Violin
Object number2016.72.1 a-e
Manufacturer
William Lewis and Sons
Datec. 1880
OriginSaxony, Germany
MediumWood/Varnish/Metal/Paper/Felt/Mother of Pearl/Ebony?/Silver/Rosin
Credit LineGift of Paul Lawrence Peeler, Jr.
DescriptionViolin with case, bow, paper rosin lid, and rosin block.Dimensions(a) Height 23.625, Width 8.063, Depth 4;(b) Height 9.875, Length 31, Depth 5;
(c) Height 1, Width 28.875, Depth 0.5;
(d) Height 0.875, Width 2.625, Depth 1.5;
(e) Height 0.875, Width 2.438, Depth 1.375.
Marks(c)
Inscribed place of origin on base-end of bow "GERMANY".
(d)
Green printed text on the front "RAO / Highest Quality Rosin / for / Violin, Viola or Cello / Wm. Lewis & Sons / Lincolnwood".
Green printed text on the right short side "Wm. Lewis & Sons / Norlin / Printed in U.S.A."
Green printed text on the left short side "RAO / Highest / Quality / Rosin".
Historical NotesViolin used by Paul Lawrence Peeler, Sr., the first African American full-time teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Peeler was hired as a part-time music teacher in Hill District schools in 1933, a year after graduating from Carnegie Tech. He would go on to receive advanced music and teaching degrees from universities in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Boston and at Northwestern. He began teaching at Watt Elementary School in 1937, and moved to other schools until he retired in 1970. In addition to his teaching he was member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (violin) and taught music or programs for the City recreation department, as well as other agencies in the area. Peeler was member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, and conducted the City’s Folk Art Choir; organized and directed the Concert Orchestra of the Center Avenue YMCA; directed the Evening Schools Chorus and the Cathedral Choir of Wesley Center Church.
Related institution
Pittsburgh Public Schools
Related institution
Carnegie Mellon University
Related institution
Watt Elementary School
Related institution
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Related institution
National Association of Negro Musicians
Related institution
Young Men's Christian Association
Related institution
Wesley Center Church
Previous owner
Paul Lawrence Peeler Sr.
On View
Not on view
1959
c. 1773