In a letter to the editor of the Enquirer John Aubrey Jones said: "What an inspiration it was to see and hear Mrs. Blake-Alverson sing. Physically infirm, but vocally strong and pregnant, her pure, limpid birdlike notes thrilled and stirred the soul and tears to the eyes did unbidden come. It was eloquence sublime set to the all-subdivining rhythmical harmony of divine music, rendered by a master whose spirit was enwrapped. The writer felt an uplift in patriotic fervor that was a joyous inspiration and so doubtless did all whose privilege it was to hear and see Mrs. Blake-Alverson sing."
The Oakland Tribune said: "The singing of the Star Spangled Banner by Mrs. Blake Alverson and the oration delivered by Rev. Charles R. Brown proved the chief features of the Fourth of July celebration held in the Macdonough theater yesterday morning. Judge E.M. Gibson presided. Prayer was by Rabbi M. Friedlander. A chorus from Faust by seventy-five singers followed. The Declaration of Independence was read by Attorney Peter J. Crosby. Next Mrs. Blake-Alverson stepped forward upon the stage and reached the flag-draped table surrounded by twenty-five uniformed soldiers, who separated in the center to allow her to approach, then closed as she passed, amid applause which was deafening, and she could do nothing but bow her acknowledgment to the audience. As shesang Vive l'America, in spite of her years, her voice rang out pure and clear. Again and again she was forced to respond to encores and when Judge Gibson finally led her off the stage she was repeatedly cheered."
I do not think I would have done quite so well had it not been for an incident that happened as I stepped upon the stage. When I saw the immense crowd my heart gave one throb and I thought I had made a mistake coming there at my age to sing. Like an electric flash I took in the situation and said within me, "Dear Lord, help me once more," and in answering to the repeated cheers I glanced downward to the men in the orchestra and to my surprise saw their looks of sarcasm as if to say, "What can that old woman do?" In one instant my patriotic spirit was roused within me and I gave them a look of defiance and said within myself, "I'll show you boys what she can do," and nodded to the pianist to begin. It took just one line of Vive l'America to make them sit up and take notice. Every eye was turned upon me, the leader sat back in his chair and folded his arms and never moved only to applaud with all the rest between each stanza and continued to do so until the song was completed, and then I received a rally from all, tributes of flowers and tri-colored ribbons floating in graceful loops from them. I responded with Annie Laurie, and the perfect attention with which it was received was most affecting, and I was fully repaid for my efforts, old as I was. I had won the battle nobly and to the people of Oakland I give my heartfelt thankfulness for their appreciation of my efforts to please them in legitimate song and show my loyalty. More honors awaited me at the close of the exercises. As I stepped from my dressing room there awaited me many prominent men and women who came back of the stage to greet me and take my hand. Among them were Rabbi Friedlander, Major Sherman, Alfred Wilkie, Judge Gibson, Rev. Dr. Brown, members of the different committees, unknown to me. About thirty minutes later, when I left for my carriage, I found to my surprise that the sidewalk in front of the theater was crowded with men, women and children, awaiting my coming. It was with difficulty that I reached my carriage. I must needs take the hands of these well-pleased people who wished to thank me. Through the efforts of Mr. John T. Bell I entered the carriage and was driven to the Hotel Touraine, where a banquet had been prepared. When I arrived the committee and members of the chorus were seated at the tables. I was escorted to the table atthe end of the hall, decorated with blossoms, flags and streamers and twelve uniformed soldiers standing guard. During the banquet the band played patriotic airs and afterward there were short speeches by prominent men. At the close of the banquet the master of ceremonies asked the assemblage to rise and give a tribute of three cheers for Mrs. Blake-Alverson, the patriotic singer of Oakland. This was given with a will and the band played America in which we all joined. With this song the celebration was over and my career as a public singer for sixty-five years for the people of California in the Golden State by the Golden Gate of the Far West, the grandest state of all the galaxy of states, was ended.
Patriotic envelopes
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While this closed my public life, as far as these holiday observances went, I did not give up my music altogether, as I had no other way to support myself and was still in possession of my voice and my ability to teach was established. I went right on in the even tenor of my way and did what I could toward making it possible for my pupils to take a place with those who had succeeded in the beautiful art of music and song. I had now taught in Oakland fifteen years and felt no uneasiness as to the result, so I went bravely on doing what I could. My friends, the soldiers of the G.A.R., felt their memorials and installations were not complete without their Daughter of the Regiment who had never denied them since 1861. Persons make a mistake who think they cannot do much if they fail in the great achievements of life, but I contend that the small things are not to be despised. I shall not be able to put one-sixteenth part of my engagements in this book, but I will illustrate with the G.A.R. and tell how often I have sung for that organization alone. The reader will then realize the amount of work I have done for churches, fraternal societies, missions, art classes, sewing classes, functions of all kinds, club functions, singing classes, holiday festivals, assistance to the young people of the societies and Sunday schools of the churches with which I was identified, guilds, charitable institutions and private affairs. Had I not kept a diary for all these years I never would have known the vast amount of work a person could do in a short life.
From 1861 until 1864 I did not keep a diary, but saved programmes of special events. When the war started we were constantly doing something for the soldiers. I will tell of an episode which convinced me that the power of song is more lasting than we realize. When the wounded men were brought home to the hospitals the different churchchoirs were sent to sing for the sick and the dying, and at the funerals. It seemed that each Sabbath afternoon I was administering to the needs of the sick and wounded men. In 1862 I returned to California and lived in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Stockton and Oakland. I was the honored guest of the Appomattox Post, Captain Thomas commanding, on April 26, 1894. It was the yearly visit to inspect the Old Soldiers' Home at Yountville. Mr. Arbuckle and many of the officers of the G.A.R. were in the party. I was to give the old veterans some of the old melodies they loved. We had a full quartette of musical people from the different posts, and when we arrived the large hall was filled with the veterans. When my name was called upon the programme it was impossible to begin until they had given vent to their enthusiasm. I was in excellent voice and with my patriotic spirit stirred I sang with a determined will to please once again, and I certainly received a full return of appreciation.
After the concert a reception was held and I greeted them all as they passed in file, and shook hands and received their expressions of pleasure for my songs. After an excellent luncheon we inspected the new kitchen and dining hall recently completed. One of the women, Mrs. Sarah Markwert, and myself inspected the new kitchen and we came to where one of the old veterans was washing the dishes. I said to my friend, "Well, this is splendid, no one need mind washing dishes with all these conveniences." At that moment the old man turned around and with his hands in the dish water said to me, "Shure it's a many a long day since I saw your face." I looked at him in astonishment and said, "My dear comrade, where have I seen you before?" "Shure I was a sorry looking man when you saw me in the hospital in Massachusetts as helpless as a babe." "My dear sir, do you still remember me?" "Do we forget the angels when once they visit us?" Then he went on with his story until he brought the picture back to me as if it were yesterday. Truly I was convinced of the power of song. He had listened to me when sick and wounded and as his mind went back to the days of '61 he still remembered the face and the singer and the song. After bidding him good-bye and thanking him for his long remembrance of me, I turned thoughtfully away. As we came upon the porch of the hospital I passed a middle aged man and I nodded pleasantly and passed him by. As I passed he said, "Are you going to forget your old postman of 120 Charles street,Boston?" I could not reply for a moment, and I looked at him and said, "Are you Charles Blake?" He said, "I am." "What are you doing here, are all the Eastern soldiers here in this place?" "No," he replied, "Only two or three of us." "I was speaking to one just now in the kitchen who remembered me." "Oh, yes, Patrick, he was in the same place I was." "How did you happen to come here?" I asked him. "My letter pouch became too heavy for me to carry and I asked to be sent here, and I expect to remain the rest of my life." Truly, wonders will never cease, said I, as we left him and went to the sick room. There we saw rows of beds all occupied except three or four. At the head of the stairs we stopped to speak to the old veteran and inquired of his health. He said, "My days are short and I am ready to go at any time now." I said, "You were unable to hear the music today?" "Yes," he said, "I thought once or twice I could catch a sound of it, but I could not tell." I asked him if he liked music and he said, "Very much, and I wanted to hear the singer today for I had heard her sing before I got bedridden, when she was a young woman, and I was so sorry to have missed it." I said, "What song would you like best to hear, now that you are sick, if you could hear anyone sing?" "The song I have in my mind now is Nearer, My God, to Thee." I took his wasted hand in mine and stood at the head of his bed and sang to him and to all the sick in the ward. After I had finished a silence was o'er all, save a sob or two from those who were deeply affected by the song. The nurse approached and asked me if I would sing Rock of Ages for one veteran who was lying at the other end of the ward. I complied and when I had finished these poor afflicted men wanted to thank me, so I passed from one bed to another and said a parting word to each, and as I passed the bed of the old dying man, on my return, he said with tears, "I shall not forget the song or the singer. The memory of both will go with me to the gates of Paradise. I'll not forget, good-bye." He lingered for another week, they told me, and his last words were from the hymn, Nearer, My God, to Thee.
I have felt it my sacred duty to always answer the call of the soldier. It began in 1861 and has always been listened to by me since. I have sung at many exercises, at the Memorial exercises, which began in 1880, I sang for the George Thomas Post. On January 18, 1885, I was at the installation of post officers. Memorial day of that year I sang at the Metropolitan hall, San Francisco. In1886 I sang in the same auditorium, which was packed, and I sang there again in 1887. In 1888 I sang for the W.R. Cornman Post, No. 57, San Bernardino. On January 5, 1889, installation exercises, and on January 30, 1889, G.A.R. camp fire for veterans, I sang at San Bernardino. Returning to San Francisco, I sang at the installation exercises in May, 1889, on Memorial Day. On September 3, George Thomas Post concert in aid of veterans' families. In 1890 I sang at the Sabbath service in the Methodist Church for veterans. On May 30, Congregational Church, Oakland, to a great congregation. Music was furnished by thirty picked voices. Alfred Wilkie sang the Sword of Bunker Hill; Vive l'America, and Tender and True were sung next. As Captain Thomas remarked, this song was sung by the same singer in 1861, twenty-nine years before, when the war was on, and once again to commemorate the brave who died. On March 6, 1894, I participated at a grand rally and musical of Lyon post and corps. On March 15, at Appomattox corps and post concert; April 23, G.A.R. reception, Congregational Church, Edwin C. Seymour and General W.H.L. Barnes, speakers, Mrs. Blake-Alverson, vocalist. On April 24, reception of G.A.R. at Mills Tabernacle, Governor Markham and staff present. The building was densely crowded and the enthusiasm was marked. The band played the national anthems. I sang the Star Spangled Banner and Annie Laurie amid the cheers and tremendous applause of veterans and others present. On April 26 the Yountville yearly visit to the Soldiers' Home was made by the Appomattox posts and a concert was given and a general inspection of the home was held. On May 8, 9, and 22 were days of receptions and entertainments to raise funds. On May 30 I sang in the Methodist Church, Berkeley. On June 14 I sang at the tenth anniversary of Appomattox Post and on June 15 anniversary of Lyon Corps and banquet. On July 19 I sang at reception of G.A.R. officers and their families who had assembled from other California cities and the East. August 6, September 1, 4, 22, Admiral Porter Post No. 169, Lyon Post, Cole. E.D., Baker Camp No. 5; October 25, National Guard of California; November 16, Flags of all Nations concert; December 11, Lyon Corps entertainment. In 1895, January 3, 8, March 13, May 30, July 4, July 9, 31, September 11, November 13, were days of installation, memorials, processions of importance, bazaars and concerts. In all I participated.
Pupils of the 80's
In 1896, January 28, May 30 and 31, June 20, reception to General-in-Chief Lawlor, G.A.R., were days to be remembered, but of July 7 I must make special mention, as it was an honor that can only come once to a singer. It was the golden jubilee of the flag-raising at Monterey fifty years before, a scene of patriotic enthusiasm in which I, with other patriotic people, participated. Through Major Edwin Sherman, head of the arrangements committee, I was engaged to assist in the demonstration. I had a previous engagement with Frank Gilder at Santa Cruz for his concert a day or two before the flag raising. When I arrived at Monterey I was met by Major Sherman, wife and party and escorted to the hotel. After dinner the evening was spent with rehearsals and completing the arrangement for the morning's exercises. The day of July 7 was ideal, the air was mild and the sun came out in all of its splendor and the streets were alive with people who were assembling already in preparation for this great jubilee. The procession started promptly at 10 o'clock and passed through the principal streets of the city. Veterans of the Mexican war, sailors from the battleships that lay in the harbor, United States soldiers were in line. Many appropriate emblems, floats, and bands of music followed. School children symbolizing the American flag presented a feature never to be forgotten.
Across from the first custom house a large platform had been erected and upon this platform all the performers for the occasion were placed. At the top the children were grouped to form the flag, a most novel and beautiful sight. The officers of the day, Mexican veterans, musicians and speakers occupied the lower platform. The old custom house opposite, with its high flag pole, the two armored cruisers lying in the bay, the escort of hundreds of sailors from the ships made a never-to-be-forgotten scene. At the appropriate moment William P. Toler, the man who fifty years before raised the flag upon the same pole, amid cheers from the multitude descended from the platform and made his way through the crowd and ranks of the naval battalion to where Lieutenant Roper of the Monadnock stood. He escorted Mr. Toler to the northwest corner of the old custom house, beneath the staff, while the quartermaster of the Philadelphia bent the American flag on to the halyards which were placed in Mr. Toler's hand. At this point Major Sherman called for three cheers for Old Glory and Mr. Toler, with all the energy of his youth and his eyes sparkling with pride and patriotic fire, grasped the rope (but the halyards were stiffened) and after anadjustment of the difficulty the flag soon reached the masthead and was spread out to the breeze. Then occurred a scene not often witnessed. The people went wild at the beautiful sight. Hats and handkerchiefs went flying into the air. All reserve of these military men was forgotten in the moment of patriotic enthusiasm. The two battleships anchored in the bay puffed forth the smoke from the cannon's mouth. The air was filled with a riot of sounds from the crash of guns, multiplying the echoes rising above the strains of the Star Spangled Banner. It was a touching sight to see the veterans of war behave like boys let loose from school, the children clapping their hands, Queen California with her maids of honor upon her throne waving handkerchiefs. The sailors stood at attention throughout this demonstration, but when Mr. Toler turned to ascend the platform they seized him and bore him triumphantly to the grandstand amid shouts and huzzas for the midshipmate of fifty years ago. After the excitement was over he bade them all farewell. This was the last public appearance of Mr. Toler. He passed away the following year.
Upon the platform were gathered a number of notable men. Major Sherman was orator of the day and the ruling spirit of this patriotic gathering. Admiral L.A. Beardslee, U.S.N., retired, was the honored guest and spoke with patriotic fervor on this occasion of the laying of the corner stone of the Sloat monument and flag-raising. After the address of Major Sherman the girls of the living flag sang with splendid effect the Star Spangled Banner. Mrs. Eliza A. Pittsinger eloquently recited an original poem written for l'America by myself, with full spirit of patriotic fire and sweetness of song, which was roundly applauded. At the close I brought forth a small American flag, which created the greatest enthusiasm and responded with Old Glory, Flag of Liberty. It was some time before I was allowed to retire.
Hon. H.C. Gesford, grand president of Native Sons of the Golden West, followed with a telling speech; the Hon. Niles Searles, vice-president of the California Pioneers, made a short and witty speech, after which the multitude joined in the anthem of America. Rev. O.E. Edmonson, chaplain of the U.S. flagship Philadelphia, pronounced the benediction and the great celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the taking of California and raising of the American flag at Monterey by CommodoreSloat was ended and his honored fame gloriously vindicated.
My next work for the Grand Army was at an entertainment, July 14, 1896. I was asked to speak on the theme of Old Glory. I made my first speech in public with Judge E.M. Gibson, Mr. Arbuckle and others who were veterans on the speaking platform. In 1897 I sang at Memorial Day exercises; May 28, Lincoln's memorial; December 14, Lyon Corps fete of all nations closed the engagements of this year, with the addition of many dollars finding their way into the depleted treasury. In 1898 Memorial Day was the first of the varied performances of the year; June 25 was another departure from the regular things that took place in the G.A.R. needs. About eight or nine of the patriotic women, myself and four other singers of the different corps, went to visit the boys enlisted for the Spanish-American war and staying at Camp Merritt at the Presidio. They were awaiting the call to the Philippines. We arrived in camp about four o'clock in the afternoon and visited the different divisions and chatted with the soldiers until eight o'clock, when we were due at the tent where Captain Sloat was quartered, and his fine boys of San Bernardino, Cal.
We assisted the boys in their songs and listened to the remarks by able men and women until nine o'clock, when Captain Sloat addressed his men and called upon me to tell the boys of our work in 1861—a new departure for me. I generally sang my patriotism, but this time it took the form of a recital of events for about fifteen minutes, and was listened to with the greatest attention. I told them of the dying soldiers who passed away with the song of Annie Laurie on their lips. Afterwards I sang it for them and gave them other songs. At the close of my work Capt. Sloat made me an offering in the name of his men of the most beautiful tribute of roses and ferns, contributed by the individual members. I received their tribute with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. We were served with refreshments by the hospitable women of the Red Cross before returning to the city. Taps sounded at ten o'clock and we departed for our homes. October 11, 21, 24 finished the entertainments for the year 1898. In 1899, January 5, the installation of Appomattox Post and corps took place, followed on February 21 with a grand reception of veterans and newly elected officers and their wives. A musical program was provided as usual. On May 30 the Memorial services were held in the Methodist Church with suitable programme. On July 11 and 29 the ReliefCorps had the usual entertainment for friends. On September 3 memorial exercises for soldiers who fell in the Philippine war were held. Nothing special occurred in 1900 until Memorial Day, which was celebrated by befitting exercises. On June 19 the Lyon Corps had an extra entertainment. On June 23 the grand McKinley demonstration, San Francisco, closed the engagements of the year 1900. I did not sing again for the G.A.R. until 1903, because of my accident. On March 31, 1903, Lyon Post, as a special request, needed my services. On August 21 and December 15, they celebrated Veterans' Day, Lyon Post installation. On May 12, 1904, Captain Stillwell wanted the boys to have patriotic singing in their armory opening, and asked me to sing for them Vive l'America. This entertainment and Memorial Day, May 31, closed my work for this year. 1905 began with the Lyon Corps and Post installation. On Memorial Day I sang in the Congregational Church. As I sang The Offering of Flowers I quietly placed a wreath of roses over the spear of the flag, as it projected in front of me in the gallery over the pulpit, and in an instant the audience rose to their feet in silent appreciation for my tribute to the dead, comrades knowing my inability to go to the cemetery for the services there. At the close of the services, before I could leave my place in the gallery, many G.A.R. officers and strangers paid their affectionate tributes of praise for my services of song and honor to the dead. Once more I was urged to sing at the Macdonough theater on the Fourth of July of that year, and I received a most enthusiastic reception from the public. The banquet of Lyon Corps for the post, July 11, and the memorial services of post and corps for the annual deaths closed this year's services. I supposed this would be my last public appearance, but in 1906 I was needed at the installation as usual, and on the Fourth of July at the Macdonough theater. In 1907 I sang at a special reception to veterans and department officers of California and their wives. Judge Dibble was most eloquent in his address, which was enthusiastically received by the veterans. On July 31 and August 20 I closed my G.A.R. work for the year. In 1908 I sang on two occasions, and in 1909 I sang at the Bay School for Mr. Crawford, taking a quartette with me. We gave the children some of the old songs for the inspiration of their patriotic spirit. They in return gave us the "Red, White and Blue" with splendid effect, led by Mr. Crawford, who is a patriotic spirit among the young in the schools of California. On July 8 and November 30 closed the engagements for 1910 and 1911, up to May 30, 1912.How many more times I shall be able to help the Boys in Blue I do not know, but as long as I have a musical note left it shall be to serve them.
My book has already assumed such proportions that I shall not be able to give many of the interesting and worthy occurrences which have occurred in my public life as a singer. I have sung for the Masonic lodges, Knights of Pythias, Rebekahs, Eastern Star. I have sung at concerts for the different charities, church societies, Christian associations, on anniversaries of special nature, at public demonstrations in the school department, among them the tree-planting by the children of the Lincoln school and demonstration chorus singing by the children in Mills Tabernacle. I have entertained artists who have come to our coast and sung in opera and concert. Madam Etelka Gerster and her company were entertained in my home in 1884; the prima donna, Materna, of Wagner fame, and her tenor, Ondricek, and Madame Anna Bishop and her artists were also my guests. I have enjoyed the friendships of our artists, Rudolph Herold, Ernest Hartman, Prof. Trenkle, J.H. Dohrmann and hosts of others. When Henry Clay Barnabee and his opera company were at the Columbia theater I enjoyed many hours of real comradeship, chatting about old times in Boston and other artists of our day. Emma Shafter Howard made it possible for many musical people to meet the celebrated violinist, Ysaye, a number of years ago. It would require many pages to recount the number of such meetings which have taken place during my sojourn in Boston, Mass.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Oregon, Victoria, and throughout the cities of California. In San Bernardino I found during my sixteen months' stay many prominent families who extended their cordial support and appreciation and welcome. I take great pleasure in mentioning especially Mr. Seth Marshall and wife, Dr. and Mrs. Addison Collins, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Perkins.
On returning to Oakland I received the right hand of fellowship from Horace A. Redfield, who visited me in my studio, and his wife, Addie Lowell Redfield and her sister Mrs. Gussie Lowell Garthwaite. Through these friends it became known that I had come to this city to reside. At that time Mr. Redfield was prominent as an impresario, a musical critic and the writer of the Lyre and Song column in the Oakland Enquirer. Through my singing in church choirs and public concerts I later made permanent friends of many of the good people of Oakland who encouraged music of the highest order in their homes. Mrs. Gutterson,Mrs. John L. Howard, Mrs. Emma Shafter-Howard were among the earlier friends and later in East Oakland Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Goodfellow, who are thoroughly musical. He possessed a fine tenor voice while his wife was a splendid musician and pianist. It was my good fortune to gain their friendship while I served the Church of the Advent for eight months, they being members of that diocese. During the life of Stephen W. Leach, Mr. Goodfellow formed the Glee Club of friends who were well known singers and players. S.W. Leach was director of this club. It was Mr. Goodfellow's recreation from his much worry and work in his profession. Mr. and Mrs. William Angus, Mr. George Collins, wife and two daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Klose and Miss Augusta Klose were the friends who were among the musical people of the club. It was in 1896 I began singing in the choir and in looking around for the leader for the club I was accepted as soloist and leader. I was reluctant to do this, as I well knew the ability of Mr. Leach, having belonged to his Madrigal club long years before in San Francisco, but my good fortune lay in knowing how to sing these English, Scotch and Welsh madrigals and airs, many of them so familiar to me. For nearly three years we enjoyed the advantage of the club and the carefully selected musical library which Mr. Goodfellow possessed and placed at our convenience. It was a delightful gathering of congenial friends and gave restful pleasure to our good host and charming hostess who made it possible for us all to benefit by their generous hospitality. These delightful weekly gatherings were only discontinued when Mr. Goodfellow was obliged to rest from his labor and travel for a year. Our last meeting occurred February 2, 1900, when he and his wife left for their tour of the world. During their absence changes had taken place among the families. It has been my good fortune to meet prominent men and women in the different cities where I have lived who devoted time and money to promote the best music in their home cities. By their generosity many worthy aspirants have received encouragement to greater advancement in their chosen career who perhaps would not have had opportunity to be known or heard otherwise.
THINKING it may be of interest to my readers and also of some historical value, I append a list of the halls and theaters as well as the churches where I have sung. A list of the masses, oratorios, cantatas, etc., is also given. I also give a list of the pastors of the various churches where I have sung.
Alcazar Hall, O'Farrell street.B'nai B'rith Hall, O'Farrell street.California Theatre, Bush street.Old Metropolitan Hall, Montgomery street.Pacific Hall, Bush street.Mechanics Library Hall, Bush street.Sherman and Clay Hall, Sutter street.Old Dashaway Hall, Post street.Greer's Hall, Minna street, between 17th and 18th streets.Western Addition Hall, Mission street.Grand Western Hall, corner Bush and Polk streets.Hamilton Hall, corner Steiner and Geary streets.Mission Music Hall, 21st and Howard streets.Laurel Hall, Shiel's Building, O'Farrell street.Mission Opera Hall, Grove and Laguna streets.Old Platt Hall, Montgomery street.Pacific Hall, Howard street.Union Hall, Mission street.Masonic Temple, corner Montgomery and Sutter streets.Mechanics Pavilion, Union Square.Mechanics Pavilion, Mission street.Mechanics Pavilion, Market street.Knights of Pythias Hall, Market street.Woodward's Gardens, Mission street.Pioneer Hall, Fourth street, between Market and Mission streets.Metropolitan Temple, Fifth street.Y.M.C.A. Hall, Sutter street. Sang eight years here.Wigwam, political meetings, James G. Blaine and others, Stockton and Geary streets.Odd Fellows Hall, Western Addition, Geary and Steiner streets.Mark Hopkins Institute, California street.Odd Fellows Hall, Mission street.Tent Pavilion, Mission street, back of the old Palace Hotel.Ixora Hall, Mission street.Winter Garden, Stockton street, between Sutter and Post streets.Ladies' Relief Society.Protestant Orphan Asylum.
Pupils of the 80's
First Presbyterian Church, 1870-1871, Stockton street.St. John's Presbyterian Church, Post street.St. Patrick's Church, Mission street, March 21, 1869, 1870-1874.St. Mary's, California and Dupont streets, 1869, 1870; 3 months.Congregational Church, Dupont and California streets.Calvary Church, Bush street.Calvary Church, Geary street, May 7, 1882.Fruitvale Congregational Church, Oakland.Noe Valley Mission, Noe Valley.Hamilton Hall Mission, Western Addition.Howard Presbyterian Church, Howard street.First Methodist Church, Mission street.Church of the Advent, Mission street.Church of the Advent, East Oakland.Powell Street Methodist Church, Powell street.Green Street Church, Green street.Episcopal Church, Stockton street.Larkin Presbyterian Church, Larkin street.O Habi Sholom, Mason street, September 15, 1887, 1888.Old Catholic Mission Church, Mission Street.Pilgrim Congregational Church, East Oakland.St. Brigid's, Western Addition, San Francisco.San Bruno Road Catholic Church, 1875.St. Ignatius Church, Market street, 1869.Notre Dame, French Catholic Church; Organist, R.A. Lucchesi.Unitarian Church, Geary street; Harry Hunt, organist.Howard Street Methodist Church; Martin Schultz, organist.St. Luke's Episcopal Church.Trinity Church, Powell street.Grace Cathedral, corner California and Stockton streets.Alemany, Bishop, St. Mary's Catholic Church, California street, San Francisco.Akerly, Father, St. John's Episcopal Church, Oakland.Anderson, Rev. John, First Presbyterian Church, Stockton street, San Francisco.Anderson, Rev. John Jr. (assistant), First Presbyterian Church, Stockton street, San Francisco.Buchard, Rev. Father, St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, Market street, San Francisco.Baylis, Rev. Mr., First Presbyterian Church, Stockton street, San Francisco.Barrows, Rev. D.D., Calvary Church, Bush street, San Francisco.Beecher, Henry Ward, Congregational Church, Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio.Bettleheim, Rabbi, Jewish, Mason street, San Francisco.Bailey, Rev. Mr., Congregational Mission, Sixteenth street, Oakland.Beecher, Lyman R., Congregational Church, Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio.Bokum, Rev. Henry, Reformed Church, Betts street, Cincinnati, Ohio.Burgess, Rev. Dr., Congregational Church, Dedham, Mass.Birmingham, Rev. Father, Roman Catholic Church, Mission street, San Francisco.Burrows, Dr., School for Boys, Stockton and Geary streets, San Francisco.Curry, Rev. James, Emanuel Presbyterian Church, Oakland.Cunningham, Rev. Dr. D., Presbyterian Church, Stockton street, San Francisco.Cool, Rev. P.Y., First Methodist Church, Santa Cruz, California.Cook, Rev. Dr., Y.M.C.A., Sutter street, San Francisco.Cheney, Rev. B.G., Baptist Church, Washington street, San Francisco.Cox, Rev. H., Methodist Church, Mission street, San Francisco.Chapman, Rev. Dr., Congregational Church, East Oakland, California.Dixon, Rev. Frank, Y.M.C.A., Sutter street, San Francisco.Dille, Rev. E.R., Methodist Church, Fourteenth and Clay streets, Oakland.Dodge, Dr., Presbyterian Church.Ells, Rev. James, Presbyterian Church, Stockton street, San Francisco.Edwards, Rev. Mr., Hamilton Hall, Oakland.Eston, Rev. Giles, Episcopal Church, Santa Cruz.Freer, Rev. James, Congregational Church, Santa Cruz.Frisk, Rev., Congregational Church, San Francisco.Freidlander, Rabbi, Jewish, Fourteenth street, Oakland.Gray, Rev. Father, Roman Catholic Church, Mission street, San Francisco.Gibson, Rev. M., Scotch Presbyterian Church, Jones street, San Francisco.Gerrior, Rev. Mr., Congregational Church, Jones avenue and East Fourteenth street, Oakland.Guard, Rev. Thomas, Presbyterian Church, Bush street, San Francisco.Hemphill, Rev. John, Presbyterian Church, Geary and Powell streets, San Francisco.Hemphill, Rev. Joseph, Presbyterian Church, Noe Valley, San Francisco.Hewes, Rev. Mr., Baptist Church, Mission District, San Francisco.Horton, Rev. Mr., Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth and Franklin streets, Oakland.Hagar, Rev. E.W., Episcopal Church, Stockton, California.Happersett, Rev. Mr., Presbyterian Church, Stockton, California.Jewell, Rev. Frank, Methodist Church, Mission street, San Francisco.Kip, Bishop Ingraham, Grace Episcopal Church, San Francisco.Koenig, Rev. Father, Roman Catholic Church, San Bernardino.Kroh, Rev. Henry, German Reformed Church, Betts street, Cincinnati, Ohio.Kroh, Rev. Phillip H., German Reformed Church, Stockton and Anna, Jonesboro, Union County, Illinois.Levy, Rabbi, Jewish Synagogue, Mason street, San Francisco.Lathrop, Rev. H.D., Episcopal Church, San Francisco and Oakland.Lacey, Rev. E.S., Congregational Church, Dupont and California streets, San Francisco.Larkin, Rev. James, Roman Catholic Church, Mission street.Law, Rev. V. Marshall, Episcopal Church, East Oakland.McClean, Rev. Dr. D., Congregational Church, Twelfth and Clay streets, Oakland.McSweeney, Father, Roman Catholic Church, Grove and Hobart streets, Oakland.Morrison, Rabbi, Jewish, Mason street, San Francisco.McKenzie, Rev. Robert, Presbyterian Church, Mission street, San Francisco.Morrisey, Rev. Father, St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, San Francisco.Machias, Rev. James, Presbyterian Church, Geary and Powell streets, San Francisco.Myerson, Rev. Dr., Jewish, Mason street, San Francisco.Mathews, Rev. James, Presbyterian and Calvary Churches, San Francisco.McNutt, Rev. George L., Congregational Church, East Oakland.Nugent, Rev. J.F., Roman Catholic Church, Mission street, San Francisco.O'Brien, Rev. W.J., Episcopal Church, San Bernardino.O'Connor, Rev. Father, St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, San Francisco.Palmer, Rev. Mr., Congregational Church, Oakland, California.Pittblado, Rev. Dr., Calvary Presbyterian Church, San Francisco and New York.Patterson, Rev. Mr., Presbyterian Church, Stockton.Rust, Rev. Henry, German Reformed Church, Betts street, Cincinnati, Ohio.Rader, Rev. Wm., Congregational Church, Oakland and San Francisco.Reed, Rev. S.F., Presbyterian Church, San Francisco; came from Victoria.Smith, Mathew Hale, Presbyterian Church, San Francisco; came from New York.Scott, Rev. Dr., Presbyterian Church, San Francisco; came from Glasgow, Scotland.Stone, Dr. A.L., Congregational Church, Mason street, San Francisco.Sprecher, Rev. Dr., Presbyterian and Calvary Churches, San Francisco.Silcox, Rev. Dr., Congregational Church, East Oakland.Simmons, Rev. Dr. (1852), Methodist Church, Stockton.Starr-King, Rev., Unitarian Church, Stockton street, San Francisco.Stebbins, Rev. Horatio, Unitarian Church, Geary street, San Francisco.Scott, Rev. W.A., D.D., LL.S., St. John's Presbyterian Church, Post street, San Francisco.Stockman, Father, Roman Catholic Church, San Bernardino, California.Scudder, Rev. Dr., Presbyterian Church, Mission street, San Francisco.Talmage, Rev. DeWitt, Presbyterian and Calvary Churches, San Francisco and New York.Thompson, Rev. J., Presbyterian Church, Mission street, San Francisco.Upchurch, Rev. J., Methodist Church, Mission street, San Francisco (Eastern minister).Wood, Rev. James, Presbyterian Church, Stockton.Woodbridge, Rev. Sylvester, First Presbyterian Church, Benicia.Wadsworth, Rev. Dr., Calvary Presbyterian Church, Bush street, San Francisco.Wendte, Rev. Mr., Unitarian Church, Oakland.Williams, Rev. Albert, Presbyterian Church; founder of the first Presbyterian Church of San Francisco.Wheeler, Rev. O.C., Baptist Church, San Francisco.Willey, Rev. H.S., Presbyterian Church, Mission street, San Francisco.Weber, Archdeacon, Episcopal missioner at Church of the Advent, East Oakland.
David.Saul.St. Paul.Moses in Egypt, by Rossini.Creation, Haydn.Messiah, Handel.Samson, Handel.Elijah, six different times.Israel in Egypt, Handel.Stabat Mater, Rossini.Racine's Athalie, Mendelssohn Bartholdy.Paradise and the Peri.Schumann's Cantata.Erlking's Daughter, Miles W. Gade.First Walpurgis Night.Daughter of Jarius, J. Stainer.God, Thou Are Great, L. Spohr.Esther.Baumbach's Collections Sacred Music.Mosenthal's Quartettes—church and home collection.
Sacred music sung in San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Cruz, San Bernardino, and other cities in California and United States.
All of Sudd's collections.
Millard's collection of songs for Sunday school children, Episcopal service.
While in Boston I was a member of the Edwin Bruce United Choir Chorus, composed of the best soloists of the day.
Dr. Burgess' choir of Dedham.Newton Musical Association.Bowdoin Street choir, 200 voices, andChurch of the Unity choir.
We formed an operatic bouquet of artists. All through the war we gave concerts for the volunteer soldiers of the State of Massachusetts. Our repertoire consisted of choruses from:
Il TrovatoreNormaMarthaSemiramideSicilian Vespers, VerdiLucrezia BorgiaSolo and choruses from Lucrezia Borgia, DonizettiSolo and choruses from Il Templario, NicolaiQuintette and chorus, Martha, FlotowMiserere, Il Trovatore, VerdiLes HuguenotsBohemian GirlPuritaniCharity, RossiniMasanielloChorus, La Fille Du Regiment, Donizetti.Chorus, Maritana, WallaceI Lombardi, VerdiTrio and chorus, Attila, VerdiSolo and chorus, Martha, FlotowChorus, Donizetti, The Martyrs
Mozart's 12th.Haydn's 6th in B flat.Mercadanti, three-voice mass.Haydn's 3d in D.Mozart's mass in C, No. 1.Haydn's in C, No. 2.Farmer's mass in G.Haydn's 3d in D.Mozart's No. 7.Haydn's 8th.Peter's mass in E flat.Haydn's 16th in B flat.Concone, three-voice mass.Roeder's mass. Sung July 5th, 1874, for first time.Weber's mass in G.Mozart's 16th mass, St. Mary's church.Weber's mass in E flat.Beethoven's in C.Mozart's No. 1.Mozart's No. 7.Bach's mass in B minor for five voices. Sung April 17th at St. Patrick's.Haydn's No. 1.Millard's mass.Haydn's 16th mass in B flat.Schubert's 2d mass and vespers.Schubert's 3d.Schubert's 4th.Haydn's 3d mass in D.Weber's mass in G.Beethoven's mass in C.Mozart's vespers in C dur.Mozart's No. 1.Mozart's No. 2.Mozart's No. 3.Buchler's vespers.Mozart's 9th requiem.Mozart's 4th mass and vespers.Mozart's 5th mass. (Sung on June 20th at dedication of new organ which the choir aided in purchasing.)
Pupils of the 80's and 90's
March 20, began singing in St. Patrick's church.Candlemas Day, St. Ignatius church (Market street), Mozart's Twelfth.March 15th, Notre Dame school.April 4th, St. Patrick's.April 11th, 18th and 27th, requiem mass.May 2d, St. Patrick's.August 29th, St. Mary's.October 7th, September 6th, requiem at St. Mary's.October 21st, requiem at St. Patrick's.October 26th, requiem at St. Patrick's.November 2d, 5th and 27th, requiem at St. Patrick's.December 5th, 19th, and 23d, St. Patrick's.Eighteen Mozart masses.Requiem brevis.Sixteen Haydn masses.Lambillotte, First Mass in D.Beethoven, two masses, one in C and one in D; very difficult.October 31st, Weber's E flat (mostly sung).Schubert's five masses.
On All Saints' Day, 1870, we sang Rossini's "Solenelle Requiem" with 16 solo voices and a full orchestra, and 35 in chorus.
I.J. Paine of Boston, first mass; very difficult.Bach's masses.Peter's smaller masses (complete).Cherubini's masses (complete).
Choir in St. Patrick's during these years were: Soprano, Mrs. Urig, Miss Louisa Tourney, Mrs. Young and Mrs. Taylor; mezzo-soprano, Mme. Bianchi and Mrs. Herman; mezzo-contralto, Mrs. M.R. Blake; contralto, Ella Steele; tenor, Mr. Buch; bass, Mr. Schnable.
December 24th, Midnight mass.December 25th, repeated Christmas Day.December 27th, requiem.January 27th, requiem at 8:30 a.m.June 25th, mass.June 26th, mass and vespers.July 7th, requiem at 8:30.July 10th, Mercadanti, four-voice mass.July 17th, Mozart's mass.July 27th, requiem at 8:30.July 31st, Lambillotte mass.August 21st, Weber's mass E flat.August 28th, Farmer's mass.August 18th, Beethoven's mass in C.September 4th, Beethoven's mass in C.September 20th, requiem at 8:30.September 25th, Beethoven's mass in C.October 2d, Mozart's mass No. 1, vespers at six o'clock.October 3d, requiem at 8:30 a.m.October 7th, requiem, Mission Dolores.October 8th, requiem at 8:30, St. Patrick's.October 9th, Mozart's mass No. 1.October 13th, requiem at 8:30.October 16th, Mozart's 7th mass and vespers.October 23d, Haydn's No. 1 vespers (black book).October 30th, Beethoven's mass in C.October 31st, benediction at church All Saints' Day. Requiem and chants. Rossini's "Solenelle" for first time in California.November 1st, Beuhler's mass.November 2d, requiem, All Souls' Day, 2 p.m.November 3d, benediction evening. I sang solo.November 3d, sang requiem at 10 a.m.November 6th, Haydn's 5th mass. Benediction.November 18th, requiem at 8:30.November 20th, Mozart's mass No. 2.November 27th, repeated same mass.December 4th, Farmer's mass.December 11th, repeated mass.December 18th, Mozart's mass No. 2.December 19th, 20th, 21st, rehearsal with orchestra.December 24th, midnight mass.December 25th, repeated midnight mass.
Rev. Father Bingham officiated as celebrant. Deacon, Rev. T. Larkin, sub-deacon Rev. J.P. Nugent, Rev. P.J. Gray acted as master of ceremonies. Father Gray delivered a brief discourse on the life and character of Pope Pius IX. The music by the choir was of high order and excellently rendered. The selections included Introit, Dies Iræ, Lacrimosa, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei and Lux Aeterna—all from L. Cherubini's compositions. Offertory, Domini from Verdi and Libera from Palestrina. Artists were:
Soprano—Miss Brandel, Miss C. Bush.Contralto—Mrs. M. Blake, Signora Bianchi.Tenor—Signor Bianchi and Signor Meize.Bass—Mr. Stockmyer and Mr. Yarndley.Organist—J.H. Dohrmann.Full orchestra, thirty pieces.
Mozart's 12th.Haydn's 6th in B flat.Mercadanti, three-voice.Haydn's 3d in D.Mozart's No. 1 in C.Haydn's No. 2.Farmer's mass in B flat.Weber's in G.Haydn's 3d in D.Mozart's No. 7.Haydn's mass No. 8.Peter's mass in E flat.Haydn's 16th in B flat.
Mozart's 12th.Farmer's in B flat.Weber's in E flat.
Mozart's 12th in C.
Weber's mass in G.
June 20th, Mozart's 5th mass.June 21st, Concone's three-voice mass.July 2d, a high mass for wedding at 10 a.m.; full choir and orchestra.July 5th, Roeder's mass.July 12th, requiem.July 17th, requiem.July 19th, Mercadanti mass.July 26th, repeated the mass.July 29th, requiem.August 2d, Peter's mass.August 8th, requiem.August 9th, Roeder's mass.August 11th, requiem.August 14th, requiem.August 15th, Holy Thursday.Haydn's 16th in B flat.Schubert's 2d mass and vespers.Schubert's 3d mass.Schubert's 4th mass.Haydn's 3d in D.Weber's Mass in G.Beethoven's in C.Mozart's vespers in C dur.Mozart's 1st and 2d mass.Mozart's 3d mass.Buchler's vespers.Mozart's 9th requiem.Mozart's 5th mass.Mozart's 12th, 6th, 7th and 8th.Mozart's 9thHaydn's 6th in B flat.Mozart's No. 1 in C.Haydn's No. 2 in C.Farmer's mass in B flat.Haydn's 8th.Peter's mass in E flat.
April 17th, Easter Day.
CHOIR
Miss H. Brandel,sopranoMrs. M.R. Blake,contraltoSignora Bianchi,mezzo-sopranoSignor Bianchi,tenorF. Shoenstein,bass
Music rendered:
Vide Aquam, V. Novello.Veni Creator, Mrs. M.R. Blake."Alma Vergo," Mrs. Brandel.Mass in B minor (five voices), John Sebastian Bach. Sung forthe first time in San Francisco.J.H. Dohrmann, master and organist.Romberg's Te Deum—Orchestra.J.K. Paine, mass.W.A. Leonard's mass in B flat, four voices.Regina Coeli (Paolo Giorza).April 8th, extra Easter music—violin, organ, voice.
October 28th, Concone mass. Vespers at 4 p.m.November 20th, requiem—Father Koenig—Father Stockman.December 2d, Bordeuse mass.December 8th, requiem at 8:30.December 22d, Bordeuse mass.
January 1st, Bordeuse mass.January 6th, part of three masses.January 13th, Werner's mass.January 20th, Bordeuse mass.January 27th, Peter's mass.February 17th, Bordeuse mass.February 24th, high mass—Millard's mass, second time.March 3d, mass, Concone. Vespers at 4 p.m.March 10th, Peter's mass. Vespers at 4 p.m.March 24th, third Sunday in Lent, Gregorian chants.March 31st, Gloria and Kyrie from Easter mass.April 7th, Werner's mass. Vespers at 4 p.m.April 14th, Palm Sunday, Millard's mass.April 19th, Good Friday, requiem from green book.April 21st, Easter Sunday, Buchler's mass and vespers.April 25th, sang for the Sodality in the afternoon (Sisters of Mercy).April 30th, closed my engagements at this church.
1852—Mary Matilda Kroh, organ, piano, Stockton, Cal., fromCincinnati, O.1853—H.B. Underhill, organ, piano, Stockton, from New York.1853—Paul Pioda, Benicia Female Seminary, from Italy.1853—Mary E. Woodbridge, piano, organ, Benicia Female Seminary.1853—Emily Wash, piano, Benicia Female Seminary.1854—Johanna Lapfgeer, piano and organ, Benicia Female Seminary.
Mary Matilda Kroh,organistEmma Jane Kroh,sopranoSarah Rebecca Kroh,sopranoMargaret R. Kroh,altoMary Matilda Kroh,altoJames Holmes,bassWm. W. Trembly,tenorH. Noel,tenorGeo. H. Blake,tenorWm. Belding,bassAmos Durant,bass
Pupils and accompanists of the 90's
Lucy Grove,sopranoMary Newell,sopranoLizzie Fisher,altoJennie Grove,altoSam Grove,tenorWm. H. Cobb,tenorJames Holmes,bassThe Ainsa Family (Castilians), Lola, Anita, Belana, Leonore, (1852)H.B. Underhill,organist and piano(1854)Louisa Falkenburg,pianist
Anna Thillon's corps of artists were:
Julia GouldS.W. LeachMr. RonconvieriMr. HudsonGeo. Loder,director
Beutler, Prof.,pianoBodecker, Louis,pianoBosworth, H.M.,piano, organBatkin, I.,piano, organBulle, Ole,violin virtuoso, 1854Brandt, Herman,violinist, arrived 1894Blankart, Otto,violinistBlake, Geo. L.,cornet and drum, French hornCoggins, I.O.,cornetDohrmann, J.H.,piano, organ, harmony, composerDellepiane, F.,piano, organEaton, Prof.,organ, composerEspinosa, Signor,organEvans, George,organFabbri, Mulder,organFoley, Prof.,violinGee, George,piano, organHomier, Louis,piano, violinHunt, Harry,organandpianoHartmann, Ernest,pianoHemme, Prof.,pianoHeyman, Henry,violinHefferman, Prof.,leader of bandHerold, Rudolph,pianoHinrichs, Julius,violoncelloHinrichs, August,violin, leaderHinrichs, Gustave,pianoHartdegan, Prof. A.,violoncelloHerzog, Theo.,violinHerold, Oscar,piano, leaderHolt, Prof.,organKoppitz, George,fluteKoppitz, Henry,arranger of musicKohler, Dick,cornetKuhne, Arnold,piano, organKatzenbach, Fred'k,piano, organLisser, Louis,pianistLoring, D.W.,Loring Club leaderLinden, Otto,pianoLittle, Geo. C.,organ, pianoMayer, James C,organMayer, D. Samuel,organ, pianoMundwyler, John,bassoon, double bassMundwyler, Louis,oboe, clarionet, violinMundwyler, Fred,trombone, violaMcDougall, W.J.,organ, pianoMansfeldt, Hugo,pianist virtuoso,1873McCume, Chas.,pianoOettl, Julius,pianoPettinos, George,organ, pianoPipers, Fritz,violinPaddock, Nellie,pianoRosenberg, A.A.,pianoRosewald, Prof.,violinSabin, Wallace,piano, organ, composerSchmidt, Louis Sr.,violin leaderSchmidt, Louis Jr.,violinSchmidt, Ernest,violinSchmidt, Clifford,violoncelloSchmidt, Alice,pianoSimonson, Martin,violin virtuosoScott, Gustave,piano and organStedman, H.S.,organ, pianoSewell, Prof.,organ, pianoSchultz, Charles,pianist. California Theater leader.Schlott, Ernest,French hornSchmitz, Christof,French hornSchmitz, Joseph,LeaderSpadina, Prof.,clarionetanddirectorSolano, Mauro,harp, piano, celloSeward, William,organ, pianoStadfeldt, Jacob,pianoandsingerSleuter, Prof.,pianoSchultz, Martin,organ, pianoSeib, Prof.,organ, pianoTrenkle, Joseph,pianoToepke, Wm.,pianoUhlig, Robert,violinUrba, Prof.,hornVon der Mehden, L.,cornet, flute, violinWand, Prof.,pianoWeil, Oscar,piano composerWysham, Clay,fluteYarndley, T.R.,organZech, August,pianist, Royal Court of Leipsic
Beutler, Clara,pianoBlankart, Theresa Mrs.,pianoBacon, Alice M.,pianoCarmichael, Carr,pianoCarusi, Inez,pianoandharpCohen, Madam Waldo,pianoDillaye, Miss,piano, organJaffa, Madam,pianoCottlow, Augusta,piano virtuosoLada, Madam,pianoTojetti, Madam,piano
Abby, Mrs. A.,mezzo-sopranoBiscaccianti, Mme. E. (nee Eliza Ostinello),coloratura singer, sopranoBrambrilla, Signora Elvira,prima donna, sopranoBianchi, Signora,mezzo-sopranoBishop, Mme. Anna,prima donna, sopranoBlake, Margaret M.,mezzo-contraltoBeutler, Clara,sopranoBeutler, Ida,mezzoBeutler, Emma,contraltoBateman Sisters, in 1854Bowden, Mrs. Anna Shattuck,sopranoButhen, Mrs.,soprano(St. Patrick's)Carusi, Inez,sopranoCowen, Safa Tate,sopranoCampbell, Mrs. Marriner,coloratura sopranoChisolm, Mrs.,contraltoCameron, Mrs.sopranoEscott, Lucy,prima donna, sopranoElzer, Anna,prima donna, contraltoFabri, Inez,prima donna, sopranoGerster, Etelka,prima donna sopranoGalton, Susan,lyric sopranoGould, Susan,contraltoHoward, Etna,sopranoKeen, Laura,sopranoLittle, Sarah Watkins,soprano(1864)Leach, Georgiana,sopranoLester, Louisa,sopranoMills, Louisa,prima donna, sopranoMelville, Emily,prima donna, sopranoMenans, Madam,soprano(St. Patrick's)Moore, Hattie,soprano(opera)Mohrig, Ida Semminaro,mezzo-sopranoNorthrup, Elizabeth,mezzo-sopranoNeilson, Alice,soprano(opera)Orlandini, Gabriela,soprano(opera)Parker, Elizabeth,sopranoPierce, Mrs. J.M.,sopranoRightmire, Sallie,contraltoRosewald, Julia,prima donna soprano(opera)Shattuck, Anna B.,sopranoSconcia, Madame,sopranoStone, Kate,contraltoSchultz, Susan,sopranoStates, Agatha,sopranoTaylor, Mrs.,soprano(St. Patrick's)Tourney, Louisa,soprano(St. Patrick's)Thursby, Louisa,prima donna, sopranoUhrig, Mrs.,soprano(St. Patrick's)Van Brunt, Mrs. R.A.,soprano, (Calvary Church)Valerga, Ida,mezzo-soprano(opera)Wilson, Alice,sopranoWetherbee, Nellie,mezzo-sopranoWilliams, Mrs. Barney,sopranoYoung, Mrs.soprano(St. Patrick's)
McDonough, Luckstone,pianoMaterna, Amelia,famous prima donnaFrantz, Ondricek,famous tenor
Adler, Herman,baritoneBianchi, Signor,tenorBorneman, Fred,bassBettencourt, J. de S.,tenorCampbell, Walter,bass(1859)Clark, Benjamin,tenor(1854)Coch, S.W.,bassDugan, Charles,baritoneDuffy, Thomas,baritoneElliott, Washington,tenorFormes, Karl,basso profundoFuchs, Prof.,tenorFreedburg, A.,tenorGates, Harvey,tenorGoe, Dr. S.E.,tenorHughes, D.P.,tenorHoward, Frank,baritoneKelleher, Alfred,tenorLangstroth, J.A.,tenorLyster, Fred,tenorLeach, Stephen W.,baritoneMayer, Samuel D.,tenorMorley, Signor,tenorMakin, Cornelius,bassMancusi, Signor,baritoneMaguire, Joseph,tenorNesfield, D.W.C,baritoneOtty, Major W.N.,tenorReuling, Signor,baritoneRichel, M.D.,basso profundiSquires, Henry,tenor primoStadfeldt, Jacob,bassoStockmyer, Herr,bassoTippetts, J.E.,tenorTrehane, John,tenorWilder, Dr. A.M.,tenorWetherbee, Henry,tenorWilliams, Barney (1854),tenor
Sabin, Wallace A.Metcalf, John W.Koppitz, Geo.Lejeal, AloisDohrmann, J.H.
THE FIRST famous orchestra leader in San Francisco was Rudolph Herold, born in Prussia, Germany, March 29, 1832, and died in San Francisco, July 25, 1889. He received his musical education at Leipsic Conservatory with Plaidy and Moscheles, his teachers on the piano, and Mendelssohn, teacher of the theory of music and composition.
He arrived in San Francisco in 1852 as solo pianist and accompanist with the famous Catherine Hayes. He saw opportunities in this young city for fostering and cultivating good music and remained here until his death. He was closely identified with every important musical event up to the time when he was stricken with paralysis three years preceding his death.
In the early fifties he organized, under the patronage of Harry Meiggs, who was an ardent lover of music, the San Francisco Philharmonic society and rendered such important works as Elijah, St. Paulus, by Mendelssohn, Mass Requiem, by Mozart, The Desert, by Felician David, etc., etc. He also organized the famous San Francisco Harmonie, a singing society for male voices. He was organist at St. Mary's Cathedral and the First Unitarian Church for over twenty years and Temple Emanuel for twenty-five years. He had full charge of the great musical festival in 1870, given by Camilla Urso in aid of the Mercantile Library fund and conducted at the second festival given by Sumner Bugbee in conjunction with Carl Zerrahn of Boston. He conducted all the earlier Italian opera seasons given by Bianchi at the old Metropolitan, Maguire's opera house. In 1874 he organized his Symphony orchestra and continued his concerts without financial backing up to the time of his illness, producing the standard symphonic works of the old masters and also those of the more modern composers, such as Schuman, Rubinstein, Raff, Brahms and St. Saens.
Mr. Dohrmann, a native of Hesse, Germany, took his first piano lesson when but six years old. At the age of eleven years he had made such remarkable progress that his parents sent him to a seminary at Homburg to further develop his musical talent and other studies. Dr. Wilhelm Volekmar, an eminent organist, pianist and accomplished musician, was the head of the musical department. Under his tuition he became a brilliant pianist and a good organist. He was an indefatigable student, not only in music but also languages—the foundations of which were laid there. After remaining a few years there, his parents decided to emigrate to America and came to San Francisco, where a son had preceded them in 1854.
Dohrmann went to school there to perfect his knowledge of the English language, and continued his studies in music, harmony, theory and instrumentation for some time, under the guidance of Prof. R. Herold, and later alone, when compelled to live in the country on account of failing health.
In 1857 he located in Sacramento, where he remained one year, then went to San Jose, where he was successful as a teacher, also as director of singing societies. However, being ambitious to associate with better musicians, and to be in a greater field for music, in 1861 he came to San Francisco. There he soon became a favorite with the musicians as a pianist. In 1862 he made his advent as pianist in a theater of which he became the leader of the orchestra later. Since then he has been the musical director in a number of theaters in San Francisco—Metropolitan, Montgomery street; American, Sansome street; Alhambra (later Bush Street Theater); Shiels Opera house, Bush street; Platts Hall, Montgomery street; a few performances at the California Theater, in 1876; Grand Opera House, Mission street; Winter Garden, Post and Stockton streets; Tivoli, Eddy street; in Oakland, Oakland Tivoli; Cameron Hall, Fourteenth street; Oakland theater, later Coliseum, Twelfth street; also was director of the Oakland Harmonic society until he became director at the Grand Opera House, San Francisco. Became organist at St. Patrick's church, March, 1864, then located at the corner of Annie and Market streets, San Francisco, later on Mission street. Held that position until May, 1899. During the greater part of his musical career he has resided in Oakland, where he is still busy as a teacher.
I.G. Drebler, in April, 1910, desired him to accept the chair of musical director and critic of the Technique System Conservatory of Music, Los Angeles. His business of so many years' standing could not be properly adjusted for him to accept this advantageous offer and he still continues his musical instructions in his home studio, Eighth street, Oakland, and San Francisco.
Mr. Condy was from Philadelphia. I never knew with whom he studied, but I can safely say he was a thorough musician. In 1856 he organized the first brass band in Stockton and was identified with it for four years. He was unexcelled as an E flat cornet player and played several instruments with great artistic skill. He was also a most beautiful flute player. All the years of his residence he was closely allied with the advancement of the best music in Stockton. In 1862 he enlisted in the third regiment of cavalry and became the leader of the cavalry band. At the close of the war he became a prominent member of Rawlins Post, G.A.R. He also stood high in Odd Fellowship. His second wife was Miss Lizzie Fisher, my early companion, the only daughter of Alvin Fisher, who with his brother, Samuel Fisher, ran the first stage coach line into Stockton. She came to Stockton from the East in 1854 and sang with me in the Episcopal choir. Being a fine alto singer she was gladly welcomed among the musical colony of Stockton. Condy died November 3, 1903, and was deeply mourned by many sincere friends who honored and esteemed him. With his death the last of the pioneer musicians are gone. He is survived by Mrs. Condy and three sons.
Mr. Kraus was born in Basel, Switzerland, in 1827. He arrived in San Francisco in 1851. He was not only a fine musician but also took an active part in civic affairs. He was one of the Vigilance committee, of the Empire Engine Company, volunteers, and also belonged to the Swiss sharpshooters. He was a familiar figure in those societies, very few parades were formed without Fred Kraus, and his company of sharpshooters, or as the leader of the Sixth Regiment band. He was every inch a soldier and marched with his stately body erect, with dignified step, proud of his companions and his band of fine musicians. He alsobelonged to the Musicians' union for many years. He answered his last call January 16, 1912. Five children survive him.
Miss Watkins was born in the little town of Mendham, N.J., July 10, 1842. She came to California in 1859 and to Oakland on the day before Christmas. The following year she was engaged to sing soprano in the First Presbyterian church. After two and one-half years there she went to Calvary Church where she sang for another two and a half years and then went to the Unitarian Church, where Rev. Dr. Stebbins preached. In 1864 she was married to William C. Little.
Geo. F. Pettinos was organist in the First Presbyterian Church; Mr. Anderson was tenor, Emily King, now Mrs. K.S. Latham, contralto, and Mrs. Blake-Alverson contralto.
The choir in Calvary Church: Organist, Gustave Scott; large choir with quartette, Washington Elliott, leader.
Choir Unitarian Church: Rudolph Herold, organist; Mr. Wunderlich, superb basso; Mr. Mitchell, tenor; Miss Fisher, alto; Mrs. Little, soprano.
She was much interested in the oratorio society, Handel and Haydn, in which she took part in Oakland, and was soprano at St. John's Church, following Mrs. Shipman.
When Dr. Eells came to the First Presbyterian Church in Oakland she had charge of the choir and was the soprano. She raised about $1500 toward the purchase of an organ for the church. She took part in solos when Creation was given there.
When Hattie Crocker Alexander presented the First Congregational Church of San Francisco with a large organ, Mrs. Watkins raised money and purchased the original organ for Plymouth Church of Oakland and it is now in use in that church. The first choir was as follows: Emily King, contralto; Mr. Anderson, tenor; Sallie Little, soprano; George Pettinos, organist.
After two and a half years she went to Calvary Church. Mr. Elliott was leader of the choir and Gustave Scott, organist; Dr. Wadsworth, pastor. Mrs. Little now lives in Oakland with her daughter, who is also a gifted singer and a teacher of voice.