19th century local music history — R. Sims, piano tuner

Piano tuners were busy.

“If your piano needs tuning, call on R. Sims, Exchange Street. The Estey Company’s expert will be here this week,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on April 23, 1895.

Sims, in addition to tuning pianos, was a popular local entertainer, performing with his orchestra, in duo with his daughter, or as a soloist.

“E. L. Duel is doing good work in piano tuning, and his field of labor is becoming quite extensive,” the North Hebron correspondent reported in The Granville Sentinel on April 26, 1895. “We hear much praise of his workmanship in this and adjoining towns.”

New piano owners meant there would be steady business for piano tuners to come.

“Miss Florence Wigley has purchased a Bradbury piano of H. Davis of Glens Falls. This instrument has few equals, being perfect in tone, finish, and durability,” the Lake Luzerne correspondent reported in The Morning Star on April 23, 1895.

“Miss Mary Greenwood, Second Street, received a new Weber piano yesterday. Miss Inez Brummagym has purchased one of the same make, which will be delivered today,” the South Glens Falls correspondent reported in The Morning Star on May 2, 1895.

In other 19th century music news collected from historic newspapers of the region:

• “Twenty members of the Shushan Military Band were measured for new uniforms Monday,” The Granville Sentinel reported on May 3, 1895. “The band will give its first annual ball at Stevens Opera House Friday night of May 10.”
• “The South Glens Falls Cornet Band had a street parade last evening and played several pieces very acceptably. The band is rapidly acquiring musical proficiency,” The Morning Star reported on May 2, 1895.
• Thirty-five couples attended a concert and dance which raised about $90 — the equivalent of $3,346 in 2024 dollars — for The Citizen’s Band, the Warrensburg correspondent reported in The Morning Star on April 20, 1895.
• “Professor Julian Jordan has leased rooms on the second floor of the J.C. Kelly building, Ridge Street, where he will give instruction in vocal music,” The Morning Star reported on May 6, 1895.
• Mrs. A. B. Colvin — wife of the state treasurer, newspaper publisher and businessman — was set to host a grand outdoor musical event at their Glens Falls home to benefit the Philomena Society and Ladies’ Aid Society.

“A stage will be erected for the singers and chairs will be placed on the lawn for the guests,” The Morning Star reported on May 20, 1895. “Cream cake and strawberries will be served.”

• “During the Lake George season, H. Davis, 17 Pearl Street, will rent upright pianos, new and nearly new, for $35 (the equivalent of $1,305 in 2024 dollars), including freight and car charge,” The Morning Star reported on May 20, 1895.
• “A mandolin and guitar player rendered some very pleasing music on the streets last evening,” the Fort Edward correspondent reported in The Morning Star on May 23, 1895

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