Thompson 350221

Cliffside, Feb. 20 (Special)—Between Coughs: In the midst of my throat trouble for February I almost get the flying idea again. Sort of developed a flying fever or is it fervor? Friday midmorning a fast flying plane passed our little town and could not be seen, the ceiling was low and the ship passed high out of sight. In the early afternoon or was it about noon those two Army attack ships crossed the south tip of our town flying in an almost eastern course. In the late afternoon about five of the large transports crossed at high altitude (probably to 8000 feet)—did you enjoy hearing those motors? Sounded good to me. The bad weather had held so?? these flyers for several days and flying north of the usual Gaffney route probably gave better visibility, so the flying activity coming our way on that day.

My finished symphony was pecked out on the piano recently. With one finger the finished job poorly resembled Hesitation Blues, in fact was hesitation prolonged before finding all the movements. At the outset the lively melody varies. However, after about 6 or 7 pecks the closing movements is serious—yee-es! Maybe I could outdo O. O. McIntyre’s mandolin act, recalling my sliding in other days with a trombone.

McIntyre, the lucky fellow, is back from Palm Beach. And here is a card from Daytona Beach, almost like poetry: “Florida is a perfect Fairyland. I am feasting on the fruits and flowers here. Best wishes.—“ This card is from one who appreciates nature beautiful—Florida at this time of year. A mechanic’s philosophy impressed this observer: “God made places like Florida for folks in the winter time. And … Etc. Etc. I’m going down there to live.”

Observation: New Yorkers, you see In rotogravures, newsreels, etc. are finding Florida this winter. Even the big boys feel the tightening purse string.

Keeping a promise: Hello there in Richmond.

There is some enthusiasm going round here for riding. Just plain hoss back ridin’, neighbor. There is nothing of riding habits, nor bridal paths—just plain fun chasing here and there, and they all like it.

The recent Guy Lombardo program was a “honey.” Famous people enjoyed hearing their favorite popular tune played. The President —Home On the Range. O. O. McIntyre—Beat Of My Heart. Ginger Rogers—Spring In Paris. Walter Winchell—Stardust. It was a topnotch program in interest to me. I still go for Song of The Isles.

The Monday evening county club program is something this observer anticipates. It can not be included here as this writing must be in The Courier office before then. It is a musical program; we look forward to it.

Local boys made good: At Gaffney’s Hotel Carroll “those three boys from Forest City,” as I overheard the girls saying, did their trio act in a pleasant surprise to me. Howard Magness, Harry Kendrick, and Madison Moss are the boys; did you know they sing so well? “Moonglo” started their act, applause demanded immediately an encore; this was the much played “Blue Moon” and Madison Moss took a lead solo in this that started us to jotting notes in memory for The Courier this week. Their final hotcha number “We’re Gonna Drive to Dover,” old Dobbin, Shay, Golden Wedding Day, you know the Mills Brothers manner of singing, went over big; honestly, though what is the correct title for that song? Sara Frances Crosby, the Earl Carroll beauty contest winner, did her pretty dance number three times and brought enthusiastic applause to the final step. The Hotel Carroll crowd Friday night was a filled house— “Valentine Carnival” or what do they call it, must have been a success.

I have looked forward to it: Cliffside is going right forward with new concrete sidewalks. The home folk are all pleasant examples of appreciation; everyone is glad for the new improvement to come to town.