Thank you, Bob Nelson, for the many kind words….

Just a note to identify the folks in the third picture down, which was taken by Ross McLaughlin (Patti's husband) in the KCTS-TV studios on the set of "Ballads and Books," 1959.

In the background, from left to right: Mike Reedy, a medical student at the University of Washington and enthusiastic singer of folk songs; Bob Clark, former proprietor of "The Chalet," a U District restaurant that often hosted folk music activities; Ron Ginther, a quiet lad who tended to murmur songs but enjoyed playing back-up guitar; Sally Ashford, who had one of the strongest, loveliest voices in the area, but who, tragically lost her voice some years ago; and her husband, John Ashford. John grew up in a folk singing family. His father knew a number of folk singers before they became well-known, including Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, who had visited Seattle early on.

And in the foreground, the lovely Patti McLaughlin—and me (not quite as lovely).

A note on Bob Clark. You will note that he plays his guitar left-handed. This was because, due to an accident early on, he lost the thumb, first, and second fingers of his left hand. Not deterred, when he took up the guitar, he strung it backwards and learned to hold a pick between the remaining fingers of his left hand. Did right well.

Incidentally, Bob Clark wrote "The Ballad of Gidding's Fall." He was there at the time and saw the whole thing. Right up there with the best of the "Come all ye—" ballads.

Don Firth