The Story of Jennie Reese and Instruments with a History.

When Jennie Reese was "Committed" to a nursery home I became concerned about her collection of String Band Instruments. When I contacted her son he informed me they were "all gone". Gone? How can that be? Gennie's instruments have a great heritage of early Scandinavian Church String Band Music, her instruments must be preserved. Jennie devoted her entire life to bringing music to churches and Nursing Homes in the Chicagoland Area. She was the catalyst for many church string bands, some of which are in existence today. What do you mean " gone"? I was told some were stolen, some sold to friends and the remainder went to a Pawn Shop. I was heart sick.. Some how I had to find the old instruments.

The first Mandolin was purchases directly from Jennie who had it buried in an attach. That one was snatch from the fire. She was thrilled that I wanted to preserve it, after all it was an 35 year old National Nickel Plated Mandolin. She wondered who would want "That old Thing". She played it in the Salam Church String Band back in 40's. The second Mandolin was found with a friend of Jennies son. It was badly abused, but playable. I purchased it for $100.00 and the title to a car. The car swung the deal. The Wasburn Guitar was harder to find. It was found in Wisconsin, in pieces. A young single mother of three had it. I put a $100.00 bill on the table and asked "will you sell it to me"? The bill disappeared before I could change my mind. She thought I was crazy. It cost another $350.00 to have it have the Wasburn restored. The Cello was also badly abused when it was given to me for the collection. The remaining Instruments are "gone".

I was now ready for phase two of my quest. A group of my friends agreed to join me in an Old Time Scandinavian String Band Concert for Jennie, playing her old instruments. I laid some music down on tape for them to learn and had one rehearsal. What a group of friends, they agreed to learn the music, come to a rehearsal, drive 100 miles and give a concert on old instrument that don't stay in tune, for a elderly lady who was in the beginning stages of dementia, who they did not know, without receiving any compassion. Now who's crazy?

On a regular visit to the Nursing Home, when I would sing to Jennie, I told the home about my plans of a private concert. A date was set.

When we arrived at the Nursing Home we found a reception beyond our wildest imagination, The Nursing Home was packed with people, Residents, Jennie's Sister and there families, the local string band that Jennie played in, and many friends of Jennie from a local church. The day was set aside as "Jennie Reese Day". She was the lady of Honor. She sat in the front row dressed like a queen.

My friends played and sang beautifully. Jennie tapped out every beat. She could not talk or sing but she mouthed every word. The place went crazy when we played the Old Scandinavian Songs. Jennie smiled with approval. This was her day. When I kissed her good bye, I did not know that the next time I played or sing for her would be at her funeral.

Rest in piece Jennie, The next phase of my quest will be to establish a little museum to Early Church String Band Music, and your instruments will be featured

Thanks to my Crazy Friends who gave so much of themselves to backed up my mandolin:

Lynn Garren, - Guitar, Ken Grossinger - String Bass, Kathy Grossinger - Autoharp, Roland Hartmen - Guitar, Russ Husrt - Guitar, Opal Komora - Vocal

A special thanks to Cremer Guitar Works of Aurora, Ill. For the Wasburn restoration.

One last part of the story, when Opal and I were in concert at the Norwegian church in Chicago we played the old Instruments because many of Jennie's old friends were in attendance. After the concert a woman came up to us with tears in her eyes. She said, as a teenager she played in Jennie's youth String Band at Salam Church and she remembered that Washburn guitar. She said after spending 40 years in Africa, on the mission field, she never expected to come home to hear Jennie's Guitar.

Do you have a story?

luvyaKat

I know I'm rambling, I'll shut up now.

Lloyd61

PS. Next time: The Gig From Hell

That just says it all, Lloyd; put your finger right on it. Music is the only truly Universal Language; it knows no barriers. You have connected with the heart and soul of music and make the world a much better place with your sharing, passion, and compassion for others.

Blessed Be and I can't wait to hear the next one!

luvyaKat