The Washington bee., 1907-08-31
PROF. J. T. LAYTON IN CHICAGO
BIG RECEPTION To HIM.

! PrOf. john L. Layton assistant dIrec
tor of Music In the public schools, O
this city, and his son. Master TurneI
Layton, have just returned from Chica
go, Illinois, after a sojourn of abou
seven weeks. Professor Layton was il
attendance at the American Institute oi
Normal Methods held in Northwestern
College, Evanston, Illinois. about four
teen miles out from Chicago. Until the
last of the session he was the only col
ored student in d class of two hundred
Quite late Professor Boswell of Dal-
las, Texas, came. Professor Layton
conducted one of the choruses at the
Institute; sang an obligato bass solo
in an excellent male chorus of the school
He also took part in the chorus that
furnished the music at the graduating
exercises.
On one occasion he was assigned the
bass obligato to "Suwanee River" The
rendition was so excellent that it brought
tears to the eyes of the audience. He
was complimented by the corps of pro-
fessorS and teachers for excellent work.
lie iUOK a course in high and normal
methods, chorus conducting and harmo-
ny. Professor Lavton took Master Lay
ton out to the college with him. The
faculty and students expressed surprise
and delight at the little fellows mark
ed musical ability. He was introduced
by the manager of the institute, Mr.. J.
F. Mccullough, as a product of the
Washington schools. A test of Turner's
ability to detect absolute pitch was Civ
Ell. An accompanist was asked to do
TO the piano and give several chords,
and Immediately he, with back to the
instrument, named the notes of the
chords. The audience broke forth in
applause
He was then requested TO sing, and
brought the house down. His encore
was so thoroughly appreciated.
Professor Layton speaks in the high
est terms of the teachers and his fel-
low classmates; and says the female
chorus was the finest collection of wom-
en- singers he has ever listened to.
They were the guests of Mrs. Lay
tons adopted brother, Mr.. Peyton G.
Taylor, and his estiamble wife, who
have model home at 3243 Wabash ave-
nue..
The couTtesies extended them while
in Chicago are too numerous to men,
tion all.
Prof Pedro T. Tinsley and Madame
entertained them at dinner; also an eve
ming musicale. Among the persons pres
ent were: Mrs. Plat, of the Chicago
Bar, and a skilled pianist; also Lawyer
Lucas, Mrs, Martha Broadus Anderson
Mr.. w. Kemper Harold, violinist; and
a sister of the Messrs. Neill of Wash
ington.
Mrs. Martha Broadus Anderson gave
a musicale at her beautiful home. on
Champlain avenue.
An invitation to reception by Douglass
Centre Association was sent, but could
not be accepted. On the same evening
MIR and Mrs Peyton g. Taylor assist.
cd by their sisters, Mesrames Wilson
and Crump, gave brilliant reception
in honor of their guests. Among those
present were; Miss S. TsNnSend, Mr.
Dunn, DR.. and Mrs. Hall, Mr.. and Mrs
Thomas, MIR. and Mrs. Howard, Mr.
Crump, :Mesdames Tinsley and Smith
Hon. J. Gray Lucas, Mr.. and Mrs. R
D. Rufin (Washington, D. c., and
many others.
On two occasions they were entertain
cd by Mr. Rufus Estes at the Appomat-
tox Club.
Mrs. Pickering had reception al
her home, on Armour avenue. Mrs
Dyer. DIR. Officer, Miss Owens, Mr.. anC
Mrs Thornton, Mr.. and Mrs. Webb
Miss F. Douglass, of Nashville, Tenn.
Miss Summers, of Springfield, Ill; DIR
Bell; Miss F. Hickman, of St. Louis
Miss Lillian Williams, of Nashville
Tenn; Mr.. II. Paris, Mrs. JuliaBrown
OF Wilberforce, and many others were
| present.
Mr.. Richard Spriggs, who used tC
sing in St. Augustines' choir, had Pro
fessor Layton and his son to dinnel
twice, and made it very pleasant foi
them, The Professor sang a solo il
Professor Spriggs church.
Mr.. K. d. Rufin took them out anC
did the honors of Chicago sightseeing
etc. latter which Mr.. and Mrs. r. d
Rufin entertained them at dinner. Mrs
Mary Griffin (sewing Department. wa
also a guest that evening.
Professor Layton was also guest a
a reception given by MIR. Julius n. Av
endoprh. The hospitalities extended then
while away were many, and the recOl
lections of the Windy City will ever b
pleasant ones.