website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Turner Hall
Addendum to chapter on
John Philip Sousa performs in Watertown
Watertown Gazette, 03 14 1902
Our music-loving
people have not been given such a treat for many a day as was vouchsafed to
them last Monday afternoon when John Philip Sousa and the famous band visited
our city, giving one concert. Turner Hall Opera House was filled with a most
admiring and appreciative audience, composed of some of our best people, and
quite a large contingent from neighboring towns , special trains being run to
accommodate them. From the moment that
Sousa, with his fine military bearing and the numerous decorations bestowed
upon him during his recent visit to Europe, made his appearance on the stage,
until the close of the concert, the interest manifested was intense; each
number was enthusiastically applauded and the musicians were very generous in
responding to encores. The trombone solo
by Arthur Pryor, the soprano solo by Miss Maud Reese Davies, and violin solo by
Miss Dorothy Hale, were all very much enjoyed and heartily applauded. While every number was good, we think the
ones most enjoyed were the part from La Tosca and "The Night
Hall." Sousa went from here by
special train to Fond du Lac.
Cross Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Philip_Sousa
Watertown Gazette, 11 18 1910
The initial number in the entertainment course was given Monday evening at Turner Opera house. A fair sized audience greeted Sarah Wathena Brown and the Chicago Boy Choir. Mrs. Brown announced to the audience that she did not present the boys as finished musicians, but she wished to show what could be done by patience, perseverance and good hard work. She contended that any boy that can talk, can sing if he is only taught right and the tones properly managed; certainly the four boys who accompanied her possessed very sweet, clear voices. They appeared first as Scots in highland kilts and plaids, playing the bagpipes; after singing some Scotch ballads, they danced the highland fling. As choirboys in cassock and cotta, they sang a number of familiar hymns. Later they appeared as Irishmen, Germans and as very natural school boys, tired of study and looking for some fun which they got in a game of baseball which was so naturally played that the audience gave them the most hearty applause. In all their work Mrs. Brown accompanied them on the piano. The harp, a most beautiful instrument, with full, rich tones, was expertly handled by Mrs. Brown and she rendered several beautiful selections. She also recited a number of short poems to musical accompaniment, all of which were much enjoyed. The management is to be congratulated on so auspicious a beginning of the winter's program.
