Related by Marriage: Recital at the Prudential

In addition to taking private lessons, Mr. Irene performed with an all-accordion orchestra. Mr. Irene joined the orchestra in 1966, barely one year after picking up the instrument. The orchestra gathered for rehearsal at a local auditorium on Saturday mornings during the school year. Arrangements of the hit movie scores of the day were a big part of this orchestra's repertoire—including "Moon River" from Breakfast at Tiffany's and "Baby Elephant Walk" from Hatari.

After a string of smaller, local recitals, the accordion orchestra performed at an All-City Recital in November, 1968, sponsored by a major teaching studio, The Music Center, Inc. The Sunday afternoon concert venue would be the auditorium of the Prudential Building in downtown Chicago.

The Prudential recital was a formal affair. Mr. Irene's Parents bought a new accordion for him, and Mr. Irene wore his first rented tuxedo.

Mr. Irene's Parents had decided that the occasion should be celebrated with a memorable dinner after the show. The restaurants at the Prudential, the Gibraltar Room and the Top of the Rock were closed on Sundays. The choice for dinner instead was a swank supper club close to home, The Homestead. The Homestead was in Melrose Park and stood on North Avenue on the northeastern edge of Thatcher Woods. After the show, Mr. Irene enjoyed a festive steak dinner at The Homestead.

Ashley Ricketts and his wife Kathryn established The Homestead in 1964. The Ricketts are a legendary Chicago restaurant family. Ashley's son, Ernest, later managed The Homestead. The Ricketts were long-time residents of nearby Park Ridge. Ernest grew up near the Rodham household, and he was a good friend of a Rodham daughter, Hillary.


Chicago, Illinois, November, 1968. Mr. Irene arrives for the recital and poses with his Aunt Martha and her husband, Wally, in the lobby of the Prudential Insurance Building.