Play that olde tune...

In 1909, Russell Borrowman and Arthur McKay both played violin, Charlie Affleck played his harmonica.

​One of the items that garnered a spot in the crowded travel trunks of the Immigrants that came to Canada in the early 1800’s was a musical instrument. Fiddles and flutes were common instruments that were brought and used for entertainment in the long, winter evenings and  local community events. Music brought both solace and joy to the isolated lives of the settlers.  Most communities had a great deal of musical talent to draw on for entertainment at social functions. Middleville had a string band formed in the 1870’s that was still in existence into the 1900’s. John Blackburn, George Affleck, James Borrowman, A.M. Blackburn, James Rankin, David Guthrie, Wm. Borrowman, John K. Affleck, William Middleton and James C. Kemp were members of the band. 

Johnny Mather, Rex Penman (in front), James Rankin, Stanley McIntyre (in rear) Macaulay-Borrowman Photograph

Hopetown Choir Group Rachel Taylor, Stewart Craig, Ab Craig, Winnie Craig, Janet Gunn, Katie Molyneaux, Effie Blakeney and Edna Craig Macaulay-Borrowman Photograph

Winter Concert Drill Team Top left: Jen Somerville, Minnie Mather, Eva Rodger, Tena McIntyre, 2nd row: Mabel C. Reid, Jean McIntyre, Mabel Chown (teacher), Liala Somerville, Ida Affleck, Clara Somerville, Nettie Somerville, Lena Nairn Macaulay-Borrowman Photograph

​A Grand Concert was planned for February 18, 1910 in the Town Hall in Middleville. The admission of 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children would help to raise funds to build 'granolithic' sidewalks in the village. The program promised ‘readings, recitations, dialogues, drills, vocal and instrumental music’. 

accordion

flutes played by John Blackburn and Archibald Penman

In the Music Exhibit, ​The Middleville and District Museum has a cello made by John Blackburn, a dulcimer, a concertina accordion, a Victor record player owned by James and Mary Bowes and two flutes played by John Blackburn and Archibald Penman. There is a partial violin made by Thomas Pretty in the late 1800’s. The Rosetta Violin of 1896 and its story is a delightful artifact for music fans. 

The Middleville and District Museum has several examples of sheet music from yesteryear.