Pierce County Historical Association wants to know about music, music, music

• PCHA music

PCHA music

Talk about it

Early in American history, and also here in Pierce County, people entertained themselves with simple things: Pa’s fiddle, maybe also an accordion or banjo, or maybe a harmonica could be found.

Folks sang, folks danced, but not in the ballrooms that would later be scattered around the county, but rather in the family living room or at times on the hay-loft floors of farm barns — especially if the building was newly erected by a barn-raising bee.

Yes, people did gather to do such things, and the Pierce County Historical Association (PCHA) asks the public to share information and materials about it. They square danced (who were the callers?) and shotisched, and polkaed and waltzed and other such melodies like the Virginia reel and others.

Within this community, groups were formed and grew in popularity. Can any of the readers of this maybe answer and tell who were members of the following groups?

--Woodman Orchestra—who, where and when?

--1908, band members or group name, made up of at least Theo and Casper Wenum, Nick and Nina Garli.

--Thompson Band—from Martell—the Thompson children and what others?

--Ellsworth Mandolin Club, 1901—Who were its members?

--1902, Viking Glee Club—Martell area, members?

--Lawton or South Rush River Band—who made up this group?

--1904, Martell Cornet Band—who?

River Falls, Ellsworth, Prescott, Spring Valley, Elmwood, Plum City, Maiden Rock, Bay City…it is known they had a variety of groups. Name some and send in identities of the members. Try to provide photos, if possible.

There were a lot of these groups around the county, but documenting their existence, other than through brief mentions in the papers, is difficult. That is why readers’ help is needed.

In more recent years, there were local bands like the Cardells and more, particularly between 1940 and 1980. Who were they?

And there are contemporary groups like Colleen Raye and family.

Write to PCHA, P. O. Box 148, Ellsworth, WI 54011 or bring to the office on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Located on the lower level of the Ellsworth Village Hall. Open 1-4 p.m. on Monday and Thursday, and 1-5 p.m. on Fridays.

Tags: pierce county, lifestyle, history, entertainment