the alberton papers

Name:
Location: alberton, mt., United States

I am a retired steamfitter and vocational instructor, Current member, alberton town council, having served two terms previously, several years ago. Resident of alberton almost 28 years. I am fiscally conservative and socially progressive, a free thinker and an advocate of good, responsive, honest government.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

lillian

The Alberton Papers, Vol. VII, #XX
By Dick Darne 1-14-09
"I dreamed I was there, in Hillbilly Heaven
Oh, what a wonderful sight."
From an old song I used to hear on the radio, many years ago.
If there is such a place, then it must be full of Albertonians, surely enough to form a band. To anyone who knew, heard her play or had played with her, she would be the lead fiddler. Lillian Young was one of the best musicians I have ever met. She was one of the rarest, she had the gift of perfect pitch. She would tune by ear with no reference, to exact pitch. She could fiddle fast tunes and slow tunes. Any style of music and she could sing like a meadowlark. Sad songs, happy songs, blusey songs and hit songs. I moved to Alberton thirty years ago and for many years after that, the best entertainment was at Chet’s bar when she was coaxed into getting the old fiddle out. As the years went on it may have taken a wee bit more coaxing, but oblige she would, to everyone’s delight. I am sure many of us can close our eyes and reminisce; Brownie and Lillian and Hank as the mainstays, helped by Rudy, George and others. My favorite was "Little Coquette", which in another time and place would win an award, it could very well be number one somewhere right now.
Lillian, you sang the most and best songs and once again, Alberton becomes a bit less without you. Miss you we do, reminisce we must.
"Old times there are not forgotten" from another old song. dd