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A century ago, the piano room — or parlor — was the original home entertainment center. That’s where guests were received and the family gathered to share what we now call “live” music. Before the advent of radio, and later television, playing music and singing was one way families could entertain themselves. Original floor plans dating from the early 20th century frequently had spaces designated as “music rooms.”
A century ago, the piano room — or parlor — was the original home entertainment center. That’s where guests were received and the family gathered to share what we now call “live” music. Before the advent of radio, and later television, playing music and singing was one way families could entertain themselves. Original floor plans dating from the early 20th century frequently had spaces designated as “music rooms.”
At home, the Reed family enjoyed playing simple “parlor music” on their piano and singing songs. It was a room where the host could bring guests, either before or after dinner, to entertain and converse casually.
At home, the Reed family enjoyed playing simple “parlor music” on their piano and singing songs. It was a room where the host could bring guests, either before or after dinner, to entertain and converse casually.
The centerpiece of most music rooms was the piano. But the piano wasn’t the only important instrument. Below, Geneva Reed plays a home organ. At right, Bernard Hanshew (cello) and Lewis Reed (trumpet) crowd in to play chamber music (pianist unknown).
The centerpiece of most music rooms was the piano. But the piano wasn’t the only important instrument. Below, Geneva Reed plays a home organ. At right, Bernard Hanshew (cello) and Lewis Reed (trumpet) crowd in to play chamber music (pianist unknown).
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians was a union organization intended to protect working musicians' rights regarding working conditions, wages, and fair treatment. The uniforms shown here were regulation AFM band uniforms, which allowed AFM musicians to play with local bands, or members of a local band to play with other bands, and all have the same uniform. The uniforms were made of dark blue broadcloth, trimmed with black mohair braid, and styled in a military cut with a single row of buttons. A straight-visor band cap, bearing the emblem of the American Federation of Musicians in gold, completed the uniform.
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians was a union organization intended to protect working musicians' rights regarding working conditions, wages, and fair treatment. The uniforms shown here were regulation AFM band uniforms, which allowed AFM musicians to play with local bands, or members of a local band to play with other bands, and all have the same uniform. The uniforms were made of dark blue broadcloth, trimmed with black mohair braid, and styled in a military cut with a single row of buttons. A straight-visor band cap, bearing the emblem of the American Federation of Musicians in gold, completed the uniform.
Lewis Reed--at right--holds a trumpet here and is also pictured with a trumpet in the chamber music photo above. These photos are the only indication he may have played in his youth: his surviving descendants were not aware that he was a musician himself, though many of his friends and siblings played instruments. The AFM uniform seems to suggest he was accomplished enough to be a member of the union.
Lewis Reed--at right--holds a trumpet here and is also pictured with a trumpet in the chamber music photo above. These photos are the only indication he may have played in his youth: his surviving descendants were not aware that he was a musician himself, though many of his friends and siblings played instruments. The AFM uniform seems to suggest he was accomplished enough to be a member of the union.
Lewis Reed's friend Bernard Hanshew--at left-- was a cellist (also pictured in the chamber music photo above) who played with the Rebew Orchestra in Washington, D.C., an organization of about 50 amateur musicians formed in 1898 by music director H.W. Weber. The name of the orchestra is "Weber" spelled backwards. It is not known if Bernie also played trumpet, or if he is merely posing with a trumpet for this photograph.
Lewis Reed's friend Bernard Hanshew--at left-- was a cellist (also pictured in the chamber music photo above) who played with the Rebew Orchestra in Washington, D.C., an organization of about 50 amateur musicians formed in 1898 by music director H.W. Weber. The name of the orchestra is "Weber" spelled backwards. It is not known if Bernie also played trumpet, or if he is merely posing with a trumpet for this photograph.
Advertisement for the Rebew Orchestra (Washington Post, 1916). Bernard Hanshew, cello, was a featured soloist on the program.
These two photographs below depict a parade in an unknown location and are undated (but likely c. 1915). They show two groups from Sandy Spring participating in the parade: the first includes members of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge #6430, marching with their ceremonial aprons and banners. The Grand United Order was formed in 1843 as a parallel fraternal organization to the International Order of Odd Fellows-- the latter was the white order that refused to admit African American members. It is thought the group marching with instruments in the second photo below are members of the Sandy Spring Cornet Band.
These two photographs below depict a parade in an unknown location and are undated (but likely c. 1915). They show two groups from Sandy Spring participating in the parade: the first includes members of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge #6430, marching with their ceremonial aprons and banners. The Grand United Order was formed in 1843 as a parallel fraternal organization to the International Order of Odd Fellows-- the latter was the white order that refused to admit African American members. It is thought the group marching with instruments in the second photo below are members of the Sandy Spring Cornet Band.
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