsible for creating many landmarks, including the Rio Grande River and Painted desert.  It was told he and his horse got stranded in the desert and needed water.  Pecos grabbed a stick and dug the Rio Grande,  and  on one occasion,  coming  upon a tribe of hostile Indians, deciding to shoot his gun,  and as they ran away,  the paint they had on,  came off and painted the desert.  He also was known to lasso clouds and cyclones, and dynamite was his favor food.  Welcome to Pecos Bill country.

Gary deciding to journey towards the downtown section of this once preeminent railroad town, a mainstay stop between Fort Worth and El Paso,  Gary imbuing the predawn cleansing air,  clearing the blemished atmosphere of the coach from his lungs.   Once again addressing the diminutive  station, discovering he had  subsequently let too much time wander,  his scheduled scenicruiser having departed.   The stationmaster was quick to satisfy the situation, unbelievably  relating, another bus to Oakland would  arrive within the hour.

Regrouping from the perplexity of his miscalculation the abject musician boarded his supplemental transport continuing the venture to Oakland.   Seated at the rear of the conveyance dozing thru the predawn hours  waking to view the mesquite and sage brush span of southwest Texas.  Striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler, the new acquaintance mentioning it would be a time consuming journey to Oakland,  this Greyhound wasn’t an Express,  it’s was traveling to Oakland via,  El Paso, Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angles, then  north to the Bay-area.  Gary doing a quick calculation, with stops included,  in all probability it would be another 24 hours before reaching Oakland.

It was during the morning stop in El Paso, the fellow traveler, an elderly merchant mariner traveling to board ship in Oakland, made a hoisting suggestion that Gary concurred with, briefly exiting the bus.   Resuming their travel, listening to the mariner discoursed his occupational adventures of the high-seas, the musician exchanging anecdotes of his experiences,  the two entertaining a bottle of orange flavored Russian fortitude, better known as vodka, to lessen the affliction of their travel.

It was early evening when the Greyhound coach dropped anchor in Oakland,  depositing the  weary recent advents.  Gary placing a phone call and with arrival of the 56 Plymouth,  Father and son relinquished the downtown bus terminal, the two stopping  before accessing the Greenly Drive residence,  Gary and his dad according a cocktail lounge not as father and son but commencing a conversation with glass in hand as two friends united, an acknowledgement never before experienced.

Gary was home less than a week when a phone call painted a new picture.  The call was from Troy Elledge,  presenting the argument that he was needed and should  return to Oklahoma.   Don “Red Eye” Kinder,  farmer,  benefactor, promoter of Troy and his old band the Rythm Tamers,  offering to finance his return, wiring him the money and also would obtain the pawn ticket from Glenn to retrieve  the Wurlitzer Electric from its captivity.   Gary curious to the reason for this sudden interest, Troy disclosing that Kinder was going to finance a recording session with him on the west coast, and was going to include the band.

The musician questioning the vicariousness of the conversation,   once again a paradox riveting his essence of resolve having just returned home.  His past departures from the family having embolden a sense of solitaire,  feeling somewhat estrange from his kindred contingency, and this trying dilemma conveying his decry of autonomy.  Gary searching for a logical reason to reject the Oklahoma offer, aware that there was but one identity capable of issuing a discordant to his returning to Oklahoma,  he waited for it to surface, but to his wonder his parents remained silent.

Entering Oklahoma City

Gary having returned to Oklahoma from California,  ,  spending less than a week in Oakland.  The journeys, a  3200 mile roundtrip vacillating experience, accomplishing nothing  but a promise of  asseveration.   Rythm Tamer Troy Elledge wanting to assemble a band for a west-coast recording session.  Promoter,  Don  Red Eye Kinder offering to render the cost if Gary would return to Lawton,  including the retrieval of his  Wurlitzer electric Piano from the brokerage firm.    The three musicians,  Glenn Jerry and Gary looking forward to meeting with Don and Troy to plan rehearsals and time frame for traveling to the west-coast for the session.

The band members patiently waiting with promise and expectation, but silence.     band member Jerry Willis deciding to return to Frederick to inquire about Don and Troy,  discovering Don, his wife Martha  and Troy had already embarked for the west coast.  Gary was somewhat surprised especially after the expense for his return,  but  more disappointed at a lost opportunity for the band to expand its expertise to a new forum.  It was then an  anomalous Glenn came to life,  proposing the exploration of Oklahoma City,  having come to realize,  Lawton and southwest Oklahoma was a dead-end road.  the Untouchables were ready for a change,  and the  possibility of relocating to the commodious city might open the door to a host of bookings.  The band relinquishing the idea of hearing from Don and Troy, and with Oklahoma City  distinguished as the largest area city in the nation.   so might the array of opportunities be the largest in the nation

The band journeyed north from Lawton on Highway 62 on a Friday, brushing the small farming communities before traversing into Chickashay, a more than one stoplight town.   followed by the settlements of Blanchard, Newcastle,    and the notifying marker,  “Entering  Oklahoma City”, which was conveniently placed ten-miles before reaching the first signs of civilization.   The city limits entrance location giving validity to the statement  “the nation’s largest city.

Highway 62 merging with Newcastle Road,  then then joining  southwest 29th street, a southern crosstown access east to Interstate 35.   The band but a few blocks into Oklahoma City proper, discovering opportunity at their initial inquiry,  happening upon a sign advertising live entertainment at the Airline Motel, on southwest 29th.   The band negotiating a two night booking starting that night,  including a complimentary room.  The patrons of the club being an added benefit, more than happy to provide a wealth of information, providing the names of a substantial number of clubs that booked live entertainment,  the newly arrivals amazed at the prospects. .

The Untouchables discovering that unlike the loosely enforced liquor laws at the so-called private clubs of southwest Oklahoma, Oklahoma City presented a venue of its own.  State law dictated that wine and hard liquor could not be sold at lounges,  bars, clubs or any establishment except a liquor store.   What could be sold were the setups,  ice, soft drinks, water, and of course 3.2 beer.   To entertain this service for liquor, the facility was required to have a private club license and customers were required to register as members or sign in as a guest,  and as such, would provide their own bottled liquor which the club would conveniently label with the customer’s name.  The entrance door to most of the reputable clubs, in most cases were locked.

The entrance door to most of the reputable clubs, in most cases were locked.  To enter the establishment one would activate  a door buzzer and it would either be answered by a club employee or buzzed in from the bar.  The other options was,  if a membership had been attained, a key would be issued to the member allowing access to the door and they became known as  Key Clubs.   Non-member customers were closely scrutinized, the club management always vigilant for the ABC Board (Alcohol Beverage Control Board),  because it was common practice for the clubs to provide over the counter illegal sales from what was discretely  referred to as house bottles. .

The Untouchables finding  Oklahoma City night-life very accommodating ,  the city having no restriction on dancing,  the private clubs all non-union,  contracts verbal for the most part, with payment in cash and more important, regular house bands were for the most part non-existent.  The commodious City was virtually a gold mine of musical opportunity, with over 20 private clubs sponsoring live entertainment,  not including the nationally known service organizations, or the likes of the exclusive Petroleum or Oklahoma City Golf & country club.  It was not uncommon for a band working five nights a week to find the group performing Thursday at one club,  Tuesday & Wednesday at another,  and a Friday & Saturday for a third engagement.

The city night-life encompassed a variety of music genre, the Untouchables repertoire spanning everything from 1930′ pop standards, 50’s top ten classic to the rhythm & blues and the rock n roll  sound of the day.  The five instrument sounding trio able to compete with a five piece band instrument wise, also having an advantage price wise and another factor was the band not only took pride in their music arrangements but also in their appearance,  dressing smartly in suit & tie.

The initial booking leading to others,  the three musicians acquiring a sparsely furnished rental house behind  the Horseshoe club on southwest 28th and Kentucky.   The rental house’s location and price seeming ideal,  but the musicians soon finding the reason it was so readily available during their first nights of occupancy.  The band returning from the club their first night to their rental, tuning on of the lights in the darken abode, spotlighting an agglomeration of unexpected hosts.  The house was crawling with cockroaches, the floor seemed in transit with the scurrying dwellers, well sheltered and concealed by day, but rising to the podium at night.

Gary having never experience roaches before, and the first reaction was to immediately part company as it appeared they were outnumbered.  Cooler heads prevailed, deciding to find a chemical solution, Gary and Jerry making  a trip to a local open convenience store explaining the situation, but finding no remedy,  asking about available options.   The store  attendant conjecturing,  there was a 24 hour drug store downtown that might provide a product for relief.   A foray downtown to the corner of Sheridan and Broadway, the skid row section of town, the two inquiring about something that would exterminate roaches, the attendant pointing out the only available product,  Harris Roach Powder.

Returning to the rental,  an abundant supply of blue colored boric acid roach powder was distributed throughout  and the musicians awaited the results, the three deciding to resume a search for a suitable rental.  In the meantime,  every night the uninvited occupants with their blue powder covering would abandon their concealment and proudly display their colorful selves.   A commodious performance,  for a commodious location.

Oklahoma City proving to be complementary,  the Untouchables fostered an entourage that insured the commission of engagements.   The financial countenance being minimal,  but enabling two members of the musical  escapade,  Gary and Jerry,  in developing a savings curriculum,  Glenn  being the exception,  a good portion of his income consumed by his frequent visits to Lawton and his family.

A farewell to the blue roach rental, the three discovering a residence  on sSouth Barnes street, the owners having converted part of their home into a small  two room rental with stove, small refrigerator and  separate street entrance.   The band’s newfound lodging providing  a suitable shelter, an adequate station for meals and a restful night’s lodging,  but its size was somewhat claustrophobic and lacked any privacy for after work entertaining.  The rule of thumb unless prior notification was given,  if the light is on and the door is locked,  knock three times,  then return in twenty minutes.  It was soon discovering the knocking rule was never needed as the musicians were normally the recipient of  an invitation.

The accumulation in a savings account empowering Gary to fulfill a long desired aspiration, the acquisition of a car.   southwest 29th Street was a main east – west thoroughfare on the south side,  connecting with  U S  77 and Interstate 35    on the east side of  the City.   Many of Oklahoma Cities pre-owned car enterprises finding this roadway very profitable with many  locations.  Once having accumulated a sufficient amount of funds, Jerry supplying the transportation, the Pianist began a car shopping endeavor,  discovering his long desired avidity for a certain genus on the used car lot,  a 1954 Oldsmobile Convertible.

A certain stature evolves with the purchase of your first automobile,  a perception of liberation,  knowing you are the publisher of your purpose and have the capability to pursue your quest.   The  remembrance from his early teen years surfacing again, the recollection of Mountain Boulevard, the fragrance of the mowed hay with its damp moist aura,  the open air carriage bathed by a moonlit effervesce, all associated when cruising after work at the signal station in Ted Riley’s  1950 Olds convertible. The airings of the convertible conveyed a license of deliverance,  but the vivacity of ownership began to wane in proportion to the automotive number of faults that soon materialized from purchasing an inexpensive used car.

The presence of reality never wanes, a bargain is not always a bargain,  the new auto owner discovering that brake master cylinders do cost.  Driving down Classen Boulevard, he impinged the brake pedal in anticipation of stopping, the pedal depressing to the floorboard with no effect,  but finally managing a  successful stop.  Upon examination, ascertained brake fluid present on the firewall below the master cylinder,  a good indication of the problem.   After refilling the cylinder, Gary progressed to Brotherton’s Garage on southwest 29th and Agnew.  He was acquainted with  Hap and Ronnie Brotherton,  both members of the Oklahoma Stock Car Racing Association’s board of directors,  who in the past commissioned a performance by the Untouchables at their awards banquet.  Ron replacing the master cylinder, offering some professional automotive advice to the musician, “trade it.”

Glenn needing to make a trip to Lawton, requesting Gary to follow his Plymouth Station Wagon to his wife’s families residence where June was staying, the drummer ceding his car to June to for the coming week.  Upon completion of the task the two exiting the town, the pianist noticing a two-tone white and Flamingo Pink swept fin 1957 DeSoto decorating the lot of a pre-owned car emporium and without hesitation pulled into the small used car lot.  The dealer approaching the two, Gary making an  inquiring  about the DeSoto’s  vendibility,  noting that it lacked any  posted sale markings.   The dealers explaining  it was a recent trade-in and it was yet to be serviced or detailed for a sale.

There was no question in the pianist mind that he would be leaving in the Desoto even though he found it difficult to breach the bond with his first means of transportation,  but acumen precludes affinity,  remembering the advice of Ron Brotherton.   Gary never one to barter asking up front what it would take with the Olds as a trade in.   The dealer allowing $250 as a trade-in, the amount Gary had given for the Olds, the dealer accepting the trade-in as a down-payment with a $450 balance,  no cash changing hands.  Gary and the finance company now the proud owners of 1957 Desoto Fireflite,  air-conditioned two door hardtop,  with a 341 cubic inch,  345 horsepower,  four barrel carburetor endowed engine with a pushbutton automatic transmission.

With the advent of  his luxurious transportation,  a realm of independence presented a new order of social activity, the element of nocturnal associations was always available in the realm of musical endeavors.   Gary presenting an interest having meant a striking lady employed with the FAA named Sue Mason.   Sue being the mother  of a  young son, making Gary aware of reality,  indulging in a very cautious relationships not eager or prepared for a resolute commitment.   Jerry too was also allocating more of his time with a newly found complement and with Glenn’s commuting to Lawton,  an air of independence began to surface with the more  limited use of their two bedroom rental.

Jerry deciding to no longer reside in the two room rental,  the guitar players relationship with Darlene Phillips and her family of three having escalated and was on the road to a serious commitment.  Unable to advocate the financial burden, Gary deciding to look for suitable quarters elsewhere visiting with an acquaintance  W. E. Curry,  a realtor with rental property, the two having meant at the Horseshoe Club.  W.E.  disclosing he had a room vacancy in his edifice at SW 33rd &  S. May Ave.   The office structure in reality was built as a residence, the entrée and living room having been converted into his reality office,  the two adjoining bedrooms were rental rooms with kitchen privileges.   The accommodations and the monthly rent was more than satisfactory, Gary taking W.E. up on his offer,  discovering the other bedroom was leased to  Tinker Air Force Base employee who also just  happened to own a 1957 DeSoto.

Gary would frequent the Horseshoe Club even though the bands subscriptive employment was  for two nights a week,  the owners Ross and Virginia Miller approaching him as a friend and the Musician having been acquainted with their daughter Barbara.   The Horseshoe’s private club clientele function like an association,  Jay, the affable bartender,  W.E.,  the realtor,  Eldon Dumas,  the electrical contractor, and employees of  the Federal Aviation Agency,  Tinker Air Force Base,  all with a common denominator, cordiality.

Late afternoons would often finding Gary conversing with a prospective nocturnal audience participant and on this occasion visiting with a Tinker Air force Base employee, making the acquaintance of  Helen Street.  Helen, a very cordial older lady accentuating her daughter as single young lady about the same age as Gary.  The amiable lady painting an engrossing narrative to the Musician,  the anecdotes provoking an interest, Gary very much intrigued, especially having never meant anyone name Kermece.