Odds and Ends From The MUSEUM!
Millinocket’s past is filled with many organizations and clubs! One was the Millinocket Philharmonic Club formed in 1920 that continued to meet and enjoy music until the early 2000’s. The word Philharmonic means “love of music.”
The Millinocket group’s focus was on the study of the “great masters.” These women music lovers and performers shared a common interest. The group gathered once a month, usually at a private home where one person presented a program (live performances of voice and/or instrumental) or talks about composers or famous performers. For its entirety, the group size was limited to 25 to accommodate meeting in the parlor of private homes. Larger spaces in town were used for special events.
In 1923, the group joined the Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs. They then began to share programs with the groups from East Millinocket, Lincoln and Houlton. The group took part in National Music Week programs by presenting concerts with the schools, church choirs and townspeople. One year, the Millinocket group joined other music clubs to help save the Bangor Symphony. For many years, the Millinocket Philharmonic brought in visiting artists to perform for the public at venues in town such as local churches and the Armory. (One place mentioned in articles is Friendly Hall…anyone know where that was??)
Another big event sponsored by the Philharmonic was the Chapman Concert. This event took place for several years and happened at the Armory. The advertisement for the 1923 Chapman Concert proclaimed there would be Miss Howell (lyric soprano from NY), Mr. Levienne (world-renowned cellist) plus Mr. Chapman listed as an old friend and accompanist.
Each of the Philharmonic Clubs monthly programs and special events were newsworthy. The Bangor newspaper of the 1920’s has articles in detail of the monthly meetings of this group. The entire evening’s program is printed in detail (presenter, each musical number by name, its composer, etc.). Another yearly tradition was “Gentlemen’s Night”, when husbands were invited to a covered dish supper and a chance to take part in the musical program of the evening.
One early program (Oct. 1922) presented by Mrs. Hinton had the topic composer Edward Grieg and His Music. The program consisted of biographical information on composer Grieg by Mrs. Hinton plus various club members assisting by performing vocal solos, piano duets, readings and more. There were twelve different listings in this one program.
For many years, a highlight of the Millinocket Philharmonic club was its Silver Tea. A hall was hired, floor lamps and scatter rugs were brought in for atmosphere and the ladies wore stylish evening gowns. In the later years, this event was held at the Congregational Church and the public was invited. Money donations were accepted toward scholarships for local students pursuing a major in music at the college level.
In a news article (1923) the club asked for suggestions from the community and especially local musicians to suggest “suitable books and music” to buy for the new local library. These could be checked out just like books.
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