There are times when the task at hand can seem impossible to accomplish, but not so with a bit of help. It was many years ago when news of a ship from San Francisco had arrived in Acme (now known as Cushman) with a piano for the E. B, Miller family. Though long awaited, the logistics of transporting the piano to the Miller’s Clear Lake homestead required a great deal of planning. Help was needed.
A scow was used to float the piano from Acme to the South Slough, which proved easy enough. From there it was loaded onto a wagon and pulled by horses to the lake. As lookouts and helpers, men followed the wagon on foot, singing and whistling while guiding the cargo on the narrow, bumpy road. At the lake, a second scow awaited. With incredible effort, balance and careful steps, the men transferred the piano from the wagon to the second scow. After a short trip on the lake, the scow was docked at the homestead’s wharf. A make-shift sled was hitched to a team of horses prepared for the final walk to the homestead. However, it immediately became clear the wharf and hilly path were too narrow for the team of horses. Once again, the men hoisted the piano and managed to carry it step by step onto the sled. Finally reaching the homestead, the piano was safely carried into the house. A celebration of triumph with food, music, friends and neighbors went on for hours. And that is how with neighbors helping neighbors, the pioneers overcame what first appeared to be an almost impossible task.
As we approach the upcoming Holidays, we are reminded to be thankful for family, friends and neighbors who make up the best part of our lives.