Through the years, there have been many musicians play the Mighty WurliTzer. Of those, none was more popular than Don Simmons.
Not many people knew how close Robert and Don were. Below is a letter Don sent to Robert.
Dear Bob:
Seems like any more when you are at the park, I am not and when I am there you are not, and when we are both there we are too busy for much conversation. So we would like to drop you a line to say how much we appreciated the help. Therefore, we would like to share with you some of our plans and thoughts and how the money was used.
I've been afraid to let you know just how many hrs. I have been playing for the past 5 years. Most days I am gone from home 10 to 11 hrs. "But" these long hrs. have enabled us to remodel some of our downstairs, raise Dave, & put about $xxxx in the bank that hard way. About 18 mos. ago we sat up talking one night after a long day and came to the conclusion that this old body & shoulder cannot stand this kind of merry-go-round for ever. The Oaks for us has to have top priority for many reasons, some of which I will try to explain.
At one time my goal at the Oaks was to play as well as Buss, make as many friends as Pete, and be remembered (for Dave) as long as Buck Nye. However in recent years Paula and I have talked much about all the nostalgia & memories we have been a part of.
I remember being a dumb pimple faced kid and coming in to play relief with E.H. standing at the door and Shellenberger not far away. Then there was old Bill Conley sitting on the outside bench smoking his cigarettes. I remember when Dale was in the service and Jean wanting Buss to play their favorite song, and you on leave in an army uniform, also Paula and I meeting there. I have 4 scrap books of ads, pictures and some of the radio scripts from when I had the 1/2 hr. on the air back when. We also have most of the programs from the many roller shows Ruth was so instrumental in putting over and making costumes for. We remember sitting on that floating floor with Songer and others most of the night hearing it creak and wobble. Years ago when Joe Forrest lived in KPDQ building behind the pop corn concession. After session Joe, Len Hoyt, and I went to Joe's place for a crap game with real money. At 4:00 a.m. I left happily for home $12.00 winners. After Paula quit giving me h... , I discovered I had a 2 inch hole in the knee of my new $16.00 slacks from being on my Prayer bones on Joe's rug all night. I could write 5 pages on a host of wonderful memorys at the Oaks through the past 33 years. I suppose all the above and more is what makes the Oaks not just a job but a part of our lives. . .
I am sure now that with a lot of work and help from Paula we have a good fighting chance. Thanks again for everything from the both of us.
Don & Paula
Dec 11, 1979
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