On this date in 1906, the Hope Pioneer announced a spectacular opportunity. The Woman’s Club had arranged for the Leonora Jackson Company of Chicago to perform in Hope on December 26. The newspaper called such a quality concert “the chance of a lifetime” for the residents of Hope and the surrounding area.
The newspaper was not exaggerating. Leonora Jackson was one of the first American female violinists to garner international acclaim. Her performances were described as “dazzling.” One noted European violinist heard Jackson at age 14 and predicted great fame. By the time she was scheduled to appear in Hope she had toured Europe and played for Queen Victoria.
Entertainment on the Great Plains in the early 20th century was generally not so highbrow. But music played an important role in the community as familiar songs comforted immigrants and helped them to cope with the strange new landscape in America. It also served to pass cultural traditions down to the next generation. The most common instruments were fiddles, guitars, and banjos, as they were easy to transport. Later on, the piano arrived and became a favorite instrument in the parlors of the wealthy. The piano symbolized the civilization of the East. As more settlers moved into an area, barn dances became popular. Ethnic music from different European cultures often melded. Lawrence Welk emerged from this tradition of music on the Great Plains.
Even small towns had what they dubbed “opera houses.” These buildings were used for everything from musical performances to dances. Traveling theater troupes were another favorite entertainment that broke the monotony in isolated locations. These troupes would roll into town and stay a few days, often presenting their performances in makeshift locations. They sometimes presented snippets of Shakespeare plays, but they were just as likely to perform more down to earth selections.
Leonora Jackson’s company was a rare opportunity. The day after the concert the Hope Pioneer reported that the theater had been packed. The performers were cheered wildly, and the audience insisted on several encores. It was, indeed, the chance of a lifetime.
Dakota Datebook by Carole Butcher.
Sources:
Hope Pioneer. “Grand Concert.” 29 November 1906. Hope ND. Page 1.
Hope Pioneer. “A Musical Treat.” 27 December 1906. Hope ND. Page 5.
Maryland Historical Society. “Leonora Jackson.” http://www.mdhs.org/underbelly/2018/03/29/leonora-jackson-a-name-that-will-live-in-musical-history/ Accessed 29 October 2018.
