Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1973.178.01 |
Object Name |
Drum |
Date |
C 1933 |
Year Range from |
1920 |
Year Range to |
1935 |
Features |
Off-white snare with brown marks across surface. Metal rim with several threaded rods and bolts holding the frame together. One plate with attached screw and spring, likely to control tightness of drum. Two paper-covered wooden bands around exterior of frame. Bottom of drum has 12 strings tightened across bottom of frame. Interior of frame has round wooden band, attached with screws and washers. A blue pen signature on bottom of leather: "JW Johnson." In the same style as item no. 3010 in the 1933 Leedy catalogue. |
Object Story |
The Charles Walters Dance Orchestra was founded in 1916 by a husband and wife duo Charles Augustus Walters and Stella Grace Walters. Charles was born January 13, 1879 In Lennox and Addington County. Stella Grace Wagar was born August 19, 1884. She was a descendant of United Empire Loyalists on her Father's side. The couple were married in Lennox and Addington County January 16, 1906. They proceeded to have three children one of whom, Allan J. Walters (b. 1907), played saxophone in the Dance Orchestra. Charles Walters was the manager at the Napanee Public Utilities Commission until 1961. Charles passed away June 11, 1963 while Stella lived until July 6, 1978. The Charles Walters Dance Orchestra started out as just a four piece orchestra with Stella playing piano and Charles taking the drums. The other two original members are unknown. The band played for 16 years until 1932. They played a medley of songs stretching different genres from the popular music of the time, to swing, and even gospel. The dance orchestra played at many different venues, from the mess hall of the Royal Flying Corps, Camp Mohawk, to dance pavilions all over the county, and beyond. They were an especially popular group to play at dances between Belleville and Kingston. The band grew from being a simple four piece orchestra all the way up to twelve pieces when they played at larger venues such as the Napanee Armory. At its largest the band included several saxophones, a violin, banjos and trumpets as well as others like piano and percussion. Circa 1925, the names of several band members outside of the Walters family are known such as; Ted Daverne, Floyd Martin, Robert Harold D. McGreer, William L. Normile, and Reginald Smith. |
People |
Walters, Charles A. (Charles Augustus), 1879-1963 Walters, Charles Walters, C.A. Walters, Stella Grace (1884-1978) Walters, Allan Daverne, Ted Martin, Floyd McGreer, Robert Harold D. (1885-1965) Normile, William L. (1906- ) Smith, Reginald (1899- ) |
Subjects |
Bands Music Music ensembles Musical instruments Orchestras |
Search Terms |
Charles Walters Dance Orchestra |