Sixty Years of California Song Part 4

The praises of this first concert were so many that we were obliged to give another in Tremont Temple in Boston. From that time we gave a concert each month to raise funds for the volunteers during the year 1861. The treasury was always supplied from the proceeds of these concerts and the supply of money never failed, to my knowledge, during my sojourn in Dedham. The excitement of the hour was intense--regiments of volunteers pa.s.sed daily on their way to the front. They were greeted and cheered by the people; garlands and bouquets were thrown from the windows as they pa.s.sed. It was a scene that never will be forgotten, when we reflect that not two-thirds of these splendid men ever came back. Later on the choirs visited the hospitals and we found many brave hearts, who had fought and were wounded for their country, lying there. To them we brought supplies of fruit, flowers and nouris.h.i.+ng food and sang to them. So the good work went on from week to week until the year 1861 was nearly over. We decided to return to California, business was demoralized and uncertainty reigned and we had been four years from home. During that time I had become a singer and was able to take my place with other artists of repute. I had during my study become acquainted with the foremost artists of that time and sang with them on many occasions.

Among the famous organists of 1858 were:

W.R. Babc.o.c.k Charles J. Capen G.W. Harris H.W. Edes Adolph Baumbach J.H.B. Thayer Howard M. Dow I.D. Parker W.B. Clark Carl Zerrahn, _Leader_.

The men and women singers of Dedham Congregational Church Choir in 1858 were:

Adams, Louisa, Miss, _prima donna_ Adams, Henrietta, Miss, _contralto_ Blake, Margaret, Mrs., _mezzo-contralto_ Bates, Helen, Miss, _soprano_ Bullard, Mary, Miss, _soprano_ Boyd, Mary, Miss, _soprano_ Bickner, Clara, Miss, _soprano_ Covell, O.M., Miss, _contralto_ Draper, M.J. Mrs., _soprano_ Daniel, Olive, Mrs. _contralto_ Everett, Hattie, Miss, _soprano_ Fisher, Mattie E., Mrs., _contralto_ Guild, Hattie, Miss, _contralto_ Guild, Mary, Miss, _soprano_ Kingsbury, Susan, Miss, _soprano_ Taft, Louisa, Miss, _soprano_ Williams, N.R., Mrs., _contralto_ Blake, Geo. H., _tenor_ Burgess, Dr. E.P., _ba.s.s_ Burgess, Edwin, _tenor_ Churchill, C.C., _ba.s.s_ Calder, Bert, _ba.s.s_ Danforth, C.B., _ba.s.s_ Eaton, J., _ba.s.s_ Everett, E., _ba.s.s_ Fisher, Alvin J., _ba.s.s_ (_former choir master_) Hitchings, Henry, _ba.s.s_ Sherwin, Henry, _tenor_ Taft, J.G., _ba.s.s_ Wright, Geo., _tenor_ Wright, Charles, _ba.s.s_ Macbeth, G.W., _ba.s.s_ Capen, Chas. J., _organist_ Bruce, Edwin, _director_ Daniel, Ellery C., _choir master_

Thirty-five singers, men and women, composed the choir of Dr. Burgess'

church in Dedham, and as organist we had Chas. J. Capen. The director and teacher of vocal music was Edwin Bruce. Ellery C. Daniel was choir master. In addition to this choir, Mr. Bruce controlled three other quartette and chorus choirs that could be called upon to aid us in any entertainment we chose to give, consequently when the war broke out it was not many weeks before we were in demand and continued to successfully and constantly add new laurels to our large galaxy of singers of repute. Carl Zerrahn was leader of the Handel and Haydn Society, of which we were all members. The soloists were many of the best on this continent. What magnificent music we gave. I lived just in a world of song and a.s.sociated with the best of them and was accepted and acknowledged by them all. I remember well when we gave the oratorio, David, April 3, 1859, the forty-third season. I never had sung with so many singers before and I was in a maze of excitement. I was ready also to enjoy every note, for it was the largest aggregation of solo singers I had ever heard. The soloists were:

Mrs. J.H. Long, _dramatic soprano_ Miss Louisa Adams, _coloratura soprano_ J.P. Draper, _tenor_ P.H. Powers, _ba.s.s_ Edward Hamilton, _ba.s.s_ C.R. Adams, _tenor_ George Wright, Jr., _ba.s.s_ Carl Zerrahn, _conductor_ J.C.D. Parker, _organist_

With all these artists and 500 in the chorus to round out the society, we gave a great performance. The Boston Music Hall was crowded to the doors and the oratorio was as perfectly given as could be asked by the most exacting critic. This was but one of the beautiful oratorios that were given during my stay in Ma.s.sachusetts. Instead of church service on the Sabbath evenings, the oratorios were given. In this way I was able to learn the music of all the most important works on oratorio. I was but twenty-one years old when I began this kind of singing. Church music I sang from my infancy, consequently my voice was fully developed in the broad church style and I had no difficulty to acquire this, although it was more difficult music than I had ever attempted, but with patience and weekly rehearsals and daily practice it became familiar and a part of my life. While the rebellion was raging we laid aside oratorio work and studied patriotic music suitable to the concerts that we were called upon to give to raise funds for the soldiers. All social life was put aside and we devoted our time to help our fathers, brothers and sons who were called away to fight for the union of states. There were no laggards in these stirring times; young and old alike were imbued with the patriotism that possessed our forefathers of 1776.

Here I regret to say I am afraid in our later days there is not the same spirit of patriotism as I saw it in the year of 1861. To me of all the flags that ever floated in any country of the universe none appeals as the American flag does. When I see its graceful folds unfurled to the breeze, catching the gleams of the morning's first beam, my heart leaps with pride and patriotic fire. To my mind I never possessed voice enough to sing the praises of the finest flag that ever floated under the canopy of heaven. Any one less patriotic in spirit than this is not worthy to call America his country or home. In vision I can now see these splendid men march to their death. Regiment after regiment pa.s.sed daily and was encouraged and cheered by the enthusiastic women and children who watched the soldiers until out of sight. Then after they had embarked, the women returned to their firesides and wondered who would return. Tears came unbidden, yet we were strong in the belief and hope that our loved ones would not be sacrificed. After a hard struggle of four years some homes were made happy and others felt the blow. Many returned wounded. To them we gave all care. The hospitals were visited and relief given. There were services for the sick and burial for the dead. Our voices as well as the work were not spared as long as we could give aid to the living and the dead. This experience of my life has prompted me to extend any service I can for the men who fought so bravely when the crisis came, and as long as I have voice and can help in any capacity in aid of the American soldier who fought in 1861 I shall give the best I have.

[Ill.u.s.tration:

Susan Kingsbury Olive M. Covell Hattie Everett Clara Bickner Mrs. Alvin Fisher Louisa Adams Mary Bullard Mrs. Olive Daniell Mrs. Draper Louisa Taft Helen Bates Mary Boyd Mrs. Margaret Blake-Alverson Hattie Guild May Guild Mrs. Williams Henrietta Adams

WOMEN SINGERS, DEDHAM, Ma.s.s., 1861

Congregational Church Choir]

Before I leave my Eastern subject I wish to recall some of the celebrated singers and organists whom I had an opportunity to hear, at their best, and with many of whom I pa.s.sed happy hours musically and in pleasant companions.h.i.+p. Most of the singers of my time were American singers, even in the Italian opera:

1859.

Mrs. Jennie Kempton, _contralto_ Mrs. Washburn, _soprano_ Isabelle Hinkley, _soprano_ Abbie Plummer, _contralto_ Miss Louisa Adams, _coloratura soprano_ Mrs. Margaret Blake, _mezzo-contralto_ B.F. Gilbert, _tenor_ C.E. Pickett, _tenor_ I.P. Draper, _ba.s.s_ Mr. Wadleigh, _ba.s.s_ Mr. Emerson, _tenor_ Henry Clay Barnabee, _tenor_

1860.

Prof. B.J. Lang, _pianist_ Howard M. Dow, _organist_ Adolph Baumbach, _pianist_ Carl Zerrahn, _conductor_ Mlle. Carlotta Patti Madam Colson Adelaide Phillips Anna Louisa Carey Carl Formes, _ba.s.so profundo_

1861.

PROGRAMMES.

Martha Lucia Di Lammermoor Un Ballo in Maschera La Juive Il Giuramento The Messiah Moses in Egitto David

I have placed these programmes here so as to show what singers were considered the first and best fifty years ago. My impressions received at that time left their imprint for excellence and a pattern for those who aspire to real worth to follow.

The unfortunate training of the voices in our time has given us many inferior singers who come and go and are forgotten. The great singers of before are engraved forever in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to enjoy the exquisite rendering of their work. We call this an age of progress. We may be wiser in some directions, but as for the best music the past will have to chronicle the superior singer. Carlotta Patti was a more beautiful singer than her sister Adelina. On account of her lameness she could not travel as an opera singer. I have heard both singers and Carlotta was my choice. Adelina was the most advertised, for she was a money-maker and demanded just so much notoriety when she engaged and signed her contracts. Her power was supreme and no one dared to say her nay. Woe be to the poor prima donna who sang better or had more applause or favors than she did. She was the only queen of song as long as her reign lasted. Emma Nevada and Madam Etelka Gersta were her especial victims when they sang the same season with her. I am stating facts which will stand. To be a good singer and up to the standard one must be a good woman with a refined and educated mind, a sympathetic temperament, charitable nature towards others who are doing what they can to bring up a standard for generations to follow.

The war was still in progress when my husband decided in November, 1861, to return to California. I had been away from home four years and had enjoyed all these advantages and had done what I could for the volunteers who had fought for the preservation of the Union.

There were great surprise and murmurs of regret on all sides when Mr.

Blake made known our intention to go to California. He was one of the tenors and very musical, and I as his wife shared with him the honors in this choir of thirty-five voices. We had become such friends it was like parting from a family. Our successful concerts in aid of the soldiers, the many Sabbaths we wors.h.i.+ped and sang together, made us an harmonious band of singers. We had one more meeting for the clubs and choir before we made our departure. It took place on November 31, 1861. The ground was covered with snow and we were obliged to wear rubber boots to be able to get on at all, but we were used to it and it mattered not to us. The meeting was held in the parlors of the church instead of the schoolrooms as was our wont. For a change our leader said we would have an impromptu concert in the church choir so as to use the organ. Edwin Bruce, our leader and instructor, came from Boston and brought several fine singers with him. Mr. Blake and I were asked to come somewhat earlier. On arriving at the church we found quite an illumination in the parlors. Choirmaster Daniel and his wife were the host and hostess and welcomed us. When we had taken our places beside them the church doors slowly opened and the guests arrived two by two, in full evening costume, and we received them until all had welcomed us. The choir formed in a procession and wended its way into the gallery which was darkened save for one or two lights so we could see to reach our accustomed places in the gallery. When all were in their places and our organist, Charles Capin, began playing America, Mr. Bruce taking his baton and position, raised it and the lights were turned on and before us sat the congregation, every pew being filled. It was quite a moment before I could realize this change and did not open my mouth to sing a note, for I was so bewildered. At last, when I heard all were singing, I sang and cried at the same time, for I realized this great kindness had been prepared for us. Great was the applause when we had finished this song. We sang until ten o'clock some of our best choruses, solos, duets, trios, etc.

We concluded with "Viva l'America," Miss Louisa Adams taking the solo and the choir the chorus. Dr. Burgess spoke tenderly of us, strangers from far-off California who had been so generous with our voices and help these four years and wished us all good things and a safe return to our home by the Golden Gate. We were then dismissed with the benediction. Mr. Daniel had requested us to take our places in the parlors and an impromptu reception was held until all the congregation had bid us good-bye. About eleven o'clock only the choir remained and the pastor and family. The Sabbath schoolroom had been decorated and tables were spread for the banquet which had been prepared by loving hands and through the kindness of the generous congregation that appreciated our services. Three surprises in one evening was almost more than I could bear. I was like one in a dream. After refreshments had been enjoyed, Mr. Edwin Bruce came forward and with a very appropriate speech placed in my hand an alb.u.m filled with the pictures of the choir, leaders, past and present, director and organist. I was so astonished I had not the power to speak, so my husband, who stood beside me, replied to the giver of such a beautiful and thoughtful gift to us who were to sever the bonds of friends.h.i.+p and song after these four happy years together. I do not suppose one of these beautiful singers, either man or woman, is alive today, but I shall present their pictures in this volume as a memorial to one of the most distinguished choirs that ever sang together, some of the singers for sixteen years, and that gladly gave its best for the Union and its preservation in 1861.

[Ill.u.s.tration: A sample programme of the early Sixties.]

After we had severed our connection with the choir in Dedham, Mr.

Blake wound up relations with his firm, Parker, Barnes & Merriam, on Milk street, Boston; we reluctantly gave up the dear old-fas.h.i.+oned Taft home, with its shade trees and orchards and fine kitchen garden, where we had pa.s.sed so many happy years; we said good-bye to our lovely neighbors the Adams, and Follensbee and Bullard families, and moved to Hersey place, Boston, to remain until we left for California, February, 1862. We took the same route I had taken in 1851 and were on the way for two months. But things had changed and the scene was altogether different. Over the Chagres river route we traveled upon the rails we saw being laid when we came over in 1851. The trip was uneventful, only that I was ill all the way, but being young and hopeful and with the best of care, I once more came safely into San Francis...o...b..y. We surprised our sister, Mrs. W.H. Knight, and family, who lived on Fifth and Market streets. Great was our rejoicing to see our friends again. After a week's stay we left them for our old home in Stockton. The rain had been severe, the creeks and rivers were swollen, and we had a wet home coming, but we found the family in waiting to greet us. It was soon noised about that the Blakes had come home from Boston and we had no end of greetings and rejoicings. The rain still came down and by May we were in dread of a flood, which later came to pa.s.s. Water was everywhere. We were on the highest point in the city, and before we were aware of it we had sixteen inches of water in our house. On May 24th Dr. Grattin was called to our home and he came in a skiff and rowed to the door, pointing the bow into the parlor door and then stepping out into sixteen inches of water.

Provided with rubber leggings, he waded to the stairs where mother awaited him with dry slippers and a.s.sisted him to my room. On May 25th my second son, William Ellery Blake, was born. Both boys are native sons of California and born in the home that was built in 1852. The first family dwelling, built fifty-nine years ago, is still standing as the homestead on San Joaquin street, Stockton, and apparently will be a suitable dwelling for many more years to come.

After my son was three months old Mr. Blake obtained a position in J.C. Johnson's saddle and harness business as expert bookkeeper and first salesman. We then left the old home and moved to San Francisco in the latter part of August and moved into the house owned by Dr.

Calif. He had recently died and his widow did not wish to occupy this large house alone or desire the care of it. She arranged with us to take two large rooms and the remainder of the house was at our disposal. We were glad to have such a home. The rent was cheap and everything was furnished just as it had been when Dr. Calif was alive.

We occupied this home until 1864, when Mr. Ben Smith made a proposition to have Mr. Blake take the superintendent's place at the San Lorenzo Paper Mill, about three or four miles from Santa Cruz. The company had built a six-room cottage and furnished it completely for us, should we decide to go. The large house was built for Mr. Sime and his family as a summer home for them. It was an ideal spot to live.

The long flume ran along for miles. The river was dammed and the overflow made a beautiful waterfall. The hills were covered with chaparral and pine trees and wild flowers galore. The powder works were situated about a mile above us. The road ran about fifty feet from the cottage and, although we were among the hills, it was a busy place. Ox teams were constantly pa.s.sing. The large cook house was below and the paper mill buildings were near at hand. About 150 men, constantly going from one place to another in their departments, made us feel we were not alone. There was fine fis.h.i.+ng in the pool below the falls. The salmon would come up the creek from the ocean and the finest ones found their way into the pool, and on Friday the cook and his men supplied the tables with fresh fish. How many times have I seen those fine fish, caught on the p.r.o.ngs of a spear, writhe and wriggle to get off. At first I could not taste them, I felt so sorry to see them killed in that way. I would not go out on Friday until after the fis.h.i.+ng was done. The lamper eels crawled up the stream and the men gathered them by the barrels full and made oil from them.

I had a Jersey cow and a fine milk house with a stream of cold water running through. I made my own b.u.t.ter and had enough to supply the Sime family when they spent their summer there. The lovely moonlight nights on this fine sheet of water above the dam are with me now, and how the hills resounded with our songs as we rowed along. I had a fine horse and carriage, and it was great sport to go to town with our splendid Jim, as we called him. Those were happy times. The children had the best of air and full play among the hills. We remained two years when Mr. Blake's eyes became inflamed from the fumes of the lime used to rot the straw, and we were obliged to give up the place and change once more.

CHAPTER SIX

SANTA CRUZ IN THE SIXTIES. WHY I BECAME A DRESSMAKER. OPERA. MUSIC IN SAN FRANCISCO IN THE SEVENTIES

We had become attached to Santa Cruz and concluded to live there and begin some kind of business. When our time had expired at the mill, Mr. Blake had found a convenient store. He was well known and had been chief salesman for J.C. Johnson & Bros., saddle and harness dealers on Market street, San Francisco, and later he was employed by Main & Winchester in the same business. He was able to get his stock and start under fine auspices. It was not long before everything looked prosperous for us. Since we were both musical, Mr. Blake having a fine lyric tenor voice and also playing the piano, we were soon the center of musical attraction. We found other voices also that were of the right sort, and it was not many months before the music of Santa Cruz was recognized and appreciated. Mrs. Eliza Boston, a fine dramatic soprano, was the wife of Joseph Boston, a wealthy business man, and sang only for her friends and church, which was her pleasure, but she was also kind when any necessity presented itself. She cheerfully did her part, especially for the Calvary Episcopal Church of which she was a devout member. The rector, Rev. Giles A. Easton, one of the pioneer ministers of the church, appreciated her talent in the a.s.sistance she gave to the music in those early days of California when music was so hard to obtain.

What happy days were these to us who loved music and sang for the love of it and for the little church that stands today covered with ivy, planted when Mrs. Boston and I sang together in the choir. On high days we were able to procure the a.s.sistance of some fine voices of the men singers, Samuel Sharp, ba.s.so; Rollins Case, tenor; Charles Metti, tenor soloist. There was no salary in those days for our services. We did it all as G.o.d's work and it mattered not what creed. Wherever we were needed our services were liberally given. Rev. P.Y. Cool was pastor of the First Methodist Church and I aided his church for many months and had fine support from Mr. Ossian Auld, one of G.o.d's voices sent on earth to give us a taste of what was in store for us in the Choir Invisible. How we sang together can only be appreciated by those who wors.h.i.+ped and heard the voices, who by nature were created with the musical temperament that sings. I never heard but one more tenor of that nature during my singing life in California and of him I will speak later, for it was after I returned to San Francisco that I had the pleasure to be in the choir and sing with the dearly beloved Joe Maguire. While I remained in Santa Cruz I sang for Dr. Frear's church, also the Unitarian Church of which the pastor, Dr. Ames, and his good wife were fine musicians. In the Presbyterian Church we found Mr. Fred Anthony, a tenor, who was one of the useful tenors, and reliable young men workers in the church. He came to California in 1854, a son of the Wm. Anthony family, composed of musicians. Miss Louisa Anthony was the organist of the church. The civil war was not yet at an end and money was needed for the wounded and the suffering in hospitals and the Christian commission was in need of funds to carry on the good work of relief. All who were able and had voices or dramatic talent were called upon to a.s.sist in the good work; consequently many entertainments were given in aid of this cause. Young and old who had talent were enlisted and there was no lack of enthusiasm, for the cause appealed to all who were patriotic and in sympathy with the boys in blue who were still marching, fighting and dying for our beloved land. Those who were foremost in the good work during these trying times are worthy of having their names enrolled in this history of California's early days as actors for good in the development of the state, upholding the government and a.s.sisting in the building of churches and other inst.i.tutions that have made our State the Queen of the Pacific Coast. I feel proud that I can place on the roll of honor such names as the following men and women singers, dramatic performers and excellent musicians:

VOCALISTS.

Auld, Ossian, _tenor_ Anthony, Frederick, _tenor_ Anthony, Louisa, _soprano_ Blake, Geo. H., _tenor_ Boston, Mrs. Eliza, _dramatic soprano_ Blake, Mrs. M.R., _mezzo-contralto_ Finkeldey, W., _tenor_ Grove, Mr., _ba.s.s_ Kittridge, Miss, _soprano_ Miller, Chas. M., _tenor_ Metti, Chas., _tenor_ Pringle, Wm., _ba.s.s_ Pioda, Mrs. Mary Emma, _soprano_ Battersby, Mr., _tenor_ Bender, Edward, _ba.s.s_ Baily, Miss Lorena, _soprano_ Case, Rollin, _tenor_ Sharp, Samuel, _ba.s.so profundo_ Steal, Miss Ella, _contralto_ Wilson, Mr., _ba.s.s_ Williams, Miss, _soprano_

INSTRUMENTALISTS.

Bender, Edward, _piano_ Emerson, Prof., _violin_ (leader) Grove, Mr., _violin_ Hihn, Kate, _piano_ Jones, John M., _violin_ (leader of Santa Cruz Cornet Band) McCann, Miss Pearl, _piano_ Pioda, Prof. Paul, _flute_ Rotier, Miss, _piano_ Sheppherd, Prof., _piano_ Woodbridge, Miss Abbe, _piano_ Cooper, Miss May, _piano_ Wilson, Prof., _violin_ Waldron, Mr., _piano_ Swanton, Mr. E., _piano_ Kirby, Mr. G., _piano_ Foreman, Mr. J., _piano_ Smith, Miss M., _piano_

DRAMATIC TALENT.

Ames, Rev.

Ames, Mrs.

Binny, I.

Baldwin, Mrs. f.a.n.n.y Bittner, Miss A.

Cooper, Miss May Cooper, Retta Carpenter, Miss Mattie Root, Miss May Metti, Charles Stanton, Miss Eleanor Swanton, E.

Root, E.

Blake, Mrs. M.R.

[Ill.u.s.tration:

F.A. Anthony Charles A. Metti Belle Peterson