Gone but not forgotten: items never to be heard again in Rockford, Illinois.
I've only visited Rockford once or twice since arriving in Chicago in 2001 (can you believe it will be ten years this 9/11 -- yep, that's how I know where I was on that day ...), but it still saddened me to hear recently that the last harmonica manufacturer in America (located in Rockford) just closed its doors -- and that the Salvation Army Rockford Temple Corps ended its 75 year old special worship service radio broadcast in Swedish this summer (not enough Swedes in the modern day 'hood, apparently.)
It doesn't affect me too personally, as my exposure to Swedes starts with meatballs, continues with the Swedish Bakery in Andersonville, and ends with the Muppet chef saying "smorg-as-borg" -- and as the only harmonica I've ever owned is the one that came with the special edition of Aersomith's "Honkin' on Bono". And what I remember most about Rockford is how the main drag seemed to have one of every casual fast food chain restaurant and multiple clubs where one could view those "special" kind of dancers.
All the same, those items contributing to a certain silence in Rockford (never again will you see Swedish strippers entertaining to the strains of a mouth organ!), you will be missed.
NO MORE USA MADE MOUTH ORGANS!:
http://chicagoist.com/2011/08/07/americas_last_harmonica_factory_clo.php
NO MORE SWEDISH CHURCH MUSIC ON SUNDAYS:
http://www.rrstar.com/carousel/x401387193/Swedish-radio-show-Temple-Toner-to-sign-off-next-month
NOT ALL OF THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC ARE GONE:
http://onthewaterfront.com/music-festival/
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