The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-12
GEORGE wAsHINoToNs VIOLIN.
An Old Cremona That tho Father o.
His Country Played On.

From the New York Tribune.
An old violin, u worm-eaten case, some
historical letters and an affidavit vouching
for the violin's hislory-all in possession
OF violin maker in this city-wil proba-
bly, lead 10 some interesting historical re-
searches concerning the musical inclina-
tons and abilities Of George Washington,
for the violin is said 10 have been his
The violin and its case are now owned by
son OF Gemunder, the Astoria violin
maker, and that is presumption enough
that young Mr.. Gemunder Is up on violins.
Ills surname is George and that possibly
gives him authority 10 speak concerning
the Father OF Ills Country" ID was not
known generally, until this violin turned
up, that George Washington, like Thomas
Jefferson, was unsteady inclined, but the
aflidavits and letters in Mr.. Gemunder's
possession seem 10 make out pretty
strong case In favor OF the tradition that
Zen Washington was something Of
musician. Mr.. Gemunder showed the
violin and its case 30 reporter recently,
together with the letters and affidAvits,
and told the violin's history. II came
10 him and his father at Astoria, n.
Y, about two years ago, sadly in
need OF repairs. The owner, Thomas Is.
Washington. OF Charleston, w. Va, wrote
them at the same time all about the violin
and its case. They tried to buy the instru-
ment, but Mr. Washington would not let
IL 20 then, because, he said, Il had always
been in the Washington family's possession
since the generals death. But a short
time ago the Gcmunder succeeded in get
ting II. Thomas Il. Washington, when he
sold IL, gave the Gemunden an affidavit
youching for the instruments having once
been owned by the iirst President OF the
United States. The story runs that as the
Father OF his Country was riding one day
through southern Virginia ho heard a
sweet concourse OF sounds issuing from
negro's cabin, which made him an ANA.
teur musician, for he alghted from his
horse, entered the cabin and bought the
violin, which was being played by an old
negro" History Is silent M 10 how well or
how much the general played on his
violin, and the traditions OF the Washing.
ton family do not furnish any information
IN 10 whether the Father Of his Country
"whoopcd her up" for the boys at barn.
raisings, huskings, and fourth OF July
celebrations. But Il seems that after he
died the violin and lis old case went 10 his
nephew, Judge Bushrod Washington.
Judge Washington called II the "Old
| Cremona," because he found a slip Of pa
| per glued inside the violin bearing the In
scripiion Jacob Steiner, 1871" n Cpmona
maker. Mr. Gcmunder. however, thinks
that Il Is Tyrolean violin made In imiia-
| ton OF the Crcmona school.
Judge Washington had a nephew, Thos.
u. Washington, father OF the one who sold
the violin TO the Gemundes Thomas u.
thought that he could play the fiddle II he
only got II, 80 after persuasion the old
Judge turned u over 30 him. On his death
his son, Thomas H., got H. lie could not
play Il, but preserved II as jealousy M II
Il we're the apple OF his eye, or a part Of
the historical apple or cherry tree, or the
famous Ratchet itself. With the violin lac
turned over a newspaper slip from 7he
Spirit of Jcderson, a paper publish ed In
Charleston, In which the editor rcvercn.
TALLY speaks Of the relic ~ once the prop.
crty Of President George Washington.
The violin Is under the usual size, hut II
IN called "full size" and II is Of shapcly
model. Tho back Is made OF maple and
the top Of spruce, and Il is stainod a brown.
ish black color. Tho case is shaped like q
leg Of mutton. IL opens at the end, too,
Just ~ u slice had been cut of the big
end. The violin Is now at No. ~ Union
square. II IL valued at 81 900.