Saturday in the Park

Again, my head resounds in song.

Who doesn’t love a Saturday. It has traditionally become that first day of the two we mark as time to refresh, to pay attention to the things that collect, resulting in two days that lend to very little relaxation and rest or if at best, they are rushed. So many have gone to a four day work week, which frankly makes a great deal more sense, but for many the tradition remains. 

Recently, the question of the first record purchased came into my ear. I remember mine well. It was in fact “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago. I believe the purchase was made at the Woolworth store on Main Street, downtown Canon City, Colorado. Home to my fondest memories of a lifetime grown and remembered. One of the “olders” had a blue record player that I absconded with upon their moving. I believe it came from the male side of the family but who knows what I don’t actually remember. Anyway, the record came as a 45 rpm with a paper sleeve that I cherished. That first record purchase made me feel alive. The walk to town. The entering the door, sound of the floor, smell, soda fountain where I discovered my chocolate soda, the fish tanks and caged bird, just the thrill of it all is a memory loved. A coming of age in a life lived small but greater than ever imagined. If memory serves, the player had a devise that slipped over the spindle to elevate the need for the gadget. I finally discovered the circular gadget for the 45 and love them. I was also gifted one in later years as a remembrance of the Trinity. I digress.

I love Chicago to this day. This song still makes me sing. The brass! What a time in music we lived. So many incredible bands had horn sections. This I believe is what led my famed brother to take up the instrument. We were all gifted in musical ability but my brother made it his life, so to speak. I remember his life of those day and smile. In music, horns were everywhere. The music was different as it was coming again into a “new age”. But the horns are the sounds of music that I still seek and find the greatest joy in ear. Tastes change over time and the ear worms as well. But if I were to confess, the music of my childhood memories are where I tend to travel to find joy and a smile. 

So I ask you today, what was your first record purchased? What is the memory behind it. I’d love to know!