The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-08-27

Professor Heck was born in Ba-
varia October 8, 1897, and at the age
of nine was brought to America by
his parents, who settled at Zanes-
Vile, Ohio. His first notable musical
connection was as director of the Sells
circus band for IL years. He was
married to Miss Kate Gunther in
Wheeling, w. Va, Oct. 25, 1859, and
moved to Topeka in 1881.
In Topeka, Professor Heck imme-
circles and led the city band about
30 years ago. Then he was made con-
ductor of the Grand theater orchestra,
which position he held for IL years
He also was leader of the Arion sing
ing society for years. OF late Pro-
| lessor Heck confined himself to home
instruction on the violin, but gave
| that up two years ago.
He left an interesting memorial of
himself in a trophy cabinet, which
| is In the possession of Mrs. Kate
Griley. In that cabinet is the first VIC
| model and was bought in Bavaria
when he was boy. With it is the
bow. The violin which he used for
years he hung beside it when he
ceased giving lessons two years ago.
This violin is the work of August
Gemuender of New York and is con-
sidered exceptionally fine. Beside the
two violins and their bows. Professor
Heck placed in the case the first in
struction book he used-one in his
| own handwriting. Two long stemmed
| German pipes adorn the collection.
Beside Mrs. Kate Griley, Professor
Heck leaves daughter. Mrs. Clara
Griley, and son, Frank Heck, both
of Los Angeles, Cal. His wife died in
! 1895. No funeral arrangements will
be made until word is received from
the son and daughter.
| l.. Nj. Wood has written
ton of the German musician of which his
oaugnter Mrs Kate Griley. is as fond as
was the musician himself. 1t follows:
"When Louie Plays Der FTddle.'
I've got a German neighbor, und a dern
! goot Teller too,
Und he IFS right dere not very far
Und der. way he plays der fiddle would De
| SURPRISE to you,
AS know it is sometimes der same
NIT me-
Lfery Sunday night in summer ven it's
| quiet all apout,
Und der fiddle birds are sleepin' in der
| trees,
Louie comes right. in der parlor and takes
Und sticks it right down in between his
| knees.
| He den pegins to twisht und turn dem
| strings bote up und down.
r Until l know he'll preak dem. deed do,
| IND you can hear him tunin' up almost
/, all ofer town.
| Und eferypody says, "Dere's Deutchcr
| Lou"
Veil, ven eferyting is retty and Louie
draws der bow,
| Und starts out NIT Deere Leetle German
| Band"
I'm his gal nit her piano, yust amt so
awful slow
dells you now, dot mutzic is yust
grand.
Sometimes he plays der "Gilded Cage"
sometimes der 100000 Eyes"
Und he plays it yust so goot as efery-
dings,
Und der way he plays dat mutzic makes
me sometimes quite SURPRISE
| Der way he hops apout on all dem
| strings.
| Veil 1 surely hope ven dat time comes
| und Louie's eyes grow dim,
| Und he goes to blay der mutzic in der
| sky
Der Lord will let him take his goot old
| fiddle up nit him,
| Und dat will get to hear him pye und
pye.
For Louie he can blay harp, a leedle
| bit, you know,
Und 1 feel sure he won't pc happy dere,
Unless he has his fiddle, und a note or
two can trow,
A floatin' out upon der heavenly air.