• From: Eagle, Idaho USA
  • Registered: 2009-11-01
  • Posts: 5

Topic: Recent discovery

My grandmother was born in 1909, she was a music teacher for most of her life. She played piano, cello and violin, to make a long story short, for the past twenty years my brother had a box of her old music book's which after his death have found their way to me.
In inspecting the box I found sheet music published from the 1800's to the 1970's. Some of it is classical, published in Germany, some is old Broadway musicals, some published in the 1910's has banjo tablature which of course was more popular then guitars at the time.
It is like a time capsule, a very fragile one. I don't know how or if these can be preserved. There is also a publication called "Etude" a large paperbound magazine targeted to music teachers.
If anyone has any idea's about how to preserve this collection I would be appreciative of any and all suggestions.

  • From: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Recent discovery

The first thing that comes to mind is laminating... however, I have heard that if something has monetary value laminating it takes away it's $$ value.  Sounds to me as tho you've found something of value near and dear to your heart however not so much of money value (to yourself anyhow).  It does sound like a nice "time capsule" has been found indeed.  Treasure that!

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

mekidsmom's Website

  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: Recent discovery

jaxon50,
My grandmother played guitar and sang. I found articles in the social register of our hometown newspaper about her entertaining at the town's 4th of July celebration at our beach in 1898. Her guitar and all her music was lost.
I also had an uncle who was a great pianist/organist. The family entrusted me with his wonderful Hammond C.V. organ and all his music papers after his death.
I went to our local museum and inquired how I might best preserve his fatbooks of 40's and 50's favorites. They were much help and are holding some of his manuscripts for me besides advising me how best to preserve what I have at home.
The family agreed his organ should be played regularly so we donated it to a small country church near here where we can go hear it on any Sunday.

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

tubatooter1940's Website

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Recent discovery

If there's a university near you, go to their library.  If there isn't a university near you, contact a large library that is near you.  Many large libraries, and especially university libraries have librarians who specialize in archival work.  They will surely be able to advise you, and being librarians, they're probably pretty cool people. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Recent discovery

I would find out when the PBS program antique road show is going to be in your area they have appraiser who are experts on just this sort of thing and information on auctions if you decide to part with it but at least you can get information on its value and authenticity smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website