The Victorian Reed Organ in rural Vermont
Presented by John Atwood
Tuesday, June 3rd at 7 pm
Bridgewater Corners Grange Hall
Route 100A

Neither radio nor television was yet developed; sound recording was in its infancy. Entertainment was generated from within tightly-knit communities. Music of the countryside was simple featuring hymns, patriotic songs, and marches. The reed organ was focus to home entertainment, rendered accompaniment for songs in public buildings, and provided an economical instrument for playing transcribed classical works otherwise inaccessible to rural Americans. Through a narrated demonstration, John Atwood explores music played on this once popular instrument with examples selected from period scores and featured on a parlor organ typical of Vermont homes, schools, and churches.

Sponsored by the Bridgewater Historical Society, this program is free and open to the public.