Online Exhibits

Online Exhibitions

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Music in Merrickville

In December 2018, MDHS installed a new exhibit at the Merrickville Public Library. Music in Merrickville explores the role music has played in creating social connections and community bonds in Merrickville, specifically through the Merrickville Citizens Band. Showcasing music and musical instruments from 1880 to 1926, this exhibit demonstrates the way music expressed the close-knit, autonomous community in Merrickville. Scroll through the gallery below to explore this exhibit!

Original design concept by MacKenzie Chambers

Exhibit development by Elizabeth Robinson

Sources: Merrickville and District Historical Society; "The Development of Western Music: A history" by K. Maria Stolba

Fifes, originally created in Medieval Europe, were a common staple of marching bands and military music, and so quite popular with Citizen's Bands like the Merrickville Citizen band.

This fife has a squared off mouthpiece which is concave, to better fit the player's lip.

Cheap, portable, and easy to use, harmonicas were very popular among folk musicians. This silver-plated Hohner Band harmonica has a sticker on its box which claims the isntrument has been "scientifically tested and is in perfect condition".

This silver Marine Band harmonica is, like item no. 976.13.5J, a Hohner brand harmonica, and sports curved finger grips.

Music is often used by individuals to express emotions, but it can also create a sense of community as musicians come together to share their talents. The Merrickville Citizens Band is an example of this, pictured here in the early 1900s.

Music could be used to assert people's identities, denoting their cultural or ethnic roots. This booklet is an example of Canadian national identity, since it was issued with the approval of the Department of Militia and Defence for the use of Regimental bands.

Band books helped musicians learn songs and musical techniques. This booklet was published in Winnipeg, Manitoba, by the St. John's Music Store.

Being part of a group working together towards a common goal also helped Merrickville to assert its local identity, contrasting with larger towns like Kemptville (which also had a Citizens Band). Here 13 members of the Merrickville Citizens Band show off their instruments.

Alfred Lang sits in his lawn chair playing his violin in this image. Lang was a prominent citizen of Merrickville and a long-standing member of the Merrickville Citizens Band. Many of the musical artefacts in the MDHS collection were donated on behalf of the Alfred Lang Estate.

A uniform represented the unity and community which being part of the Merrickville Citizens Band created. This white hat, with a navy peak and band, was worn by members of the Merrickville Citizens Band starting in 1926.

This silver-print picture of the Merrickville Citizens Band was taken in 1926 to commemorate the first appearance of their uniform.

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