The Piano Lincoln Heard

[Susan Higginbotham]

(01-11-2016 06:55 PM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  

(01-11-2016 05:57 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  Eva, if I understood the article correctly, the piano Lincoln heard was in the home of Ninian Edwards. Ninian was married to Elizabeth (Todd) Edwards, Mary Lincoln's sister.

But now the piano Lincoln heard is going to be located in the home of Ninian's brother, Benjamin, which is called Edwards Place. Ninian Edwards' home no longer stands. I believe Ninian's home stood at the south end of the present State House grounds in Springfield. Possibly one of the "Springfield group" could correct me if I have said anything wrong. Thanks.

(Eva, your question disappeared after I replied)

Yes, Roger - I finally was totally confused and wanted to re-read/think first. Thanks for clarifying.

And thanks, Susan, for this most interesting article!!! I didn't know about the US piano industry of those days making pianos affordable for many. I wonder who played the Edwards' piano - and if Mary's education had included learning to play an instrument (I just recall singing and dancing). Mary Harlan's had included playing the harp, and Willie Lincoln allegedly played the piano and was probably the only "advanced" musician in the Lincoln family.

My guess is that she learned at least the rudiments; according to this Pinterest site from an exhibition at the Mary Todd Lincoln House, she did know how to play but preferred to listen to others. We do know that her half-sister Emilie earned a living for a while after the war as a church organist and a music teacher.

https://www.pinterest.com/MaryToddLincol...favorites/

The Surratt boardinghouse had a piano--Louis Weichman recalled Lewis Powell, when visiting in the guise of a Baptist minister, asking Anna Surratt to play it for him.