200@200 : August - World of Arts and Culture
Date:
1890s
Title:
Neighborhood Band Snare Drum
Description:
Throughout Allen County, citizens formed neighborhood bands. They were not professional musicians but these groups provided music to be enjoyed by local residents. The Aboite Cornet Band was a musical organization that was much in demand at picnics and other social events.

This snare drum was owned by Elwood Turner who was a percussionist for the Aboite Cornet Band as early as 1896. Turner lived on Illinois Road just west of the area that was known as "the Bootjack." He worked at Horton Manufacturing Company making washing machines. Like many musicians of this era, he played for his love of music, not as an occupation.

This snare drum has a metal body and rim edge; a black band is over the heads. It is held together with ten metal lugs, a tension control screw and tension strings on the bottom. A triangular bracket is attached to the side. Elwood Turner is featured holding the snare drum at the far right side in the 1896 News Sentinel photograph.
Click to Enlarge
Elwood Turner's Snare Drum Top ViewElwood Turner's Snare Drum Top View
Elwood Turner's Snare Drum Top ViewElwood Turner's Snare Drum Top View
Elwood Turner's Snare Drum Side ViewElwood Turner's Snare Drum Side View
Elwood Turner's Snare Drum with Drumsticks and StrapElwood Turner's Snare Drum with Drumsticks and Strap
Aboite Cornet Band, August 1896Aboite Cornet Band, August 1896