overall: 3 1/2 in x 6 7/8 in x 35 7/8 in; 8.89 cm x 17.4625 cm x 91.1225 cm
Object Name:
dulcimer
Place made:
United States: Virginia, Marion
Date made:
1939
Description:
<p>This Appalachian dulcimer was made by Samuel F. Russell in Marion, Virginia, in 1939. It is a single bout dulcimer made of rosewood, with four strings, wood nut and bridge, 15 metal frets, diamond shaped inlay on fretboard, 2 F-shaped sound holes, outline carving on the edges of the soundboard to imitate purfling, carved out pegbox with 4 maple friction pegs, open “D” style tail, and violin-like carved head. There is a typed index card taped to the back of the instrument:</p>
<p>C 8 single bout Smith E 15 p. 52<br>tape label visible through S sound holes, "made by S. F.<br>Russell, Marion, Va. July 15, 1939" Fooled<br>procured from Mr. Russell at Whitetop, Va. in 1940's by Dr.<br>Eunice Kettering. Given to the Anne Grimes collection in<br>the ea ly 1950s by Dr. Kettering, a fine contemporary composer<br>and folk music collector (see Anne Grimes tape collection).<br>Dr. Kettering was then on the faculty of Ashland College, Ashland, Ohio.</p>
<p>Anne Grimes (1912-2004) was an American journalist, musician, and historian of American (particularly Midwestern) folklore. Grimes studied voice and piano at Ohio Wesleyan and initiated graduate studies at Ohio State University. Following her education, Grimes was a music teacher, music and dance critic, and radio host. After WWII, Grimes began collecting and documenting folk songs throughout Ohio, as well as collecting Appalachian dulcimers and zithers. She would continue this work, performing, recording, and lecturing on instruments from her collection throughout the rest of her career.</p>
Location:
Currently not on view
Related Publication:
Smith, L. Allen. Catalogue of Pre-Revival Appalachian Dulcimers
