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New exhibit features city’s culture‘Wapello County’s Cultural History’ now open at historical museumBy CINDY TOOPESCourier staff writerOTTUMWA — From day one, Wapello County residents have been passionate about music.On March I, 1844, the folks moving into the newly-organized county might have had only a fiddle, drum or harmonica to use. But, they had plans to improve on that.The results are part of “Wapello County’s Cultural History,” a new exhibit at the Wapello County Historical Museum, 210 W. Main St.Part of the exhibit is called, “Music: Our Springboard to the Arts.“The Ottumwa Municipal Band, formed in 1865, is thought to be one of the oldest, longest-running bands in theUnited States,” said Sue Parrish, museum registrar/coordinator.The city even had a Conservatory of Music. Ottumwa was widely known for its interest in music,” she added.In the late 1920s, Ottumwa Civic Music Association formed and brought famous artists — such as Marian Anderson and Robert Merrill — to the city. As entertainment, music was especially strong in the 1930s and 1940s, long before televisions were in every American home.One section of the exhibit focuses on Ottumwa’s violin makers, such as Joseph Collingwood, Stanley Newton and Lyle Meadows.“Collingwood made violins for a living and was a master, Parrish said.In the display case is “Violin #459, which was made in 1903. Also in the case is an example of a 1909 regraduated violin, which Collingwood sold to students for $25-$30.“Collingwood couldn’t make a violin for that,” she added.Stanley Newton also made violins,NEW EXHIBIT/See Page 11Cindy Toopes/The CouneSue Parrish, registrar/coordinator at Wapello County Historical Museum, discusses Ottumwa’s music history, which is part of “Wapello County’s Cultural History.” The new exhibit is now open and will stay at the museum for about 18 months.JflfflMMW .jyr1 wg'nwawrwy,* -1 ■ 1■' '■ ■ — ; —----------- 1 'MMUKiflMThe Ottumwa Courier Online: http://www.ottumwecourler.com- ‘ ---------—— ... »■ Vi«Mr
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Ottumwa Courier
Ottumwa, Iowa, US
Thu, Jul 07, 2005
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