SECTION 
THE REALM OF MELODY.- pages 38-39 - N a musical way, Norwood takes rank above that attained by many cities of greater pretentions. When the South Norwood Musical and Literary Society was in the midst of its successful social reign a few years ago, no one could forsee that semi-occasional instrumental contributions to the programmes prefaced the organization of such an institution as the Norwood Orchestra. There were just six gentlemen who first met in October, 1889, and two months later they made their orchestral debut. G. W. Gale was the chosen leader of the musical pilgrims who, during the spring of 1891, gave their first series of concerts, a feature that has since been an accepted part of the winter life of Norwood's artistic folk. At that time the membership had been trebled, and a piano was added to the possessions of the orchestra. Max Grau conducted some of the full rehearsals in 1891, but Mr. Gale again wielded the baton during the second successful series of concerts. Prof. William A. Rickel, once one of Gilmore's cornet soloists, now directs the orchestra, filling the role of instructor as well. The brilliant success of the past years was repeated during the musical seasons of 1892 and 1893. Since the inauguration of these winter concerts, Miss Laura Weiler, Mrs. Lulu S. Hodson, Miss Georgia Myers, Miss Mina Betscher, Edwin J. Webber, Herman Bellstedt, William A. Lemmon, A. F. Maish, John Rueble and T. J. Sullivan have appeared as soloists, for the orchestra's motto is "Norwood deserves the best."
George Puchta is president of the orchestra; A. C. Strobel, vice-president; Harold Ryland, secretary, and Wallace M. Davis, treasurer. Here are the members and the instruments they play: 1st violins, George Puchta, Chas. H. Gogreve and Ferd. Basson; 2nd violins, Harold Ryland, John L. Vine and Chas. Stratelmyer; Viola, A. H. Pape; Cello, A. C. Strobel; Bass, Frank Seebach; Flute, G. A. Hattersley; Clarionet, F. H. Schmidt; 1st cornet, H. A. Pugh; 2nd cornet, J. G. Evans; French horns, H. E. Knauft and M. Roof; trombone, W. M. Davis, and drums, A. McBrair. The Norwood Choral Society is an organization that, during its brief existence, has promised well. There are now over thirty voices enrolled. G. P. Evans is the director of the society, and the accompanists are Miss Josephine Davidson, piano, and Miss Bertha Estep, organ. Dr. N. I. Scott is president and George H. Singer, Secretary and treasurer. Upon the executive board with Director Evans are Thomas B. Estep and H. L. Harrington. The Choral Society covers the vocal field as thoroughly and artistically as the orchestra does the instrumental. West Norwood numbers among its institutions the Cornet and Reed Band and instructed by Henry Klein, the members have long made their presence known. In new uniforms they make a splendid appearance, and there is no telling how many budding Gilmores may be in the ranks of these faithful members: John W. Hall, president and manager; E. R. Hall, Dallas Hall, William Cordes, Louis Cordes, Joseph Mersch, John Cordes, Edward Cook, Edward S. Ross, Emil Robertson and Claude Munyon. ——— – ——— |
SECTION 
