Old school family nostalgia
Dec. 6th, 2012 11:51 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stoney321I finally found someone that I felt I could trust to repair some precious family heirlooms and got sucked down a hole of genealogy today. :)
So much emphasis is placed on the patriarch in the LDS culture that it's easy for me to forget the really cool things my grandmother's family did. While researching dates, I ended up lost in a bunch of stories of how her family was one of the first in Navoo, her grandfather was the first Alderman of Salt Lake City and secretly polygamous under Brigham Young's orders, not to mention one of the leaders of the Mormon Army when they prepared to fight Gov. Boggs in Missouri... I laugh whenever I hear someone say that I'm not a "real Mormon" because I grew up in Texas, not in SLC. We were Martin Handcart Company, yo. G-G-grandpa that I just mentioned was a business partner to Parley P. Pratt - Mitt Romney's ancestor. UTAH IS SO INCESTUOUS, I swear. Anyway...
The Story - Pics below
My great-great-grandfather (my grandmother's father's family) was born in Denmark where he made musical instruments and other fine pieces of woodcraft for a living. Times were hard, the Church was calling, and he loaded his family up for a long and perilous voyage to The Promised Land of - snerk - Ephraim, Utah. It is now famous for being where most of the West's turkeys are raised. Tres glamorous! But he was able to have a huge family and be prosperous, so well done! His son became a math teacher, but carried on the musical instrument trade for his own pleasure.
Specifically, he made violins. I believe he made 7 of them? There are 2 left in my family's possession, and most importantly are in MY possession. My grandmother promised that I could have one after she died, knowing that I had wanted to play the violin, but my older sister (perpetually the favorite of my parents) was given the family violin, so I was stuck with a viola rental. I actually loved playing the viola, and was pretty good at it in school - always first chair, in fact - but became tired of being made fun of in junior high and gave it up in high school. My sister stopped playing the violin after three years, sixth through eighth grade, so it was stuck in a closet in my dad's house.
He then loaned it to some asshole (I say this with no remorse) in the church who had a kid that "maybe wanted to play the violin." Gave the family violin to these people. They destroyed it. Okay, it isn't destroyed, but they broke off the bridge, loosened the tail piece and didn't remove it, so it metronomed in the case for years, gouging a deep groove in the body of the instrument. Destroyed the bow, never bothered to loosen it, properly resin it, clean off the fingerboard or belly after playing? Psht.
I finally finally got my hands on it. And the very first one my great-grandfather made, to boot. I have kept them in my house, trying to find a luthier that could restore them. Someone I could trust to appreciate the emotional value of these instruments, if not their monetary value.
I took them in last night, and ended up hanging out in the shop with these two brothers who were the epitome of awesome music geek. They oohed and ahhed over my violins, admiring the technique (they're deep-chested, something very Old European that isn't done anymore) and the craftsmanship. And they wanted to hear the story of my family, how they came to the states, what instruments they made, and so on.
:)
They'll be ready to play in a few weeks, I've been told, and I'm very excited to pick up an instrument again after twenty years of not playing anything, not even to just fool around on. I got a little emotional last night, remembering a talk I had with my grandmother when I was caring for her as she, well, died. (I dropped out of college my junior year for a semester to care for her on Family Orders. I did it willingly, I want to add. We had the best time together that winter.) She had an older sister that was "the beauty." The popular one. The more beloved by her parents. And my grandmother also wanted to play the violin, but was told she had to play the viola. (This has long been lost and no one knows what happened to it.) After several years, her sister stopped playing and my grandmother was able to take the instrument and play it in private until her arthritis made it too painful.
That was why she promised that I could have it. I know that if my older sister knew I had them, she would demand they go to her. I don't particularly care what she thinks. She and my other sister (the awesome one y'all know from around here) have been given pianos and personal guitars from my father. I'm glad they were given them, because both sisters are amazing musicians. I don't begrudge them their gifts, really. But I got zilch. I wasn't encouraged to stick with music, I wasn't praised as a musician, and was harshly criticized by my dad. So I stopped playing.
Now I'm going to play for me. Because I really did enjoy it and I don't need a parent telling me I played Tchaikovsky well at the recital. Or commenting on how technically proficient I was on that Paganini piece. So this is my Christmas gift to myself, to just enjoy something in private that makes me feel like I actually can make music, even if I'm not as talented as my sisters.
The violins
My g-grandfather dedicated the instruments to his wife, signing her name on the back of each violin. (How freaking romantic is that?)
Number One - Before
Number One - Before, Back
Number One - Close up of signature inside. :)
Number Six - Before
Number Six - Back
Number Six - Close up on dedication name/number
They're not Stradivarius, but they're my family's legacy. <3
So much emphasis is placed on the patriarch in the LDS culture that it's easy for me to forget the really cool things my grandmother's family did. While researching dates, I ended up lost in a bunch of stories of how her family was one of the first in Navoo, her grandfather was the first Alderman of Salt Lake City and secretly polygamous under Brigham Young's orders, not to mention one of the leaders of the Mormon Army when they prepared to fight Gov. Boggs in Missouri... I laugh whenever I hear someone say that I'm not a "real Mormon" because I grew up in Texas, not in SLC. We were Martin Handcart Company, yo. G-G-grandpa that I just mentioned was a business partner to Parley P. Pratt - Mitt Romney's ancestor. UTAH IS SO INCESTUOUS, I swear. Anyway...
The Story - Pics below
My great-great-grandfather (my grandmother's father's family) was born in Denmark where he made musical instruments and other fine pieces of woodcraft for a living. Times were hard, the Church was calling, and he loaded his family up for a long and perilous voyage to The Promised Land of - snerk - Ephraim, Utah. It is now famous for being where most of the West's turkeys are raised. Tres glamorous! But he was able to have a huge family and be prosperous, so well done! His son became a math teacher, but carried on the musical instrument trade for his own pleasure.
Specifically, he made violins. I believe he made 7 of them? There are 2 left in my family's possession, and most importantly are in MY possession. My grandmother promised that I could have one after she died, knowing that I had wanted to play the violin, but my older sister (perpetually the favorite of my parents) was given the family violin, so I was stuck with a viola rental. I actually loved playing the viola, and was pretty good at it in school - always first chair, in fact - but became tired of being made fun of in junior high and gave it up in high school. My sister stopped playing the violin after three years, sixth through eighth grade, so it was stuck in a closet in my dad's house.
He then loaned it to some asshole (I say this with no remorse) in the church who had a kid that "maybe wanted to play the violin." Gave the family violin to these people. They destroyed it. Okay, it isn't destroyed, but they broke off the bridge, loosened the tail piece and didn't remove it, so it metronomed in the case for years, gouging a deep groove in the body of the instrument. Destroyed the bow, never bothered to loosen it, properly resin it, clean off the fingerboard or belly after playing? Psht.
I finally finally got my hands on it. And the very first one my great-grandfather made, to boot. I have kept them in my house, trying to find a luthier that could restore them. Someone I could trust to appreciate the emotional value of these instruments, if not their monetary value.
I took them in last night, and ended up hanging out in the shop with these two brothers who were the epitome of awesome music geek. They oohed and ahhed over my violins, admiring the technique (they're deep-chested, something very Old European that isn't done anymore) and the craftsmanship. And they wanted to hear the story of my family, how they came to the states, what instruments they made, and so on.
:)
They'll be ready to play in a few weeks, I've been told, and I'm very excited to pick up an instrument again after twenty years of not playing anything, not even to just fool around on. I got a little emotional last night, remembering a talk I had with my grandmother when I was caring for her as she, well, died. (I dropped out of college my junior year for a semester to care for her on Family Orders. I did it willingly, I want to add. We had the best time together that winter.) She had an older sister that was "the beauty." The popular one. The more beloved by her parents. And my grandmother also wanted to play the violin, but was told she had to play the viola. (This has long been lost and no one knows what happened to it.) After several years, her sister stopped playing and my grandmother was able to take the instrument and play it in private until her arthritis made it too painful.
That was why she promised that I could have it. I know that if my older sister knew I had them, she would demand they go to her. I don't particularly care what she thinks. She and my other sister (the awesome one y'all know from around here) have been given pianos and personal guitars from my father. I'm glad they were given them, because both sisters are amazing musicians. I don't begrudge them their gifts, really. But I got zilch. I wasn't encouraged to stick with music, I wasn't praised as a musician, and was harshly criticized by my dad. So I stopped playing.
Now I'm going to play for me. Because I really did enjoy it and I don't need a parent telling me I played Tchaikovsky well at the recital. Or commenting on how technically proficient I was on that Paganini piece. So this is my Christmas gift to myself, to just enjoy something in private that makes me feel like I actually can make music, even if I'm not as talented as my sisters.
The violins
My g-grandfather dedicated the instruments to his wife, signing her name on the back of each violin. (How freaking romantic is that?)
Number One - Before
Number One - Before, Back
Number One - Close up of signature inside. :)
Number Six - Before
Number Six - Back
Number Six - Close up on dedication name/number
They're not Stradivarius, but they're my family's legacy. <3
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no subject
Date: 2012-12-06 06:01 pm (UTC)All that's to say, these are gorgeous, L, and I think I know a bit about what they must mean to you.
<3
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Date: 2012-12-06 06:09 pm (UTC)I was left alone after two or three years of playing the piano, and then the viola, to pursue science as my older sister was really talented on the guitar. My younger sister? Holy shit. She was a trained opera singer by 14, a virtuoso on the piano AND guitar. My dad had to teach his instructors so they would be qualified to give him his Master's Degree in Classical Guitar.
It was a fraternity that I was blocked from in my family, and I felt that keenly (still do, for anyone not picking up what I am laying down). Yeah, no one is getting these instruments from me without gunfire. ;) (Not to mention that I'm apparently the only one willing to pay to have them restored.)
<3
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Date: 2012-12-06 06:13 pm (UTC)Did you ever meet my ficbitch? She is a classically trained singer. Teeny little body, HUGE SET OF LUNGS. Amazing.
I hope these pieces bring you endless joy.
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Date: 2012-12-06 06:19 pm (UTC)My dad wrote a beautiful piece of music for my older sister's wedding for my younger sister to sing, just before the vows - not a dry eye in the house.
I can balance check books, though! ;)
I am so looking forward to the new year - I might even hire a private tutor to get me back on track, because I REALLY want to play some specific pieces and do it well.
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Date: 2012-12-06 06:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-06 06:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-06 06:29 pm (UTC)CLEEK
(I have evidently forgotten how to internet...)
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Date: 2012-12-06 06:32 pm (UTC)And #2 intimated that she might be willing to take classes with me, too, which would be WONDERFUL. She wants to play an instrument, but she's shy about it. <3
I LOVE YOU, B.
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Date: 2012-12-06 06:35 pm (UTC)Whatever, we're going to Cosby show this shit and put on recitals for guests and make #3 come out and lip sync while The Boy dances in the background.
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Date: 2012-12-06 06:38 pm (UTC)Yes, we are totally going to have a family band, HOORAY! <3 <3 <3
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Date: 2012-12-06 07:31 pm (UTC)SO EXCITED!
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Date: 2012-12-06 07:52 pm (UTC)My mom played cello when she was younger and always talks about going back to it. She passed on her musical gift to me and my baby sister. Baby sis plays clarinet (she was in marching band and everything) and I sing (some in middle school and all through college).
I wish I could find a good secular group to hand out with and sing more often, but I feel it's not to be. *sigh*
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Date: 2012-12-06 08:01 pm (UTC)god.
Thank goodness you found someone you trust to restore the instruments. The signature inside is so very sweet!
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Date: 2012-12-06 08:02 pm (UTC)I have no musical talent whatsoever and am always in awe of people that do. Except my older brothers. Just because they're my older brothers. :D
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Date: 2012-12-06 08:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-06 10:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-06 10:44 pm (UTC)Those instruments you have are gorgeous. I can't wait to see what they look like after restoration. I would love to have something like that from my family. Your Grandma sounds like a lovely lady :)
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Date: 2012-12-06 11:24 pm (UTC)You kick that violin's ass and go on to become a better violinist than your sisters! I'm so happy for you to have gotten them! I recently decided I wanted to learn the mandolin and am loving it! My family was very musical as my grandpa and mom and uncle are all band directors. So, I didn't really have a choice, I had to learn to play something, but once I got into HS I was such a band geek I didn't even mind anymore.
I hope you have the BEST time picking up the violin again! It sounds like you already know how to play, but I happen to have a violin book I am never going to use and have no idea what to do with it. Anyone on here want it? I'll mail it to you for free. I'd rather have someone use it than it just sit around my place.
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Date: 2012-12-06 11:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-06 11:48 pm (UTC)you should put out feelers for a group! NEVER SAY NEVER!
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Date: 2012-12-06 11:49 pm (UTC)The signature inside is my g-gpa, the maker. The name inlaid on the back is his wife. <3
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Date: 2012-12-06 11:49 pm (UTC)*bouncing*
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Date: 2012-12-06 11:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-06 11:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-06 11:51 pm (UTC)And my grandma was the best. Oh, how I miss her some days...
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Date: 2012-12-06 11:53 pm (UTC)I don't know that I'll be a better violinst than my sister was, but I know that I'm going to enjoy playing for me me me! As it should be with music.
My daughter wants to play the mandolin, and I couldn't be happier. All the instruments!
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Date: 2012-12-07 12:42 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-07 01:11 am (UTC)AND HELLO THERE! <3
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Date: 2012-12-07 01:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-07 02:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-07 03:19 am (UTC)Yes, agree to music being played for yourself. :) I stopped playing after college and sold my saxophone and guitar for money (I wish I hadn't done that, but I was a poor post-college kid and had no money and thought I'd never play again) But a friend and I went bar hopping in the Nashville strip and I realized how much my heart was aching for playing music again. Making/creating something fulfills the self so so much. There's no other feeling quite like that kind of proud of having played a piece and know you did well. :)
I'm having so much fun with the mandolin and I can't wait til I can play more than "She's coming Round the Mountain" and I'm glad your daughter wants to play too! It's got such a cool sound. :)
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Date: 2012-12-07 03:21 am (UTC)Music should be fun, not stressful! :)
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Date: 2012-12-07 01:59 pm (UTC)My G Aunt Bernice's second husband had a music shop. They sold all sorts of instruments, mostly in bad shape, but not all of them. After he passed away the family picked through some of the pieces [I wound up with a player piano that refused to play and couldn't be tuned, but it was sufficient for my piano lessons I eventually quit. I totally regret that to this day] and they auctioned off the rest.
My cousin Dayetta has a basket -- not like a normal sized basket, this is a basket the size of a mini-cooper, *filled* with violins. They all look to be in the same shape as the pictures you've posted. No one in the family plays that instrument so now they're mostly used as decorations.
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Date: 2012-12-07 06:36 pm (UTC)Those are gorgeous instruments even in the shape they're in right now. I can't wait to see the after photos.
I took a few violin lessons but had to give it up when my arthritis started acting up - holding and playing the violin and bow aggravated the joints in my wrists and fingers - but that was back when I was on a different medication and I think I might be able to manage now. I would love to pick it up again and learn to play properly.
I'm glad you managed to get a hold of something so precious and have found someone that can restore them properly for you. Something that special should be in the hands of someone who truly appreciates it.
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Date: 2012-12-07 07:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-07 07:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-07 07:16 pm (UTC)I'm so sad about that player piano... They're tough when they break down. They don't really make them anymore, and there aren't many people that know how to repair them. =/ (My dad tunes and rebuilds pianos.)
I am BLOWN AWAY at the thought of that giant basket of violins. BLOWN. AWAY.
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Date: 2012-12-07 07:17 pm (UTC)My grandma couldn't play due to her arthritis and was always so sad about it. I hope that if you decide to try again that you get to have that enjoyment for yourself!
<3 <3 <3
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Date: 2012-12-07 07:23 pm (UTC)I played the hell out of that piano for about two years. They had someone work on it and try to tune it but it was hopeless. I don't know whatever happened to it, I probably could have torn the ivory keys out of it and sold them today for a nice chunk of change.
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Date: 2012-12-07 07:26 pm (UTC)Oh. If, um, you ever find that piano? RIP THOSE KEYS OUT AND I WILL HOOK YOU UP because yeah. Those aren't cheap.
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Date: 2012-12-07 07:28 pm (UTC)Some of the guitars and violins had actual ivory pegs, but pegs aren't nearly as big as 88 piano keys.
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Date: 2012-12-07 08:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-09 04:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-09 04:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-15 11:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-01-26 03:34 am (UTC)Oh boy, do we have some family parallels here about talent and worthiness, and playing favorites, but for voice and acting.. I'm pretty sure I can ear my dad screaming and yelling up in heaven about his favorite grandson majoring in musical theatre at NYU. And I am both laughing my ass off, glad he's not around to stomp on the dreams of another generation.