I do not remember seeing the Star Trek episode that Andy Taylor
mentioned in 110520 MMDigest. However as a teenager in Temple City,
Calif., we lived two doors away from Gene Roddenberry who was, at that
time, a deputy sheriff in Temple City and I would mow his lawn on
Saturday mornings.
In 1955, much to my parents anguish and concern, I spent my "saved for
college" money ($500) to buy a player piano that had been for sale in
a local music shop. All was mostly forgiven while the piano resided in
my parents home as it quickly became the center of most family parties,
with sing-a-longs to the what seemed like incredibly hilarious lyrics
to the many song rolls I had by then acquired.
Gene Roddenberry came over several times to view and hear my piano and,
as I was by then attending Chouinard Art Institute studying "film art,"
Gene, who by this time was getting into his television career, told me
if I ever needed help to let him know. I wonder if his visits to my
player piano could have influenced the Star Trek episode mentioned.
I still have that piano. Having been restored once since buying it,
it is now on loan to my neighbor as a practice piano for their eldest
son while he decides if he really wants to continue his studies on the
piano.
Thanks, MMD is the "Greatest!"
Cecil Dover
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