Renee, Are you kin to Ralph? You Live in MI?
Yes sir. My Daddy is one of many that didn't want to die a coalminer. His Daddy moved them from Clinch, to Harlan, to Rosehill then lastly, to Middlesboro, KY. My Dad packed us up and headed north. The car made it past Ohio <grin> and he became quite a successful "mountain boy" in the car industry. (it's a standing joke that Buckeye's cars didn't quite make it to the Motor City). .... i said it was a joke. <grins> Now, we're a southern bred Ford Motor family awaiting retirement so we can 'go back home'. My Dad is getting older and his memory (and stories) are getting difficult for him to pull out. I heard "many" stories growing up. Even about Ralph, and especially Carter. I do know I'm from Ralph's Dads side, my Daddy said his Grandpaw and Ralph's Grandpaw are one in the same. (I'd have to pull out the Family Bible to get names, and I think I'll do that). He remembers hearing Ralph, Carter (very young) and many other family members play the "banjers" outside of my Grandaddy's house after he tuned them. (or was that just an excuse to chase bear tracks and play music) <grins> My Grandpa, Lonnie Stanley, had one of the first banjo's in the Cumberland area ... he had made it himself out of his Mother's washboard, pet cat, etc. when he was a boy. My Grandma, Sarah Etta Coombs Stanley, didn't 'allow' music instruments in her house. Nor many of the men that came around for Pappaw Stanley to "tune" their banjers. My Dad says the sound that echoed out of that banjo was awesome. A music store, here in Michigan, 'lost' the banjo about a decade ago. We're working on recovering it. Not an easy task, but I believe of all the things we have that belong in a Museum, that special Banjo should be one of them. Some things *Can Not Be Replaced.* I *still* will be proud of my heritage regardless of any bitter spurnment. I work hard with my hands. My callouses say "Stanley Strength" all over them. And so does my attitude. Possibly, after hearing the story on Lucy, FL's second wife, it may be "mountain strength" that comes out of me also. I know my Maternal Grandmother, Daisy Ford Hill, was a corker too. I'm a hardworking spirited gal with what my Mom calls "the Stanleys Ways". (shrugs) I guess thats why I don't take no guff off of nobody also. Oh ... and I'm redheaded. <grins & giggles> Renee' Stanley 'Southern' Michigan Bluegrass Bulletin Board brought to you by the fan club of Dr Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys subscribe or unsubscribe at http://drralphstanley.com/
