Pete Seeger would often drape his sweater down his back and hold it in position by crossing the arms of it in front of him. This served him well by allowing both hands free for banjo playing.



In LaCrosse, Wis. Fred and Barbara's house, on Main St. I think, had a central dining-room which had several entrances from different directions--like concentric spokes coming into the center of a wheel. I could hear Pete playing his banjo and wandering around the house as he did---for maybe half an hour or 45 minutes. I could also hear Fred playing his banjo and wandering too. At one point Fred entered the room from the north, picking and singing and wearing the same exact sweater his mentor Pete had --with the arms of it holding it in place. At exactly the same moment, Pete Seeger entered that same room from the opposing spoke of the wheel. Both continued to play until they MET in the center of the room--almost crashing obliviously into each other--but finally noticing each other.

Fred looked up, stopped playing, and greeted Mr Seeger by saying, "Pete!"

Pete looked up and greeted Mr. Starner by saying, "Fred!"

Both men then started picking the same tune--and went on their ways passing down other hallways.

Good people you had to be there, maybe to appreciate that moment, but I'm recounting it as I remember it occurring just to hold on to it. It was hilarious and some of us just broke up laughing. It was also poignant and truly indicative of how much Fred Starner idolized Pete and his music. -- It took me some years to see beyond the humor of it. I am truly glad that I've lived long enough to see the truths of it!!

If not for time, we'd need to do everything all at once.

Take my word for it, it was wonderful!!

Art Thieme