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ETHEL was born on October 15th and raised in a small coal mining town in Southeastern Ohio (Crescent - 15 miles West of Wheeling,
West Virginia).
People in this rural community had to create their own entertainment, so at an early age
(5 years old) ETHEL started to learn to play the guitar and began singing all types of songs and yodeling.
It
all started when ETHEL would visit her cousin, her parents always knew where to find her when it was time to leave -- with
her cousin's guitar. Although she couldn't play she was making a good attempt. One night ETHEL didn't want to part with
the guitar, her parents told her, "Put the guitar down and we'll order one for you from the catalog;" of course
as children do, she didn't let them forget their promise.
The guitar was ordered as promised and the days were full of anticipation and excitement awaiting its arrival. With determination
and practice ETHEL learned to play well enough to accompany herself.
ETHEL began to appear regularly on "The
Kiddie Program" aired over W.W.V.A. Radio - Wheeling, West Virginia. The listening audience and the announcer tagged
her the "Swiss Miss Yodeler," since they had difficulty remembering how to pronounce and spell her maiden name POCSIK
(Paw-sick').
Yodeling came naturally and living in the beautiful hills of Ohio ETHEL was able to yodel as long
and as loud as she wanted. She performed whenever she could and did so for all the church socials and school affairs. ETHEL
participated in many amateur contests that were within driving distance. Winning first place in an amateur contest at the
age of 9 gave her the opportunity to make her first appearance on the W.W.V.A. Jamboree for the finals and numerous future
guest appearances.
As a graduation gift from grade school (8th), ETHEL received a new
guitar from her parents and she still has that Gibson Recording King guitar today. On occasion you will see her perform with
it on stage.
During ETHEL's high school years (Shreve High School - Martins Ferry, Ohio) she participated in the Annual
Variety Show and continued to appear on radio and play one-nighters at country fairs and similar events in nearby towns with
local groups and stars of the W.W.V.A. Jamboree - always chaperoned by her parents.
ETHEL'S Mom and Dad:
John R. and Susie Pocsik
ETHEL is shown with John R. Pocsik (her father) who worked in the coal mining industry; preparing to depart for
her high school graduation ceremony.
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