Time to remember

Perhaps age has crept into their lives and they might not be able to dance like they used to, but residents of Copper Hills House can still recall the days of yore and they smile when remembering the music of their youth and the happier times.

And, if they could "go back" in time, they distinctly remember the happier years.

A few recently gathered in the lobby of the assisted living facility to reminisce about music and the past. They will be among the guests at a special gathering next week called "A Night to be Young Again."

Edna Engstler said the best years for her was when her husband was still living. He had been in the Navy and, "We had a good life. Our children were educated and we lived in several places before coming to Yuma. I'm looking forward to our party next week and hearing music. I always liked Lawrence Welk."

Another resident, Olin Bailey, who is a harmonica player, added that his favorite band was Guy Lombardo. And he said he liked the Grand Ol' Opry and country music. To go back in time would be when he was in his 20s and lived in Dodge City, Kan.

"That's where Matt Dillon and Gunsmoke were! Now I listen to Gunsmoke on the radio," said Bailey.

"I hope they'll play some of the old songs by Della Reese — or Faron Young — or Patsy Kline," said Bailey.

When asked about a favorite song, Mary and Mick McGuire answered in unison: "Earth Angel."

Mary said she didn't finish high school and was working in a cafe in Sioux Falls, S.D., when she met Mick.

"I didn't like anyone who was a drinker, and he kept coming in every day to prove he wasn't an alcoholic," she said. "After I went to Cheyenne, Wyo., with my  girl friends for a July 4 rodeo he met me and hoped I wouldn't go away like that again. He proposed, but we wanted to keep it a secret and went to a church in Minnesota. I bought a white dress, and when it had to be altered, my grandmother was the seamstress and figured it out. When we were married in September, she had told the whole family!"

Mick retired from working with computers for Boeing in 1948.

They traveled and have been in Yuma since the 1990s. More of their favorite music was bebop style, the Mills Brothers and jitterbug.

Louise Baird Thrall is also eager to hear music of the '40s and '50s.

"Music helps bring back my memories," she said with a smile.

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Pam Smith can be reached at psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.