The Old Time Fiddlers join Historic Jacksonville, Inc. on Saturday, August 9th for an afternoon of Victorian Music and Literature at Jacksonville’s 1873 Beekman House. This popular Jacksonville attraction, located at 470 E. California Street, was home to Jacksonville’s most prominent pioneer family and remains completely furnished with family artifacts.
Victorian era “best sellers” included David Copperfield, Little Women¸ Alice in Wonderland, and Tom Sawyer. Popular music of the era ranged from the tunes the pioneers brought with them from their native regions and countries, to military marches and patriotic scores, African-American themes, and of course classical pieces.
Between 12 noon and 4 pm, costumed docents will lead one hour house tours beginning every 15 minutes. Visitors will learn about popular authors in the late 1800s, Julia Beekman’s reading circle, and early Jacksonville libraries. Visitors will hear about well-known composers, the Jacksonville Silver Cornet band, local dance halls and masquerade balls, and experience period music played on the Beekmans’ Victrola and piano. The Old Time Fiddlers will celebrate the melting pot that was Southern Oregon during the second half of the 19th Century with Oregon Trail music on the lawn beginning around 1:30 pm.
Victorian Music and Literature is a part of Jacksonville History Saturday, a special day of history-oriented activities the second Saturday of each month from May through September. On August 9, a 10 am Pioneer Cemetery tour highlights the Rogue River Indian Wars and the natives and settlers who fought them. “Behind the Counter” tours of the Beekman Bank begin at 11:15 am, 12:15, 1:15, and 2:15 pm.
Cemetery tours are free, but donations are welcomed. Bank tours are $2. Beekman House tours are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students; lawn activities are free.
For additional information, call 541-245-3650, or e-mail info@historicjacksonville.org.
Photo: Old Time Fiddlers performing at Buncom Day.