Noel
I had thought about it when I (Noel) was in High School, but after two separated shoulders, knee injuries, etc., I decided that I would just play flag football in college. But after two years of flag football, I decided it was the teams that made it more like tackle football than flag football. So I might just as well as put on pads and played regular football. That is what I did my last two years at Dana. Of course, it was not without more injuries. Muscle tear in my hip, blood clot, separated shoulder, but I kept right on playing except when I had the blood clot I had to sit out a game. The fun part of playing football my last two years was that a cousin played at Dana, which gave us two years together. Sports were a big part of my life. I played football, basketball, and baseball in high school and would go to the conference track meet.
I (Noel) played the bass drum in the band. Our director came to me and asked if I could play the bass drum. I decided that shouldn’t be hard, but I found out you had better be on the ball and keep the tempo where it should be. Had fun doing it. Since mom was in the band and we got to be together that one year.
I (Noel) had an old Plymouth car. When my sister and brother came to Dana my Junior year, we had to share the car. I used it way more than the rest. At one time, I was able to get a 1958 Chevrolet, black and white, but that may have been after I graduated.
Ruby
As far as sports, I only took Physical Education Classes and played what the college offered. This gave me a little variety of various sports. My love was really music….from about the age of 12, I was called on to play for our various elementary school programs. I loved when friends would gather around the piano and sing patriotic and fun songs while I played. I took organ lessons at a young age and began playing the organ in church when I was in the 7th grade. It was a pleasure to lead our little congregation in praise and worship. I would always have to prepare a prelude before the service, then play the traditional hymns. I remember that my piano lessons cost fifty cents per lesson, and then when I took organ lessons, it was five dollars per lesson. I felt terrible that my parents had to pay that amount. I guess it has paid off, though, as through the years in college, I would accompany soloists and, at times, the choir….even the Danish Folk Dancers.
While in college, I would accompany our vocal teacher as she gave lessons to her students. I also joined the band and played the saxophone. It was especially interesting my freshman year when Noel joined the band and played bass drum…we had much enjoyment looking and smiling at each other. These musical experiences prepared me to help our congregations when they needed a pianist or organist. I have played for many weddings and funerals.
I started giving piano lessons in our home for many years when the boys were small. At one time, I had twenty-five students. Piano duets with my good friend were a highlight of many of our church services. All I did early in life prepared me for how God wanted to use me later in life. I am thankful I could be used as Noel’s “partner” in ministry through music. I did not have a car but always found a ride when I needed to go someplace. Of course, when Noel and I began to date, he was my convenient transportation. He never turned me down.
