Re: [Harp-L] The Revolutionary harp

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

Well, I, for one, applaud Gov. Blanchard for his embodiment of the true
American spirit that the harmonica represents. Ever since George
Washington played his harmonica on the veranda overlooking his
plantation at Mount Vernon, Americans have shown the foresight to
embrace the world's great inventions *before* they were invented
overseas, thus once again proving the historical inevitability of the
American way.

It must have been foreigners who painted all those the Revolutionary
war marching *fifes* and drums when it should have been harmonicas.

Winslow

--- Philharpn@xxxxxxx wrote:

> 
> In an effort to add "depth" to this argument about the Civil War
> harmonica, I 
> will include the full text of the Executive Declaration issued by
> Mich. Gov. 
> James J. Blanchard in observance of August 28 - September 2, 1989 as
> Harmonica 
> Week. It is 4 paragraphs long.
> 
> I first encountered SPAH in 1989 when I heard about Blues Night on a
> Thursday 
> evening at a hotel near the Detroit Metro Airport. I went out to the
> hotel, 
> saw the show and picked up was an official-looking certificate
> printed in blue 
> ink on white paper. It was the governor's executive declaration for
> Harmonica 
> Week 1989.
> 
> If anyone is looking for proof of the early appearance of the
> harmonica, this 
> certificate traces the harmonica back to "the revolutionary days of
> the 
> colonies, around campfires in the old west." 
> 
> SPAH (which sponsors Harp-l) was set up in Michigan to avoid the
> convolutions 
> of incorporating in every state. Since SPAH started in the Detroit
> area, it 
> made sense to incorporate it in Michigan. 
> 
> The declaration:
> 
> "The harmonica--that small rectangular instrument that can emit a
> sound 
> belying its size--is an essential part of the musical heritage of
> this state and 
> nation. It is an instrument that can be played by people of all ages,
> a fact 
> contributing to its popularity across our nation for decades. The
> harmonica was 
> played during the revolutionary days of the colonies, around
> campfires in the 
> old west, as an essential component of jazz in New Orleans, and is a
> continuous 
> contributor to our contemporary music era.
> 
> "The familiar harmonica sound has the uncanny ability to trigger
> memories. 
> Many of us owned harmonicas as children or knew an accomplished
> player. 
> Professionally performed in such groups as the Jerry Murad
> 'Harmonicats,' The 
> Generation Gap, the 'Harmonica Express,' and the "Original Harmonica
> Band,' the 
> harmonica can entertain with the wail of the sorrowful blues and the
> smiling 
> staccato of an upbeat melody. Indeed, harmonica music is compelling.
> 
> "The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica
> (SPAH) was 
> organized 26 years ago to promote the harmonica and revive interest
> in and 
> appreciation for the distinct harmonica sound. Its membership has
> grown to 
> include students, teachers, professionals and fans who regularly
> volunteer their 
> time to promote an instrument that encompasses pop, jazz, blues,
> harmonicists 
> from around the world will gather in Detroit during Harmonica Week to
> celebrate 
> this occasion.
> 
> Therefore, I, James J. Blanchard, Governor of the State of Michigan
> do hereby 
> declare August 28 through September 2, 1989 as HARMONICA WEEK in
> Michigan. I 
> encourage all citizens to recognize the significant role of the
> harmonica in 
> the world of music. Please join me in commemorating this important
> observance."
> 
> Phil Lloyd/
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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