Living History is a new series showcasing just a small assortment of the more than 350,000 items housed at The Salvation Army Heritage Centre in Toronto. This month, we are spotlighting the centre’s musical instrument collection.
As long as there has been a Salvation Army, music and banding have been important elements of the church. As General William Booth, co-Founder of The Salvation Army, is believed to have asked, “Why should the devil have all the best tunes?”
Salvationist singers, songwriters and bands have been renowned the world over, so it is fitting that the Heritage Centre boasts many musical holdings of “note.” Here are some unique instruments from their collection:
Auto harp purchased in Moncton, N.B., from an Eaton’s mail-order catalogue in 1928. It was owned by Mrs. R. Evenden (Florence Jessie Alice Walker), who was an officer from 1925-1934, and used by her while she was serving in the Maritimes.
Jerome Thibouville-Lamy brass pocket cornet manufactured for the A. & S. Nordheimer store in Toronto. It was played by Major Duncan around the turn of the century in a group composed of violins and guitars, called The String Band, which toured Ontario extensively in the 1890s.
German-manufactured Victoria melodeon accordion with 10 single-row push buttons. This accordion was used by Major C. Bowes, circa 1950-1959.
C. Wheatstone & Co. of London concertina, with 48 buttons. The velvet-lined case with label is inscribed “C. Wheatstone & Co. 15 West Street, Charing Cross Road, London.” This concertina was used by Lt-Colonel John Wells during his time in China, circa 1940.
Double bell euphonium made by C.G. Conn in Elkhart, Ind., circa 1912-1913. The double bell euphonium is a duplex instrument based on the euphonium. The larger bell produces the mellow tone of a standard euphonium; the second smaller bell has a brighter tone, similar to a baritone horn or valve trombone. The two bells can also be used for special effects, such as echoes, using the distinctly different tone of the two bells for a single musician to give the effect of call and response.
Photos: Camilo Mejia/The Archives of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory
Following the outbreak of war in 1939, The Salvation Army was quick to respond to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of Canada’s military personnel.
Indian club swinging was popular in The Salvation Army from the 1890s to the 1930s. It was not uncommon to have “club” groups that resembled timbrel brigades.
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