Marti, Ping & Kinky, Aug. 1957?

14-year-old Marti plays the piano in the family room, while Ping (left) and Kinky sit rapt. "This was in the southwest corner of the family room added in 1957," Uncle David says. "The piano was made by the Cable-Nelson company and had a simple-but-elegant design and high-gloss finish. (I asked the parental units to let me have piano lessons, but Fran was certain I should become an internationally renowned violin superstar.) The paneling on the walls had a beautiful tan veneer of African mahogany from French West Africa. I kept a couple of scraps that had "Made in French West Africa" on the back for years. In front is the delightfully gaudy candlestick Aunt Sally gave to Fran & Elmer; I hope you or one of your siblings have it. To the right of the candlestick is my "Flagonet," a cheap aluminum and plastic wind instrument named after the flageolet..." (continued in comments)