Hi Anne, I find myself catching up again on my digest of pianotech and your request about pianos in early California history caught my eye. One lead I can offer is on a piano I saw while visiting Chico a few years ago. There is a Mansion (sorry, don't remember the name at the moment) that has been turned into a historical monument or park or something in Chico that has a square grand that I think was dated in the 1860's, but it could have been earlier (not sure now). I do remember that it had been restored and was perfectly playable. My wife and I were on the formal tour of the mansion when the tour guide ask if anyone in the group played. Yours truly volunteered and I was really impressed on the condition, tone and all. The guide told stories of how it got there... I'm sure I could find the name of the place if you are still interested. doug richards San Jose, CA ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 09:35:11 -0500 From: Anne Beetem <abeetem@wizard.net> Subject: Re:California 1852 ... Here's the question: What evidence do we have of what type of pianos in California in 1852? I have direct knowledge of an 1859 cast iron frame Steinway square which was shipped around South America by boat and still resides in the San Francisco Bay area. I know what types of pianos were being produced in the U.S. then. A lot happened in those 7 years though in California and it was still quite rough in 1852. Information anybody? Best, Anne Anne Beetem Harpsichords & Historic Pianos 2070 Bingham Ct. Reston, VA 20191 abeetem@wizard.net
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