History of viols in Dedham, Massachusetts

This is a post on the (not so) rapid introduction of stringed instruments into New England religious practice. As no records have been found for Plymouth, MA, nearby Dedham was chosen for this investigation. . Puritans were here also and the instrument purchase dates might prove informative!

Dedham's settlement by the English dates from 1636. A few "vagabond Quakers" had expelled, prior to the official settlement. See "Old New England Churches and their children" by Dolores Bacon (available in EPUB.)

If you observe a grand old structure, yes, Geo Washington slept there.

Across the town common is, as expected, the "First Church". This would be the likely location of the first stringed instrument in town! With Dedham founded in 1636, the viol was purchased in 1803, fully 167 years later! Credit Abner Ellis according to Ms Bacon.

Our host's early predecessor...  Maybe not a music lover.

The expected clock...

Brass fixtures...

And is this bass viol the object of our search?

Or is it here for today's performance?

Thanks to the Boston Symphony Community Concert Series, today's performance of Schumann's A minor Quartet and Mozart's K 364 Grande  sestetto was lively, animated, and perhaps the best visit to Dedham since that of G. Washington in the eighteenth century!

The actual viol from 1803 was not observed.. Next time.