The First Fiddler’s Picnic at Hemlock

Catherine Townsend - The Livonia Gazette

26 August 1932

Between 300 and 400 were registered at the old fiddlers’ picnic, held at Alva Reed’s last Sunday. At 5 0’clock a picnic supper was served. Before and after supper music was furnished by musicians from far and near.

Among the fiddlers present were Irving Cline of Victor, Eugene Haggerty of Clifton Springs, John Barry of Victor, Mr. Bernhart of Springwater, Riley Ward of Livonia, Charles Pearson and Art McArthur of Rochester, Olen Simpson of Lima, Frank Cobb of Phelps, Clyde Riley of Perry, and James Adams of Mumford. Mr. Adams can play his violin behind his back, in front of him, over his head or any old way. J. Y. Baker was also there with his Hawaiian guitar. Mr. King came with Art McArthur and played his accordian. Mr. McArthur also played his accordian.

Leon Barret of West Richmond, Watson Clark of Geneseo and Ralph Loeffler of Detroit played the harmonicas. Mr. Loeffler is the champion harmonica player of Detroit. George W. Meeker of Geneseo, Mres. John Crane of Webster, Mrs. J. Y. Baker of Manchester, and Miss Carrie Cline of Victor furnished the piano accompaniment. Mres. M. R. Williams of Livonia also sang, accompanied by Miss Jean Ingelow at the piano.

One of the old fiddlers, Hod Case, of Holcomb has the record of playing for 4,426 dances.