Evan Call Family

Historical Context

This letter, dated July 8, 1932, was written by "George A.," a musician with some association to Evan.

George and his peers (like William Peterson and the trio from Brockton) appeared to be part of the circuit of professional musicians who traveled between Massachusetts and the mountain resorts of New Hampshire for summer gigs. The instrumentation he mentions—two violins, cello, and piano—was a standard "parlor" ensemble for providing background music during meals and social hours.

Eagle Mountain House
In the White Mountains
Jackson, New Hampshire
C. E. Gale & Son, Proprietors

Friday
July 8, 1932

Dear Evan,

Your fine letter arrived some time ago. Since then, events have been moving so swiftly that I’ve had little time for letter-writing.

A week ago Wednesday Arthur Richardson & I helped Harden move to Fall River. He has very nice quarters now and is with some very fine people. Then, last Friday Harden & I drove out to Toy Town Tavern

in Winchendon, Mass. where we called on the musicians, a trio from Brockton. Perhaps you remember two of them—Miss Viola Wilbur & Hazel Lagerquist and a cellist—Mabel Lapham.

As it was a long drive—(about 100 miles) we arrived there at about 12:15. The girls fixed it up for us to have lunch with them in the main dining-room. Then after lunch, we listened to them play their afternoon "session," and then, they showed us about the hotel grounds, called on some of their friends in the village. We left about 6:30, stopping for supper in Worcester, arriving home about 11 p.m. A good

time was had by all.

Saturday, William Peterson and I left Brockton for the White Mts. and after a six hour drive arrived here in Jackson. Bill is playing in the orchestra at Gray’s Inn and I am back once again to this hotel. It seems good to get away from city life for a while. Here we can be out of doors so much more than at home. Our orchestra here consists of two violins, ‘cello, & piano and we play each afternoon (excepting

Sundays) from 1:30—2:30 & each evening from 8—9. So with fairly easy hours we have much time to ourselves for walks, swimming, golf, etc. Our ‘cellist & I played 18 holes of golf yesterday afternoon. I don’t think I’ve walked so far for a long, long time. Wish you could see the grand & glorious view from this house—with mountains all around!

How’s everything in Altoona? By the way, you know you needn’t hesitate about sermonizing to me—I need it! Trusting everything is well with you and that I may soon hear from you, I am

Sincerely yours,
George A.

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