Stoutenburgh-Teller

This article is reprinted from the 2009 edition of the Stoutenburgh-Teller Family Annual Newsletter. We would like to encourage our readers and newcoming family members to support our continuing efforts. Become a member of our Association and be part of our success.

Reprinted by Lanaii Kline from
The Kingston Daily Freeman,
Saturday, August 20, 1949, Page 3

Harry Stoutenburgh (Violin Maker)

When the Woodstock String Quartet played its concert at the Woodstock Town Hall for the benefit of the village Methodist Church recently, it was the former garage mechanic from West Hurley who made the music possible. The entire concert was played entirely on instruments made by Harry Stoutenburgh, descendent of one of the oldest Hudson valley families, whose fame as a violin maker is growing steadily.

The decision to give a concert using Stoutenburgh instruments had its beginning one humid July afternoon when Ernest Drucker, first violinist of the quartet, paid a visit to the West Hurley workshop. Mr. Drucker, a former member of the world-famous Busch String Quartet, found that his fine old French violin would not respond and thought that the heat or dampness had affected its tone. Stoutenburgh took the instrument and began to examine it. Meanwhile some instruments hanging in the glasslined case attracted Mr.Drucker’s attention.

“They’re mine,” said Stoutenburgh, “made them myself.”

“May I try one?” asked the violinist.

“Help yourself,” replied the laconic maker. The master violinist tucked one after the other under his chin and gave them the test. His doubtfulness soon modulated to real interest and admiration. Why did they sound so well, so clearly and resonantly when the summer, the hottest in years, had drawn a veil over the voice of his own instrument fashioned by one of Europe’s finest makers, he wondered.

Stoutenburgh didn’t know because like so many artists, he couldn’t put his finger exactly on what makes a work of art. But his instincts know, and Stoutenburgh instruments are being played increasingly in orchestras throughout the country. This visit by Drucker led to visits by other members of the quartet and the decision to play the benefit concert on instruments made by the West Hurley “Stradivarius.”

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We bring you a slice of the 2010 Edition of our Annual Newsletter by its editor, Lanaii Kline. Enjoy!

OHIO HISTORICAL MARKER -- THE SHANNON STOCK COMPANY. The Shannon Stock Company, also known as Shannon's Famous Players, was a traveling theater company based in Wapakeneta from 1913 until the Great Depression. Founded by Harry Shannon, the group included his wife Adelaide, their children, Harry Jr. and Hazel, and a company of twenty people or more. The company performed in theaters in southern states during the winter and in a tent in Ohio, Indiana, and other Midwest states during the summer. When not performing, the Shannon's prepared for the next tour while at home here in Wapakoneta. (Continued on other side) WAPAKONETA 175TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE -- THE OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY 6-6-2008

Interesting Tidbits

Printed August 15, 2010
STFA Annual Newsletter
by Lanaii Kline

Shannon Historical Marker

I came across an obituary for Harry Shannon, Jr. in the Lima News from February 25, 1970. He was born in Helena, Montana in 1891. At the time of his death, he was a race track photo finish operator at state and county fairs in Ohio. His parents, Harry Shannon and Adelaide Stoutenburg, operated the Shannon Stock Company and the Shannon Players. He was assigned to the Infantry Band Service in WWI. Clearly raised in show business, Harry Jr. directed the Harry Shannon and His Pennsylvanians Orchestra during the 1930s.

On November 8, 2008, the State of Ohio dedicated an historic marker at 308 West Auglaize Street, Wapakoneta. This was the site of the Shannon Stock Company and is the 6th historic site dedicated in Auglaize County. (To view a larger image and the text on the backside of the marker, visit the marker site.)

US VP Schulyer Colfax

Schuyler Colfax Statue (Colfax, California)

In May I took a train trip from San Francisco to Reno. We stopped in Colfax, CA and right at the station is a large statue of Schuyler Colfax.

In the 2007 Newsletter, I included an article about Schuyler Colfax, Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant and a descendant of Margaret Teller’s aunt, Jannetje Teller.

According to the Colfax Historical Society, Colfax was originally named Camp 20 and was a camp that housed the men who helped build the railroad over the Sierra Nevada. On a visit from then Speaker of the House Colfax, the camp was very taken by his oratory ability. At the completion of the railroad from Truckee at Camp 20, the emerging town was named in his honor.

Donald Fay, War Hero

On May 7, 1951, the San Mateo Times printed on page 2 an article, "Boy Wounded In Korean War." That boy was PFC Donald Fay who was in Korea only 20 days before being wounded.

Don was near Hwachon, Korea when he was struck by shrapnel from a rocket explosion. Although Don was wounded in the wrist, the back of the neck, and the small of his back, he managed to walk for help. He was hospitalized in Taegu, Japan.

The article indicated that Don and his wife Cay were engaged to be married. I don’t know if he returned to the field after discharge from the hospital, but I do know he returned to California to marry Cay.

More on Joseph Burr Tiffany

In the 2007 newsletter, I wrote an article about Joseph Burr Tiffany, son of Amanda Cuyler Stoutenburgh in connection with Wilderstein. I came across an interesting blog entry entitled "A Tale of Two Tiffanys." The article was posted in three parts, December 9, 10 and 13, 2009. Parts two and three focused on Joseph Tiffany. The third blog entry at the end states that the article is to be continued. However, December 13, 2009 is the last entry posted on this blog.

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See the Castello Plan, an early city map of Lower Manhattan (New York City) from 1660, created by Jacques Cortelyou like you’ve never seen it before.

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New Cemetery Index Compiled and Created by Tony and Shirley Walker

Thank you to Tony and Shirley Walker for their wonderful work.

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During our recent overhaul many of our images have been suppressed.  Please be patient while we restore our previous photo albums. In the meantime we invite you to send us your photographs with captions to be considered for viewing.

Thank you for your patience.

photo album, site upgrade