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Saturday, January 04, 2014

I remember Dorson Charbonnet


From:S Nett
To:"cbreaux@earthlink.net"
Subject:I remember Dorson Charbonnet
Date:Jan 2, 2014 5:19 PM

Hello Betty, 

I've just visited the Charbonnet Family Tree page, which is where I found your email, and which compels me to drop a short note. 

I grew up on 83rd Avenue Oakland in the late fifties and early sixties. My father knew Dorson - I don't recall how - and on one occasion when I was a very young boy I had the pleasure of visiting at the Charbonnet home with him. 

I still have vivid memories (which is what brought me this afternoon to search for some record, and discover your website). Mind you, I was a child, but, I strongly recall lace on the tables and curtains, and Dorson as a tall, erect man, with proud bearing, and the most sonorous voice, with a flavor of Louisiana when he spoke. I remember being somewhat fearful in his presence. His hands were (to me) very large, and he had the longest fingers I had ever seen.  

At the time, my father had told me, Dorson was losing his sight. So I was awestruck when he  
took me aside to show me his kites. He made marvelous kites by hand, of colored tissue and thin balsa, string, in different and unusual shapes and sizes.  He gifted me one, and it was the prized possession of my youth. I don't know what finally became of it, but I can still see it today. It was small, with six sides, white, with red tissue designs glued to its back. At its tail it had a small red flap strung loosely, just so, so that when the kite dove it 'buzzed', with two, long, red tissue tails that swooped after it.  It was like a bird, marvelous.

I know my father attended his funeral when he passed. 

I'm sorry I have nothing more to add, but hope this reaches you, just a small fond remembrance.

Best,

Stephen Nett

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