Sixty Years of California SongAlverson, Margaret Blake
History
Sixty Years of California Song
Alverson, Margaret Blake
Music -- California -- History and criticism
Mr. Condy was from Philadelphia. I never knew with whom he studied,
but I can safely say he was a thorough musician. In 1856 he organized
the first brass band in Stockton and was identified with it for four
years. He was unexcelled as an E flat cornet player and played several
instruments with great artistic skill. He was also a most beautiful
flute player. All the years of his residence he was closely allied
with the advancement of the best music in Stockton. In 1862 he
enlisted in the third regiment of cavalry and became the leader of the
cavalry band. At the close of the war he became a prominent member of
Rawlins Post, G.A.R. He also stood high in Odd Fellowship. His second
wife was Miss Lizzie Fisher, my early companion, the only daughter of
Alvin Fisher, who with his brother, Samuel Fisher, ran the first stage
coach line into Stockton. She came to Stockton from the East in 1854
and sang with me in the Episcopal choir. Being a fine alto singer she
was gladly welcomed among the musical colony of Stockton. Condy died
November 3, 1903, and was deeply mourned by many sincere friends who
honored and esteemed him. With his death the last of the pioneer
musicians are gone. He is survived by Mrs. Condy and three sons.
FREDERICK KRAUS
Mr. Kraus was born in Basel, Switzerland, in 1827. He arrived in San
Francisco in 1851. He was not only a fine musician but also took an
active part in civic affairs. He was one of the Vigilance committee,
of the Empire Engine Company, volunteers, and also belonged to the
Swiss sharpshooters. He was a familiar figure in those societies, very
few parades were formed without Fred Kraus, and his company of
sharpshooters, or as the leader of the Sixth Regiment band. He was
every inch a soldier and marched with his stately body erect, with
dignified step, proud of his companions and his band of fine
musicians. He also belonged to the Musicians' union for many years.
He answered his last call January 16, 1912. Five children survive him.
SARAH P. WATKINS-LITTLE
Miss Watkins was born in the little town of Mendham, N.J., July 10,
1842. She came to California in 1859 and to Oakland on the day before
Christmas. The following year she was engaged to sing soprano in the
First Presbyterian church. After two and one-half years there she went
to Calvary Church where she sang for another two and a half years and
then went to the Unitarian Church, where Rev. Dr. Stebbins preached.
In 1864 she was married to William C. Little.
Geo. F. Pettinos was organist in the First Presbyterian Church; Mr.
Anderson was tenor, Emily King, now Mrs. K.S. Latham, contralto, and
Mrs. Blake-Alverson contralto.
The choir in Calvary Church: Organist, Gustave Scott; large choir with
quartette, Washington Elliott, leader.
Choir Unitarian Church: Rudolph Herold, organist; Mr. Wunderlich,
superb basso; Mr. Mitchell, tenor; Miss Fisher, alto; Mrs. Little,
soprano.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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