MICHAEL LACIVITA Harmonicas get old, but music is timeless

Recently, while visiting my good friend Rocky Chirchiglia at his Chirchiglia's House of Music, I was in for a pleasant memory-jogging surprise.
After listening to some of his vibrant guitar songs of Italy, I was presented with a gift. It was a harmonica, and not just any harmonica, but an M. Hohner German-crafted Marine Band model, key of C.
It was identical to the one my father bought me in 1937, when I was 13. Today it costs about $30, then it was about a dollar. Like many of my long range memories, my original Marine Band harmonica is long gone.
Harmonicas were a big thing in the Great Depression. It was about the only musical instrument that many of us could afford.
There are a few cultural voids in my life, and a lack of musical training is one of them. Just like organized sports, musical training in our schools is a big plus.
Back in the Depression, my cousin Felix Lacivita, who was 15 years older than me, owned a luxury model chromatic harmonica. He always allowed me to play it when I visited their home. We didn't know or think about passing on germs in those days.
Garage sale
I just bought an almost identical one at a garage sale, just for old times' sake, but not to play. I just stare at this musical relic and admire it. It is an M. Hohner, Super Chromonica, chromatic harmonica, key of G.
Felix's brother Lou took lessons on the violin, while brother Ralph studied the Hawaiian guitar. My cousin in Chicago, Ted Cachey, played the accordion.
My musical instrument of choice would have been one of those beautiful Mother of Pearl accordions. I recall one of my East High School classmates who was an accordion player, Guido Ruscello. Quoting from our 1942 graduating class annual, "His accordion playing will bring fame -- In very bright lights we'll see his name."
We are never too old to play and enjoy a musical instrument. A prime example is 73-year-old Rocky Chirchiglia, who not only enjoys his music himself, but provides many hours of enjoyment for so many of us. His heart is in his music and it shows.
X Michael J. Lacivita is a Youngstown retiree. A collection of his columns. "Rag Man, Rag Man," was recently published by Pig Iron Press.