12 Unbelievable Photos of My Great-Grandfather

You won’t believe where we’ve spotted Flat G. Oliver Riggs on vacation this summer! The 143-year-old bandmaster really got around, visiting his old music-related haunts in Bemidji, Des Moines and Chicago. He also found time to attend a Riggs family picnic in the Twin Cities. It must help to travel light.

Take a look and vote for your favorite!

No. 12: Reconnecting with old friends Paul Bunyan and Babe in Bemidji

Paul Bunyan and Babe date back to 1937; G. Oliver directed Bemidji bands from 1919-1923.

No. 11: Admiring himself at the Beltrami County History Center

G. Oliver with his 1922 Bemidji Boys’ Band

No. 10: Along the Bemidji lake front, circa 1900 (via the history center exhibit)

Before G. Oliver’s time as director, band concerts were held along the lakeshore.

No. 9: Surrounded by descendants at the Riggs Family Picnic

No. 8: With his mini me, Griffin — or is it the other way around?

No. 7: Goofing at the Drake Tent at the 2014 Iowa State Fair

G. Oliver, Oberlin grad, class of 1892; Steve, Drake grad, class of 1990

No. 6: Strolling the grounds of the 1909 Iowa State Fair

G. Oliver played cornet in an Iowa regimental band at the 1910 State Fair.

No. 5: Visiting the Wonders of the 1893 World’s Fair Exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago

G. Oliver’s future wife, Islea, attended the World’s Fair with her parents and sister.

No. 4: Admiring the Bean and the contrast between old and new in Millenium Park

G. Oliver studied violin in Chicago in 1894.

No. 3: Touring the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

G. Oliver and his Montana Cowboy Band performed in the auditorium lobby in 1912.

No. 2: Shopping for music at the Fine Arts Building at 410 S. Michigan Ave.

G. Oliver studied cornet under Chicago bandmaster A.F. Weldon. 

No. 1: Pondering the quote in the lobby of the Fine Arts Building

The historic 10-story building was designed specifically for working artists – people like G. Oliver!