John Brown's raid

[razyn]

Happened to see in the Washington Post that tomorrow is the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry (Oct. 16, 1859). Since so many of you guys are in some degree CW buffs, I thought that might be worth a little buzz, here. Maybe, hold a memorial pickin' or something.

Dick

[razyn]

I said "memorial," not "honor." Not that I care deeply, if someone does want to honor him. But, whatever, his raid was a milestone of sorts. And it was 150 years ago. But who's counting?

Presumably, in two short years there will be all kinds of CW gigs; it'll be the 150th anniversary of something, most all the time. That's what I meant by posting it... sort of a heads-up.

Dick

[Dave Culgan]

Thanks for posting it - a fascinating event in history what with the way things worked out and Robert E. Lee being the officer involved. Everything I learned about the raid was from the Flashman novel. Creepy stuff, just in time for Halloween, with him a-mouldering in the the grave. Guess "John Brown's Dream" doesn't fit- think that was a different J.B. Never liked "Battle Cry of Freedom" either.

[razyn]

I posted this on a (blush) dulcimer forum, but I suppose it's a teensy bit relevant here:

The Battle Hymn of the Republic was written to fit the tune of (some would say, partly inspired by) the more or less comic song "John Brown's body;" which in turn was based upon the camp-meeting hymn "Say, brothers, will you meet me, On Canaan's happy shore;" which was also newly in print around the time of John Brown's raid, i.e. 150 years ago. (Actually, I think that hymn was published in 1858, but I'm a little fuzzy on the details w/o looking it up.)

I have an 1859 imprint of "Say, brothers," with the tune. But it doesn't have the banjo fingerings, tab, &c.

Dick

[Greg Adams]

Chuck Krepley and I had a gig in Frederick this evening for a Civil War tour group. We decided to do our warm up in Harper's Ferry throughout the afternoon (since it is only about 20 miles from Frederick). We played in Whitehall Tavern and had a great time. There was real diversity in the general public, which was very satisfying to see. Even though there was a consistent rain throughout the day, it didn't dampen people's interest in visiting such a historically charged place.

Hope you are all well.
Greg

[razyn]

Greg Adams said:

... had a gig in Frederick this evening for a Civil War tour group.

Frederick, Frederick, hmm... seems like I once knew a guy who made minstrel banjos, there.

Wunder what has become of him?

Dick