Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1988.68.01 |
Object Name |
Saxophone |
Year Range from |
1920 |
Year Range to |
1926 |
Features |
Single reed, low pitch tenor silver plated saxophone with floral engraving on upper part of bell surrounding trademark and name of manufacturer, woodwind metal keys lined with leather, mother-of-pearl surfaces on small keys, two hard rubber mouth pieces (red marked Henton and one black), plated reed holder, braided black strap with metal snap, leather strap with metal snap, two additional Selmer reeds, plated mouthpiece caps, with case, black paper over wood, lined with green corduroy |
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. This artifact was his saxophone. 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 other instruments 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. This saxophone is a 'King' brand, made by the H.N. White Company. The company was founded by Henderson N. White in 1894, when he made the first King trombone. The company began in Cleveland Ohio. The founder of the company strived to make better quality instruments, with unsurpassable tone. Every new model was required to have vast improvements over the former before it could go into production. It is known that the H.N. White Co. did not start making their own King brand saxophones until 1928, meaning this saxophone must have been made between 1928 and 1932 when the Charles Walters Dance Orchestra ended. This company is noted for having the first executive, in the music industry, to be a women. In 1941, after the death of the founder, Edna White became president of the company. The company was very successful under her leadership even as World War 2 took place. The company would continue until 1965 when it was bought by another company. Over the years the company would go through several name changes and owners until today when king instruments are no longer in production. |
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- ) White, Henderson N. |
Subjects |
Bands Music Music ensembles Musical instruments Orchestras Music industry |
Search Terms |
Charles Walters Dance Orchestra |