Dwain and Elbert at Merkel High School 40th reunion
Dwain and Dad met in 9th grade at Merkel High School. Three friends formed a "band." Dad and Dwain played old guitars. Pete played "bass." Buying a washtub and dowel from a hardware store, the guys asked the owner if they could borrow a hammer and nail. Turning the tub upside down, they knocked a hole in the bottom of the tub. Attaching the dowel and pulling a knotted cord tightly through the hole, Pete plucked the cord and by moving the dowel more or less taut, could control pitch. Though the band "never went far," after retirement Dwain played a mandolin with a band at nursing homes in Sweetwater, and Dad played the guitar for youth group when he and Mom were youth leaders.