Dear Joe,
At Christmas 1949, when I was four-and-a half years old
and my brother Peter was two-and-a-half (and when government
was not yet regulating "choking
hazards") we each received one of these Butterfly harmonicas as a stocking
stuffer. Made in "occupied Japan," it typifies her export technology
at that time, an image it took Japan the next 30 years to change in America's
minds. Actually the craftsmanship is quite good considering the purpose for
which it was made, and it still plays (in the key of C).
Before many days had passed, Peter lost his harmonica under the bed where it
was soon eaten and digested by my grandmother's Hoover upright vacuum cleaner.
However mine survived and soon afterward was transformed into a Christmas ornament
-- perhaps as a defensive measure so adults wouldn't have to listen to it being
played. So for the past 55 years that's been its function -- not exactly an existence
that builds self-esteem in a self-respecting instrument.
Looking at it this year I finally realized it might be happier and more fully
realized and appreciated if it were resettled in the home of a true harmonica
aficionado. Not knowing many other mouth-organeers, you, mostly by default, became
the logical choice to become its new guardian. Consider it partial repayment
for the life-saving cup of coffee you so generously supplied me Monday morning
at Thomas Point.
I envision ways you might use it -- it could remain a tree ornament,
it could become part of your novelty instrument collection (something
we all seem to end
up with sooner or later) and /or you could have fun playing it in jam sessions.
If it's something you don’t want, you could probably sell it on eBay
for an absurd price, or take it to the PBS antiques roadshow for an unrealistically
high appraisal, or you could simply feed it to your vacuum cleaner so it can
rejoin Peter's instrument in harmonica heaven.
In any case, here it is. It's now yours -- all eight notes of it. Enjoy!
Best regards,
John Sparrow
|
