Making Lemonade
- BARB STAHL –
From My Family History
Remember that family history I have been writing? Well, I am now in the process of editing it and putting it in chapter order. It has been a huge job, but perhaps a side benefit is that I have uncovered topics for my “Making Lemonade” column that I am excited about. I hope you might agree with me!
Here goes……..
My great-grandfather from Naples has been occupying my thoughts recently. His name was Martin Lyon and his love was being a musician. He was even able to earn some money that way. In reading several years (1871-1933) of his diaries, I learned that in the early years he had what was called the Lyon Band that traveled, playing in several towns in Pennsylvania. He had business cards made saying “Prof. Mart Lyon.” He entered many “Fiddle Contests” and won cash prizes for his effort. He often won first prize and noted “not liking to come in second or third.” According to his diaries he also tuned pianos or repaired organs and gave fiddle lessons. He played at the Naples Town Hall, and earned some money doing so.
His occupational work was wallpapering and painting for folks in the area. In fact, I discovered that he had wallpapered the house we lived in years ago on Gulick Road. He usually had to walk to jobs, but sometimes apparently borrowed a horse or horse and buggy.
My great-grandfather, Martin Lyon founded the Lyon Band, that, according to his diary entries, traveled and played in several Pennsylvania towns. His musical interests often meant time away from his wife, Aurelia Ketch Lyon.
Recently, Ken Poole, wrote a book, Naples Community Bands; a Musical History 1875-2005 (see details below). Martin was the snare drummer in the Sutton Band and the Dunton Band. In the photo below on the right, he is on the far-left edge with his snare drum. Ken has gotten many positive reactions to his book, plus from people such as myself giving him information about some of the members. He plans to write a new version to include newly discovered information. For a small town, the music that was produced and shared in Naples is very impressive.
Both my son and I did inherit some of Martin’s musical talent. My son even played guitar while marching with the Naples High School Band in the late 1970s and early 1980s. That was certainly most unusual for marching bands then. Naples was always the best place to watch your kids in a parade because you could stand on Main Street and the parade would go by — turn around — and come back past, so you could see both sides of them!
He earned about $300 per year and in 1905 his taxes were $4.00, rising to $12.00 by 1925.
Most of his daily entries were what the temperature was, where he was working, how much he earned, and where he played his music. It was frustrating that he usually didn’t comment on how he felt about things – rather, it was all pretty much “matter of fact.” And I wanted to know what he was thinking!
In his dairies I noted that he was often away from home working or playing at musical events. Therefore, his wife, Aurelia Ketch Lyon, spent a lot of time alone it appears. Recently I gave two of her quilts to the Ontario County Historical Society for their upcoming (May 27th opening) “Fibers of Our Lives: From Practical Craft to Decorative Art in Ontario County,” exhibit. I’m guessing she had lots of time to make quilts! I also believe she would be thrilled to know they became of historical significance and may be on display.
I played the bassoon in the 1950s in the Dansville Central High School Band and became a majorette so I could march! I never mastered twirling a baton, but I could step high in those long-ago days!
Music has, and continues to be, a very important part of my life!
Poole, Kenton, Naples Community Bands; A Musical History 1875-2005, Naples Historical Society, 2021. (Available for purchase from Naples Historical Society or Ontario County Historical Society.)
