The Portland daily press., 1898-03-21
CHARLES w. oRIMMER.
The Death of the Veteran Musician SatuI.
day Evening.

Mr.. Charles W. Grimmer died at his
residence on mberland street in this city
at $50 Saturday evening. Mr.. Grimmer
has been AN invalid for several years,
but until recently has been able to be
about. A year ago he experienced a
stroke OF apoplexy and his death was
then expected but he rallied and was
able to get out. He has been sinking for
some days and his death was not unex-
pected.
Mr.. Grimmer was born in the un1ver-
sity town of Halle, Germany, 81 years
ago. His father was the manager OF
marionette show and he placed his son
at the music school at very early age.
Later he attended ths Leipsic conserva'
tory. When the Saxoninns, of which Mr..
Hermann Kotzschmarswassa member, were
on their way to Amerioa they stopped in
Halle two days and gave two concerts.
A band was formed in that vicinity to
come to this country about year after
the Saxonians left, but the enterprise
fell through. Mr.. Grimmer, however,
decided to try his fortune here, and
an excellent musician. There was no
Instrument he could not play and play
we'll. At home in Germany, he used to
play the French horn in the theatre or
chestra His knowledge Of music was
very thorough, and he possessed great
skill in orchestration, as was shown by
his work on Hawaii, Puck, Inkeytanc
and the many burlesque operas written
in this city by amateur talent.
On arrival in this country MIR. Grim
mer settled in Buffalo, N. Y. and was
for some years connected with the orches-
ira of the leadingsthreatres in that city.
When the War of the Rebellion broke
out Mr.. Grimmer enlisted as q member
of Poppenb urg's band, one of the largest,
most thoroughly equipped, and best mill
tary bands in the country. The band was
attached to the 18th u. S. Regular In
fantry, one of the new regiments raised
by act of Congress, and was ordered to
report ut headquarters, Fort Preble,
Portland harbor. This was Mr.. Grim
rner's introduction to Portland. He be-
came we'll acquainted with our people not
only because the band gave many con-
certs and serenades in the city, while
the companies were being recruited, but
because with Mr.. Poppenburg he fur
nished the music for the small dances in
leading social circles. So agreeable did
Mr.. Grimmer find the city and it's people
that when the war closed he returned
to Portland, connected himself with the
old Portland band and established him
self as teacher Of music. After Fluent
hall was turned into theatre Mr.. Grim
mer became leader of the orchestra and
first began the practice of playing a
special programme between the acts.
custom that has continued to the present
day The Grimmer orchestra became
quite celebrated through the state and
has been a favorite and much
sought after for college and academy
comrnenoements. When Deering hall
was remodelled and fitted up under the
Curtis management, Mr.. Grimmer still
remained at the head Of the orchestra
occupying that place until this season.
Mr.. Grimmer was a very companion
able man. He was fond of relating rem
inisoences of his theatrical and army
life. He had number of pupils for
many years and proved most faithful
teacher. He was straightforward and
upright, good citizen, kind frieEd,
/ a genial, agreeable gentleman.
Mr.. Grimmer was member of the U.
S. 18th Regimental Association Thatch-
or Post, G. A. R., and Of the Citizers'
Relief. He leaves family.