Can You Hear Me? Now? :: 19th century musical instruments from the American Civil War era
Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon
Can You Hear Me? Now? online exhibition of sound communication technology Can You Hear Me? Now? museum exhibition of sound communication artifacts Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon, USA
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Sound Off! Musical Instruments from the Civil War  

When we think of the American Civil War, several sounds come to mind: the deafening thunder of cannons, rhythmic and melodious folk tunes and military cadence of fife and drum.

In "Sound Off!" we feature several cherished instruments from the era that have been preserved over the past 150 years.

 

"Sound Off", slang
1. To express one's views vigorously: was always sounding off about higher taxes.
2. To count cadence when marching in military formation.

 Sound Off: musical instruments from the American Civil War
More definitions at TheFreeDictionary.com >>>

1863 Civil War soldier's diary
H1984-053-0231

Pocket Diary
George F.Dennick
Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA
1863

The diary of Union soldier George F. Dennick details his daily life during the American Civil War. On Sunday, January 18, 1863 Dennick observed a deserter being banished from the military post. His journal entry sheds insight on the saying "drummed out of camp".

"This morning I landed at the mouth of Agnia creek the weather was clear cold and frosty...about two oclock that afternoon I saw a man drumed out of camp his head was shaved and he was branded letter D on the right hip" - G.F. Dennick

 

G.F. Dennick, 1860s studio portrait
Reverse: "Lieut Geo Dennick, ? Co E 105 Penn Inf" By McBride, Bank Block No. 31 Fifth Street, Pittsburgh, PA.
116th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Union Army American Civil War drum
H08147

Civil War Side Drum
Ohio
1863-1865

David G. Frost, Union Army Drum Major under General Phil Sheridan, Co. B. 116th Ohio Vol. Infantry carried this drum circa 1863-1865.

American Civil War era violin
H09622

Violin
Circa 1860

R.O. Jones (1845-1944) owned and played this violin prior to, during, and after the American Civil War. The wooden violin case has a red flannel lining. Rosin, spare parts including 4 strings, a tail piece, key, peg, small metal container, a handmade mute, a music clip and an 1880 invitation to the "Tenth Annual Ball of the Lawrence Fire Department" are found in the case compartments.


Wooden violin case, 1860s Civil War violin case contents

R.O. Jones (1845-1944) playing his violinR.O. Jones (1845-1944) playing his violin.
tuning fork carried through American Civil War
H09628

Tuning Fork
Circa 1860

R.O. Jones carried this tuning fork through the American Civil War.
Flute from American Civil War, circa 1865
H14361

Flute
Ohio
Circa 1860

Price Clough was an enlisted musician soldier in the Company C, 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War.