MUSIC FOR RECREATION AND ENJOYMENT

by Claudia Tompkins

Entry T71 from the History of Hooker County Nebraska
with permission of the Hooker County Historical Society

Early Parade - late 20's or early 30's Note the
building to right of Duttons

Early Mullen Band about 1907 L-R - Bob McBride,
Todd Gruenig, Prof. A.G. Humphrey, John Welton,
Harvey Whaley, Elliott Lowe, Charlie Barnebey,
sitting - Burt Pierce, Rev. Backevere, Bill Case,
Eddie Welton, Harry McIntyre.

Baldwin Brothers - Clarence, Vern, and Bee A
Sandhill Trio that furnished the music for barn
dances & social gatherings

The Mullen Community loved music and
had a band playing for every occasion. The
band played for the enjoyment of the commu-
nity in the old bandstand that was located in
the intersection by drug store and the H.J.
Lowe building. Pictures show the bandstand
as early as 1902 being used. The band plaved
for 4th July, celebrations of other occasions
such as the celebration of General Pershing's
birthday in August of 1918. They played
America, Red, White and Blue, Yankee
Doodle, and other soul stirring anthems of
national importance with John Kudrna as
instructor.

The Mullen band with Prof. John Kudrna
as director decided to form an organization
with their band. The officers were: President,
J.H. Welton; Vice-President, J.E. Lowe;
Secretary, A.G. Humphrey; Treasurer, C.C.
Campbell; Committee on entertainment,
Prof. Kudrna, J.J. Motl, and Ross H. Welton.
At this meeting held in January of 1919, they
decided the band should have brand new
nobby uniforms for the approaching outing
season. There was to be two rehearsals each
week to develop some new band material.
The new organization had an even dozen
members to perfect excellent programs for
the public's enjoyment.

Another form of music that the communitv
took part in was the "Sing-Songs" held at
times in the Roseberry Hall or perhaps some
home. These were especially popular in the
winter months, being held about every two
weeks.

Prof. Frank Tschauder, came to Mullen in
1911. He loved music, and had music classes,
He directed High School Orchestra and gave
private lessons. He gave many concerts both
publicly and over the telephone. He would
give a general ring over the phone so that
everyone would take their receiver down and
listen to him play the piano or violin. Mr.
Tschauder was a member of the Masonic
Lodge No. 282 and Winifred Chapter. He and
Amelia (Lindemann) had two sons, Max and
Ernest and daughter, Hildegard Snyder. His
wife preceded him in death. One of Prof.
Tschauder's piano recitals was held March
1921 in The Roseberry Opera House.

Other Music groups that played for dances
or other occasions were: "Spurlock Orches-
tra", "Slim's Jazz Bandits" - Clyde Milroy
and Ross Welton in '21 "Jiggs" Simpson 1927
Banjo Orchestra, "Johnny's Ramblers", "Dry
Valley Quartet", The Baldwin Brothers -
Vern, Bee, Clarence - Sandhill Trio that
played for barn dances and special gatherings
in the '20's. J.E. Macke Orchestra.

Contests for Old Fiddlers and Harmonica
players was held for entertainment. One such
contest was held in May of 1929 with Mr.
Johnson from the north country accompan-
ied by Mrs. Woods, and Mr. Palmgren, who
was accompanied by his daughter, Mildred.
The Harmonica players were Roy Harding
and Ray Sexton. Dick Fox acted as judge and
his decision was as follows: Mr. Johnson 1st,
and Mr. Palmgren 2nd; Harmonica, Ray
Sexton 1st, Roy Harding 2nd. The contest did
not have as many contestants as had been
anticipated. The Freshmen of the High
School put on a feature for the occasion,
dressed in old fashioned costumes and put on
an old fashioned square dance. The orchestra
furnished amusement and entertainment
which ended an enjoyable evening for the
public.

March 1938, mass bands and mass orches-
tras, composed of the best musicians from
each school in the surrounding area, perform-
ed in the Sandhills Music Festival in the
Mullen High School.