Democrat and Chronical Newspaper Article | October 29, 1951

He Flew in My Mouth and Pecked, Says Mike

A little bird in a hurry flew right into the mouth of 4-year-old Michael Allen and pecked his palate.

Michael, son of Mr. and Mrs. M. William Allen of 59 Meadowdale Drive., Greece, N.Y. was talking with his mother in the driveway at the entrance of their garage, the mother related yesterday. "Suddenly a small gray bird, apparently frightened and not knowing where he was going, swooped out of the garage and flew smack into Michael's open mouth," Mrs. Allen said.

The bird was lodged in the boy's mouth for just a second, she stated, but took three pecks at Michael's palate before flying off "and leaving me as startled as anyone could be."

The tot was treated for injuries to the palate by Dr. Frank Disney of 155 Chelmsford Road., Brighton, several days ago. Dr. Disney said yesterday, "It was the most unusual case I've ever been called on."

Michael is now fully recovered from his injuries, but the freak accident has changed his regard for birds.

"Don't like 'em!" he says.

Music in the 70s and 80s

A love for music, in particular, soul music, likely stemmed from personal connection, a sense of equality, and an appreciation for its cultural richness, demonstrating music's capacity to bring people together.

I studied music in college and have a bachelor’s degree in music majoring in voice and theory. I worked as a music therapist with developmentally disabled children and adults briefly. Music therapy was a very new field then. Today Music Therapy is as widely practiced as Physical Therapy.

Michael, Patric and I were all born in Rochester, NY. Bill was born later in Auburn, N.Y. Rochester’s ties to the Underground Railroad left a lasting mark on its culture and activism, making it a beacon of change. Black musicians rose to fame, reshaping culture and challenging stereotypes. Their music became a voice for social change. This list showcases some of the most prominent and influential Black recording artists from the 70s and 80s who influenced so many people in our circle of friends and family.

1970s:

Stevie Wonder

Marvin Gaye

Aretha Franklin

Earth, Wind & Fire

Curtis Mayfield

Al Green

Diana Ross

Isaac Hayes

The Temptations

Gladys Knight & the Pips

Donna Summer

1980s:

Lionel Richie

Tina Turner

Luther Vandross

Stevie Wonder

George Benson

Aretha Franklin

Diana Ross

Earth, Wind & Fire

To quote William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night,” "If music be the food of love, play on."

During 1947-1964, the American railroad system went through major changes, this era saw significant challenges and advancements that shaped the future of rail transportation in the US. 

Transition Era: 

Shift from steam to diesel locomotives for better efficiency and lower costs.

Railroad Consolidation: 

Many smaller railroads merged into larger ones to streamline operations and reduce duplicate routes.

Decline of Passenger Rail: 

Passenger rail declined due to competition from cars and airplanes, which offered faster travel.

Government Regulation: 

The Interstate Commerce Commission regulated rates, mergers, and operations to ensure fair competition.

Technological Advancements: 

Improved signaling, freight car designs, and computerized management systems emerged.

Labor Relations: 

Labor disputes were common over wages, conditions, and job security.

Decline of Railroads: 

Despite improvements, financial struggles persisted due to declining traffic and competition.

Formation of Amtrak: 

Amtrak was established in 1971 to manage intercity passenger rail, signifying a shift in government involvement.

Between 1947 and 1962, there were significant advancements in medical research and the development of medicines. Here are some key highlights:

Polio Vaccine:

One of the most notable breakthroughs during this period was the development of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk. The successful vaccine trials in 1955 marked a turning point in the fight against polio, a debilitating disease that had affected millions worldwide.

Antibiotics:

The discovery and widespread use of antibiotics revolutionized medicine during this time. Penicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, was the first widely used antibiotic, and its production was scaled up during World War II. The period following the war saw the development of other antibiotics like streptomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin, which played crucial roles in treating bacterial infections.

Corticosteroids:

The 1950s saw the introduction of corticosteroids, a class of drugs that mimic the effects of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. These drugs were used to treat a wide range of conditions, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and allergic reactions.

Antipsychotic Medications: 

In the late 1940s and 1950s, the first antipsychotic medications were developed, providing relief for individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Chlorpromazine, marketed as Thorazine, was one of the earliest antipsychotic drugs to be widely used.

Birth Control Pills:

In 1960, the FDA approved the first oral contraceptive pill, commonly known as "the pill." This revolutionary medication provided women with a reliable and convenient method of contraception, leading to significant social and cultural changes.

Chemotherapy:

The 1940s and 1950s saw the development of chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of cancer. Drugs like methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil were among the earliest chemotherapy agents used to combat various types of cancer.

Vaccines:

In addition to the polio vaccine, research during this period also led to the development of vaccines for other diseases. Vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella were introduced, contributing to the decline in morbidity and mortality from these illnesses. 

Overall, the period between 1947 and 1962 was characterized by significant progress in medical research and the development of medicines, leading to breakthroughs that saved lives, improved public health, and transformed the practice of medicine.

The period between 1947 and 1964, often referred to as the "Baby Boomer" era, was marked by significant cultural, social, technological changes and medical advances. 

Popular Songs and Performing Artists:

Elvis Presley: The King of Rock and Roll emerged during this period with hits like "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956) and "Hound Dog" (1956).

Frank Sinatra: A prominent figure in the music industry, Sinatra's songs like "My Way" (1969) and "Strangers in the Night" (1966) left a lasting impact.

The Beatles: This iconic British band took the world by storm with their innovative sound, including hits like "Love Me Do" (1962) and "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963).

Makes and Models of Cars:

Chevrolet Bel Air: A classic symbol of the American Dream, the Bel Air was popular during this era.

Ford Thunderbird: Known for its sleek design and performance, the Thunderbird was a favorite among car enthusiasts.

Cadillac Eldorado: Luxury and style defined the Eldorado, capturing the essence of post-war prosperity.

Current Events:

Cold War: Tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union dominated geopolitics, leading to events like the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).

Space Race: The competition between the US and the USSR spurred advancements in space exploration, culminating in the moon landing in 1969.

Civil Rights Movement: Led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., this period saw significant strides towards racial equality, including the March on Washington (1963) and the Civil Rights Act (1964).

Inventions:

Television: The widespread adoption of television transformed entertainment and communication, bringing news and programs into households across America.

Polio Vaccine: Dr. Jonas Salk's development of the polio vaccine in 1955 marked a major breakthrough in medicine, leading to the eventual eradication of the disease.

Transistor: Invented in 1947, the transistor revolutionized electronics and paved the way for modern computing and telecommunications.

Books: 

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: Published in 1960, this novel addressed themes of racial injustice and became a literary classic.

"Catch-22" by Joseph Heller: Released in 1961, this satirical novel captured the absurdity of war and bureaucracy.

Construction Projects in America:

Interstate Highway System: Initiated by President Eisenhower in 1956, this massive infrastructure project transformed transportation in the US, facilitating travel and commerce.

Levittown: 

The development of suburban communities like Levittown in the 1950s reshaped the American landscape, providing affordable housing for returning veterans and their families.

This era witnessed a convergence of innovation, cultural upheaval, and political transformation, leaving a lasting legacy on subsequent generations and shaping the course of history.

Mike Allen's life journey unfolded against the backdrop of post-war Rochester, N.Y. Born in 1947, he experienced a childhood marked by the constant movement dictated by our father's work with the Denver Rio Grande Railroad. The family traversed the landscapes of Iowa, the Dakotas, and Nebraska, visiting our grandparents' farm during summers while our father traveled on business. 

Mike's passion for the double bass also called an upright bass became a notable chapter when we lived in Delmar, N.Y. in the early 1960’s. You may be able to imagine, our mother driving us with the upright bass hanging out the window to take us to school. Yes, that happened, even on rainy days.

The Allen legacy, influenced by a joint fascination for cars and trains, showcased Mike's encyclopedic knowledge of automobile makes and models. The model trains on a foldable table that our father built for my brothers paid homage to his father, Grandpa Allen's lifetime career with the railroad.

At the age of fifteen, Mike's architectural talent came to the fore during the construction of our family home when he drew up the floor plans. Mike's journey with Boy Scout Jamboree and active high school involvement in politics, including editing the school newspaper and participating in Junior Achievement, showcased his evolving character.

The family business, born in our garage during challenging times, eventually flourished. Mike's role in drawing up floor plans for the first home we owned transitioned into other successful ventures. There were extra challenges being the oldest sibling. Our father, a World War II veteran, and mother who worked for the War Labor Board during World War II helped us navigate the tumultuous Vietnam era. My brothers and I had a very regimented upbringing. I believe it taught us appreciation and gratitude.

In the words of Søren Kierkegaard, "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Mike’s true story is a mix of triumphs and challenges. His spirit is imprinted in our memories.

In June of 2023, my brothers Michael, Bill, and I embarked on a meaningful journey. Faced with over 12,000 family pictures stored in Boca Raton, FL, along with cherished heirlooms and memorabilia, we decided it was time to bring these memories to life for future generations. To preserve our family history, I invested in an Epson Fast Photo scanner, and together, we embarked on a heartwarming project.

As the self-proclaimed family historian, entrusted with the keys to the storage unit, I took the lead. Mike and Bill, both integral parts of the project, added their unique perspectives. Mike, with his insider knowledge, shared intricate details, unraveling the mysteries behind faces frozen in time. Bill and I marveled at the stories we uncovered, stories that will resonate with generations to come. Amidst the project, we found joy in capturing candid moments on our phones, exchanging photos and sharing laughs. Mike's meticulous memory painted vivid pictures of the past, leaving us with memories we will forever treasure. The fun was always in imagining what it must have been like back then.

Our family's legacy is a tapestry woven with diverse threads. From entrepreneurs and railroad executives to farmers and writers, the Allen family's roots run deep. As descendants of Ethan Allen and with Native American ancestry, our heritage spans from Northern New York State to the Dakotas. Patric's passion for Civil War history and Mike's love for storytelling enriched our family narrative.

Mike, the eldest sibling, was not only a repository of stories but a masterful storyteller. Armed with a tape recorder at our encouragement, we could have captured his tales and held him accountable for any inaccuracies, ensuring they would echo through time. Mike possessed the most beautiful handwriting and preferred the old-fashioned way—pen and paper. His stories, sometimes of questionable accuracy, were nonetheless cherished by all who heard them. It also meant long, very long telephone calls.

Our family's history includes heroes who served in wars—Purple Heart recipients, a Gold Star mother, and brave individuals who played vital roles during World War II. Mike's storytelling prowess shone through with his gift for one-liners. As he peacefully passed away at home, he left us with one final, poignant line: "Take me to China." In reuniting with Mom, Dad, and Patric in the eternal embrace of heaven, a celestial storytelling session surely ensued.

Our journey through those 12,000 pictures brought closure, creating a visual legacy of our family's rich history. Perhaps another video will follow, as we continue to celebrate the life of Michael Allen.