Clark, #7, I agree in some part, but since my kids bought me Beatles Rock Band for the Wii, that has turned out to be a family activity that tends to pull the family together. Even my wife will participate, making Rock Band and Wii Sports the only video games that she has ever been interested in.

We are, however, exposing our 4 year old granddaughter to the refinements of piano, plus we bought her a first guitar for Christmas. It, however, was at 1915 prices ($15)!

And $400 could have been a substantial part of a family’s annual income in 1915. So, that should make your $4,000 or $5,000 piano seem like a bargain!

That cultural trend has forced the church to adapt. Our new meetinghouse in Utah County has only 2 pianos (primary room and chapel) with another “automatic piano” in RS room. When the player hits the keys (any keys) the speakers play the programmed hymn. ugh!

My mother grew up in the era when even a farmer’s daughter was expected to be an accomplished pianist (and she is, having served almost exclusively in music callings her entire life, beginning as Jr. Sunday School pianist at age 12). Our family still enjoys gathering around the piano and singing together, but I don’t know of very many other families that do.

Stephen, you’re lucky to have those memories. Her house, and of course her organ, were gone before I ever got a chance to see them.

Mark, there really is a flavor of the times, isn’t there, with the whole “this is an accomplishment of women” thing going. I note, though, that while it is more often assumed to be the man’s duty to pay for the piano or risk depriving the ladies in his life, even mothers are told that they must have and can pay for these lux– er, necessities.

“Get your Piano or Player Piano NOW — and Pay When You Sell Your Crops!”

Nothing like buying on time!