In the mid-1970's Harvey and Marion Roehl visited New Zealand and
stayed briefly in Christchurch. The collector who had arranged to
meet them and take them to dinner was unable to do so, so the late
Pam Rogers and I stepped into the breach.
The evening went well but what I remember best is asking Harvey how
to pronounce his surname as I had not heard it spoken. He seemed
surprised that I would not know and answered, "Oh, Rail."
When I in turn expressed surprise he asked, "Do you get the "Peanuts"
comic strip in New Zealand?" "Yes, we do."
"Then you'll know the character Shrayder." As I had assumed the
character name Schroeder was pronounced "ShrOHder" the conversation
with Harvey cleared up a bit of cross-cultural confusion.
Best wishes from
Gavin East
Lincoln, New Zealand
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