Pickin’ and singin’ Oliphant’s passion

Along about 6:30 tonight Altoona’s population — listed at 380 — will swell when senior citizens stream into town for the Saturday night dance.

“They like old country, songs by Hank Williams, Marty Robbins, Bob Wills, all the others,” said Lynn Oliphant, age 70, and a junior member of the set. 

Lynn and Jerry Cole, longtime Fredonia musician, will have their guitars tuned well before starting time at 7 o’clock. When the first strains of a Williams’ standard begins, maybe “There’s a Tear in my Beer,” couples will flood the floor. The two-step is popular, but some will make up steps as they go.