Origins of a Music Man Tour: Day 3

I didn’t have access to WiFi last night, and I was busy getting ready for today’s presentation, so here is a recap of yesterday’s activity.

First, I checked out of the 1900 Inn after a great night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast.

The 1900 Inn is located a few blocks from Drake University in Des Moines.

G. Oliver and I visit the Inn’s library.

Then I met up with Mom and Dad, and we drove to Albia, Iowa, where G. Oliver directed the Albia Concert Band and Prof. Riggs’ Parlor Orchestra in 1890-91.  Band is still strong in Albia, and the town has a great bandstand (built in 1995) that is reminiscent of an earlier structure.

Next we visited Centerville, where G. Oliver’s friend George Landers directed a regimental band from 1884 to 1909, when the band moved to Clarinda.  Landers was a mentor and lifelong friend of G. Oliver’s, and G. Oliver occasionally appeared with the band as a cornet soloist.

Centerville has a bandstand, too.

Centerville is the hometown of Francis Marion Drake, the man who founded Drake University.  Steve and I both graduated from Drake, and we met while working in the college library, so it seemed appropriate to stop in at the public library Mr. Drake founded in Centerville.  Plus, it has an amazing stained glass dome.

I have more to say about today’s events, which included my presentation at Iowa Wesleyan college, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.  I’m exhausted!