dudley reed fiddle maker
TRANSCRIPT
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CLARENCE W I LL IAM REAVES
GAINESV ll . .l . .E . F l ..OR IOA 3 2 6 0 3
T E ~ E P H O N E (904) 3 7 7 ~ 7 3 9
HE: Memorial to Dudley and Martha Reed by the Reaves Family
As a memorial to Dudley Reed for his g re at con tr ibuti on
to s t r ing players everywhere with the f ine s t r ing instruments
he made and to his wife, Martha, the heaves Family of Gaines-
v i l l e , Florida (Clarence and the Re2ves Family String Quartet ,
Dorothy , Carolyn , Martha and Florence) a re p re sentin g copies
of the book, DUDLEY REED, FIDDLE 1UXER by his brother, Howard
Heed (1974) to the Music Library a t the music Department of the
Universi ty of F lorida , to the Florida Room in the University ofFlorida Library on campus and to the Library a t the Brevard
Music center , Brevard, N. C.
This presentation is made with honor, love and esteem for
our dear fr iends, Dudley and Martha Reed.
CLARENCE WILL IAM REAVES
11;130 N .W . Dn . " ' v rGAINESVII -L .E. FLORIDA 3 2 6 0 3
RE: Memorial to Dudley and Martha Reed by the Reaves Family
As a memorial to Dudley Reed for his great contribution
to string players everywhere with the fine str ing instruments
he made and to his wife, Marthu, the .t"i.eaves Family of Gaines-
vi l le , Florida (Clarence and the Reaves Family St ring Quartet,
Dorothy, Carolyn, Martha and Florence) are presenting copies
of the book, DUDLEY REED, FIDDLE MAKER by his brother, Howard
Reed (1974), to the Music Library at the Music Department of t he
Univer s i ty of Florida, to the Florida Room in the University of
Florida Library on campus and to the Library at the Brevard
Mus ic Center , Brevard, N. C.
This present2.tion i s made with honor, love and esteem for
our de ar friends, Dudley and Martha Reed.
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* ** *DUDLEY REED *
* ** Fiddle Maker *
* ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A MEMORIAL
by his brother, Howard Reed
July 1974
* * * *
Dedicated to Martha
* * * *
Undoubtedly, the violin was Dudley's dominant
in teres t . But it. was entw ined with a l l o th er f ac et sof his l i f e . Since his knowledge and sk i l l developed
gradually, violin-making was an avocation Wltil about
1950; h is l iv el ihood r equi red o the r in teres ts .
My brother, James, my s i s t e r and many staunch
friends have shown a devoted in teres t in his l i f e and
in his accomplishments. So I am writing his story as
I know i t . My knowledge i s necessa r ily l imited; long
miles separated us most of our l ives . His good wife,Martha, has been of much help.
Lovingly, I write to his memory for I am very
proud of him. I f I appear to extol him - so be i t !
+ + ****.*. .. ... ... ... ... + +
+ ++ ++ DUDL EY R E E D +
+ ++ Fiddle Make r
++ +... ... ... ... .. .................. ... ... ... ...
.\ MEMORIAL
by bis brother Howard Reed
July 1974
......... ...
Dedica.ted to Martha.
............
Undoubtedly. the violin was Dudley 's dominant
interest . But 1 was entwined with a l l other facetsof his l l f e . Since h i s knowledge and sk i l l developed
grad.ua.lly , violin-making was an avocation W lt il about
19501 his livelihood required other interests.My brother, James, my s is ter and many s taunch
friends have shown a devoted interest in his l l fe and
in his accomplishments. So I am writ ing his s tory as
I know i t . My knowledge i s necessar i ly l imi ted; long
Jdles separated us most of our l i ves . His good wife ,Martha , has been of much help.
Lov1.ngl.y , I write to his memory for I am very
proud of him. I f I appear to extol him - so be i t !
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DUDLEY REED
Fiddle Maker
"a bet ter fiddle"
"What f i r s t prompted you to make a vio l in , Dudley?" Idly watching
my brother as he worked i n ten tl y, p at ient ly and with evi dent loving car e on
a new vio l in , I was expressing a long-held curiosi ty. Most of his other
act iv i t ies seemed natural enough. He learned to fly only a few years a:f'ter
World War "I" when airplanes were the "new" thing. Mechanical ski l ls were
almost inborn with both of us. The automobile had. essentia l ly established
i t s e l f , though a horse s t i l l had i t s place in th e country . And wanderlusti s a par t of everyone. But wm r th e v io lin ?
In answer, he recalled tha t when he entered high school, he wished
to kite lessons on the violin - - he already had some piano. So he bought
an instrument recomoended by his teacher, and as good as he could afford. a t
tha t time. But as he progressed, he became dissatisf ied. Somehow, he made
contact with a violin maker - - maybe his needed repair , I don' t know - - and
he saw something of the viol in 's construction. Whatever it was, he said to
himself, "I can make a bet ter fiddle than the one I have."
Jus t when this idea originated, I do not know. But, I do know that
i t led to the drive, the motivation, that was to dominate his l i f e ; to bring
to him the joy of accomplishment, and o f f ul fi llmen t. " I can make a better
fiddle" - - can ' t you sense the dis c on te nt, as well as the determination and.
self-confidence in those words? How characteris t ic of h is e ntir e l i fe! He
was a t ru e ind iv idual is t and perfect ionis t . And i f a thing was within his
abi l i ty , he persevered, confident of success. So this thread, th is pursuit
of the bet ter violin , was woven w i t h o u ~ a break through each episode in the
tapestry of his l i fe I thin a t t imes, this thread broadened into the colorand bril l iance marking a dream ach ieved, only to be snipped nea r l i fe ' s end.
by the d is as te r o f eyesight that failed.
* * * * * * *
D U D L E Y R E E D
Flddle Maker
Ita bet ter fiddle"
"What f i r s t prompted you to make a viol ln , Dudley?" Idly watching
my brother as he worked intently. patiently and with evident loving care on
a new vio l in , I was expressing a long-held cur iosity . Most of his other
ac t iv i t i e s seemed natural enough. He learned to f ly only a few years af ' ter
World War "I" when airplanes were the "new" thing. Mechanical sk i l l s were
almost inborn with both of us. The autoIr.ooile had essentia l ly established
l t s e l f , though a horse s t i l l had. i t s place in the country. And. wanderlust
i s a part of everyone. But why the violin?
In answer, he recaJ.led that when he entered high school, he wished
to ta.1te lessons on the violin ..- he already had some piano. So he bought
an instrument recoonended by his teacher, and as good as he could afford at
that t ime. Bu t as he progressed, he became dissa t ls f ied. Somehow, he made
contact with a viol in Maker - - maybe his needed repair , I don' t know - - and
he saw something of the viol in 's construction. Whatever it was, he said to
himself, " I can make a bet ter fiddle than the one I have."
Just when th is idea originated, I do not know . But, I do know tha t
it led to the drive J the motivation, tha t was to dominate his l i fe I to bring
to him the jo y of accomplishment, an d of fulf i llment . " I can make a better
fiddle" - - cant t you sense the discontent. as well as the determination and.
self-confidence in those words? How characteris t ic of his ent i re l i fe ! He
was a t rue individual is t and perfect ionis t . And if a th ing was within his
ab1J.ity, he persevered, confident of success . So th is thread. th is pursui t
of the bet ter violin, was woven without a break through each episode in the
tapestry of his l i f e , th in a t t imes, th is thread broadened into the colorand. bri l l iance marking a dream achieved, only to be snipped near life 's en d
by the disaster of eyesight tha t fai led •
•••• * ••
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-2-
I - - THE EARLY YEARS
Dudley Breckenridge Reed was born April 16, 1900 at Palmer, Washing
ton County, Ohio, son of J . Fletcher Reed and Lucy Bell (Breckenridge), and
given the name of our mother's f avor it e b ro ther , Dudley S. Breckenridge.
Good-natured and friendly, he grew up in the country, doing the errands any
farm boy usually does, attending country school, roaming the rol l ing hi l ls
and woodlands, m:i.ngling with kind and friendly neighbors, developing a fine
mind and body and those qual.ities o f cha ra cte r that would serve him well.
But in September 1912, our gentle, kind and good mother passed away
in the prime of l i fe a shattering blow to the three of us, Dudley, our
fa.ther, and myself. I t was a cr i s i s indeed for my twelve ye ar old brother.
Dad did his best but he also had his own diff icul t ies . And I returned to a
disrupted, unhappy second col lege yea r. So Dudley was much alone to carry
his grief inwardly, and with nobody in whom to confide. The sorrow struck
deep in to h is se ns itiv e soul. Fortunately, a cousin who came to look af te r
the i r needs, helped much to provide a b it of the needed affect ion.
Several months la ter , Father married a fine person, Lucy A. Palmer,
who earnestly t r ied to make a pleasant home. But again it was a di f f icu l t
time for Dudley - - she was not Mother. l>l1nds and hearts did not quite meet.
But happily, with maturity and the passing of yea rs , th er e came respect and
affect ion. Always, she had our wel fa re a t heart , worri ed about us as her
own, and welcomed us when we returned. Both of us mourned her demise a few
years ago. Our s i s t e r , Hargaret, and brother, James, her children, as well
as Dudley and myself, were ~ f amily, uni ted and with mutual affect ion.
An occurrence when he was about fourteen indicates his industry and
will-to-succeed. By rais ing a prize acre of corn, he earned a tour to Wash
ington, D.C. with other 4-H Club winners. I t was a big moment for him. He
wanted tha t t r ip and he got i t !
In 1915 he entered McConnelsville High School. Here the violin and
his l i fe were wedded - - not as the ski l led musician, for he had his l imi ts ,but love of the violin increased, d esire fo r tha t "better fiddle" was fixed
and his ear tr ai ned f or t rue tone. He told the story of one of his musical
friends who l is tened one day and. said; "Dudley, why don't you jus t make the
viol in and le t another ~ i t . " Then he'd chuckle about the cri t icism.
He t ransferred to Marietta High School and graduated June 13, 1919.
A year a t Harietta College fol lowed.
-2 -
I - - TIl!; EARLY YEARS
Dudley Breckenridge Reed was born April 16, 1900 a t Palmer, Washing
to n County, Ohlo, son of J . Fletcher Reed and Lucy Bell (Breckenridge), and
given the name of our mother 's faVorite brother, Dudley S. Breckenridge .
Good-natured and fr iendly, he grew up in the country, doing the errands any
farm boy usually does t attending country school, roaming the rol l ing hi l l s
and. woodlands, ~ n g l l n g with kind and. friendly neighbors, developing a fine
mind and body and those qualities of character that would serve him well.
But in September 1912, our gentle, kind and good mother passed away
in the prime of 11fe a shattering blow to the three of us t Dudley, our
father, and myself. I t was a crisis indeed for my twelve year old brother.
Dad. d.1d h is best but he also had h is Olffl d1ff lcult les . And I returned to a
disrupted, unhappy second. college year , So Dudley was much alone to carryhis gr ie f Inwa.rdly, and with nobody in whOll to confide. The sorrow struck
deep in to his sensi t ive soul. Fortunately, a cousin who came to look af'ter
their needs, helped much to provide a b it of the needed affection.
Several months la ter , Fa.ther married a. fine person, Lucy A. Palmer.
who earnestly t r ied to make a pleasant home. But again it was a di f f icu l t
time for Dudley - - she was not Mother. ~ 1 1 n d . s and hearts did not quite meet.
But happily, with maturity and. the passing of years, there came respect and
affect ion. Always, sh e ha d our welfare at heart , worried about us as her
own, and welcomed us when we returned. Both of us mourned her demise a few
years ago. Our s i s t e r , Nargaret, and brother, JaJr.es , her children, as well
as Dudley and myself, were one family, united and with mutual affect ion.
An occurrence when he was about fourteen indicates his industry and
w111-to-succeed. By rais ing a prize acre of corn, he earned a tour to Wash
ington, D.C. with other 4-H Club winners. I t was a big moment for him. He
wanted tha t t r ip and. he got i t !
In 1915 he entered McConnelsville High School . Here the violin and
his l i fe were wedded - - not as the ski l led musician, for be had his l im1ts,but l ove of the viol in increased, desire for tha t "bet ter fiddle" was fixed
and his ear t rained for t rue tone. He to ld the story of one of his musical
friends who l is tened one da y and s u d l "Dudley, why don' t you j us t ~ the
viol in and l e t another ~ i t . " Then he'd chuckle about the cri t ic ise .
He t ransferred to Marietta High School and gxaduated June 13. 1919 .
A year a t Harletta College followed.
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I .
1908
"/1908UDLEY
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i,itrPALHEH SCHOOL
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HI ill
Rocky Hill on Farm
Off to School 1 9 0 1 ~
Rocky Hill on Farm
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Off to c h o o l -
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--."
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-3-
I I - - T'.liE HUNTER
Another facet of DUdley's early l i fe could be termed - - The Hunter.
Playing Ind ian could be considered the beginning. There were the headdress
and lIloccasins made by him, although I suspect a b it of aid was occasionally
rendered by Grandma. (she l ived with us) . Then came the bow and. arrows, his
own craft ing. He would be out prowling, s talking, creeping up on ima.g1na.ry
game. I t seemed to afford h::""'l. a lo t of fun.
Later , when he was ten or twalve, he had a "Daisy" a ir r i f le . When
English sparrows perched on the fence (they abound around farm buildings),
he would pop them off with hardly a miss, becoming an exce ll en t shot . With
r i f l e , or a. shotgun, he hunted the game of the h111s - - rabbits , squirrels ,
pheasants, other game. One of his prized possessions was a muzzle-loading
"Kentucky" squirrel r i f le . He boasted he could bring down a squirrel from
the highest t ree with i t .
He did lIuch serious htmting while he l ived a t Elkins, W.Va., but we
talked very l i t t l e about i t . Game was quite plentiful in the area. He did
t e l l me about a flock of wild turkeys in the mountains, how they had. the i r
sent1nal.s, making it diff icul t to approach close enough for a shot. He was
quite anxious to get one of those turkeys. He never did - - too bad, for he
would have thr i l led to tha t .
Hunting provid.ed one of the important expressions of his l i f e . Butl a t e r his warm, compassionate nature caused a change and. he had no desire
to ki l l game. He said. "The l i t t l e animals have a rig ht to l ive and. enjoy
l i fe also." His r i f le and fine shotgun hung on the i r wall pegs unused:
I t i s interes t ing that Narjorie Kinnan Rawlings, in her book "Cross Creek",
expressed the same feeling. She says; "There was great sport a.t f i r s t in
a l l the hunting. Then it came to sicken me, and now I go to the pines as
a guest and not an int ruder ." Again she says; "I have never killed a deer,
holding my shot in wonder a t the i r beauty •••••• many a hardened hunter has
told me tha t he is done with his deer kill ing." However, each makes clear
dis t inct ion between ki l l ing for sp ort (1) and. ki l l ing for needed food. Nor
did he abandon a l l outdoor recreation - - of course not. In fa.ct, he loved
to f ish. And in Florida, :nany were the t r ips from Gainesville to the Gulf,
especially to Cedar Keys, for a. day of fishing.
* * * * * * *
-)-
I I - - 1"& HUllTER
Another facet of Dudley's early l i fe could be termed - - The Hunter.
Playing Indian could be considered the beginning. There were the headdress
and moccasins made by him, although I suspect a b it of aid was occasionallyrendered by Gnwllna (she l ived with us) . Then came the bow and. arrows, his
own craft ing. He would be out prowllZl8, s ta lk ing , creeping up on ima.g1na.ry
game. I t seemed to a.fford h;;""l. a. lot. of f'un.
Later , when he wa:3 ten or t w l ve , he had a "Daisy" a i r r i f l e . When
English sparrows perched on the fence ( they abound around farm buildings) ,
he would pop them off with hardly a miss I becoming an excellent. shot.. With
r i f le , or & shotgun, he hunted the game of the hUls - rabbits, squirrels,
pheasants , other game . One
"Kentucky" squi r re l r i f l e .
the highest t ree with I t .
of his prized possessions was a muzzle-loading
He boasted he could bring down a squirrel from
He did Iluch ser ious hunting while he l ived a t Elkins , V. Va., but we
talked very l i t t l e abcut i t . Game was quite plen t iM 1n the area. He did
t e l l me about a flock of wild turkeys in the mountains, how they had. the i r
sent1na.ls, Naklng it di f f i cu l t to approach close enough for a shot. He was
quite anxious to get one of those turkeys. He never did - - too bad, for he
would have th r i l l ed to tha t .
Hunting provid.ed one of the important expressloIlS of his l i f e . Butl a t e r his warm, compassionate l\3.tu:re caused a change and he had no desire
to ki l l game. He saida "The l i t t l e animals have a. r ight to l ive and enjoy
l i f e also. I His r i f le and fine shotgun hung on
I t is interes t ing that Narjorie Kinnan Rawlings,
their wall pegs unused!
in her book "Cross Creek",
expressed the same feeling. She says; "There was great sport a t f i rs t i l l
a l l the hwrtlng. Then it came to sicken me, and. now I go to the pines as
a guest and. not an intruder." Again she says; "I have never ki l led a deer,
holding my shot in wonder a t the i r beauty ••••• , ma.ny a hardened hunter has
told me tha t he i s done with his deer kil l ing." However, each makes c lear
dis t inct ion between kil l ing for sport (1) and ki l l ing for needed food. Nor
did. he abandon a l l outdoor recreation - - of course not. In fac t , he loved
to f ish. And in Florida, :na.ny were the t r ips from Gainesville to the Gulf,
especially to Cedar Keys, for a day of fishing,
* * * * * * *
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I I I - - TO THE WEST- - -Responding to the urge fo r scenic change (wanderlust). in midswnmer
of 1920. he went to see h is fr ie nd , Lou Miller, who had. a claim. with cabin,
in the Cascades not far from Yakama, Washing ton. Nearby was a lumber camp
where he worked unt i l winter snows caused it to close. So Dudley, Lou and
another fr iend, holed-up fo r the winter in the cabin with a stock of bacon.
f lour , canned goods and other food. But it became evident to him tha t the
Ileat supply was inadequate. He had. purchased a revolver and a hi-powered
.250-)000 Savage r i f l e while working in the camp. So he hunted, day af ter
day, shooting partridge out of the spruce t rees with his revolver (ammuni-
t ion was plen t i fu l and cheaper for t he r evo lve r) . Or he caught fish on the
r i f f l es . or t hrough hole s in the ice with a hook and piece of l ine . I t was
a case of hunt or starve . His companions lacked the abi l i ty to survive in
the t imber. When spring thaws s tar ted . he took the r i f l e along, hoping to
find a bear. so as to p rov id e an ample supply of meat. But no luck. Their
f lour ran short f or b is cu its and hot cakes. So they hunted around the k it
chens of the lumber camp and found sacks of f lour which had. become wet and.
l e f t a hard. crust on the outside. Breaking open th is crust , the f lour inthe center was good. Thus did they survive the winter:
With approach of StL1UIler, he went over into Idaho, near Twin Fal l s ,
and worked in the alfa l fa harvest . Talking a few weeks ago with our cou sin .
Harley Carrel. he mentioned about Dudley working a t his place in Idaho, and.
commended him as a good and resolute worker. He worked in the area several
weeks and - - in true Western sp i r i t - - bought a horse.
In la te sWlU11er. he returned to Ohio. bringing his Savage r i f l e and
his Western saddle - - symbols. a ctu ally . o f his Western sojourn. The youth
had. returned a man. had. returned with self-rel iance. the product of respon
s ib i l i ty and hardship. I think he admi red the West and i t s ways. Maybe it
was tha t which induced the appeal of West Virginia. with i t s mountains and
i t s wild country and i t s people J where for many years he found contentment.
* * * * * * *
I I I - - TO THE ~RespoDd.1ng to the urge fo r scenic change (wanderlust), in midsummer
of 1920, he vent to see his fr iend, Lou M l l e r , who had a claim, with cab1n,
in the Cascades not fa r from Yakama, Washington. Nearby was a lumber camp
where he worked unt i l winter snow caused 1 to close . So Dudley, Lou and.
another friend, holed-up for the winter in the cabin with a stock of bacon,
f lour , canned goods and other food. But 11. became evident to him that the
aeat supply was inadequate. He had purchased a revolver and a hi-powered
.250-)000 Savage r i f le while working in the camp. So he hunted, day af ie r
day, shooting partridge out of th e spruce trees with his revolver (ammuni-
t ion was plent iful and cheaper fo r the revolver) . Or he caught fIsh on the
r i f f les , or through holes in the Ice with a hook and piece of l ine. I t was
a case of hunt or starve. His COAlpa.n1ons lacked the abi l i ty to survive inthe t l aber . When spring thaws s t a r t ed , he took th.e r i f le along, hoping to
find. a bear , so as to provide an ample supply of meat. But no luck. Their
f lour ran shor t for biscui ts and hot cakes. So they hunted around. the Id t
chens of the luaber car.Ip and found sacks of f lour which had become wet and.
l e f t a hard crust on the outside. Breaking open t h i s crust , the f lour inthe center was good. Thus did they surviVe the winter!
With approach of sU;TUDer, he went over into Idaho, near Twin Fal ls ,
and worked in the alfa l fa harvest . Talking a few weeks ago with our cousin,
Harley Carrel , he mentioned about Dudley working a t h is place in Idaho, and.
commended him as a good and resolute worker. He worked in the area several
weeks and - - in t rue western sp i r i t - - bought a horse.
In late suruaer, he returned to Ohio, bringing his Savage r i f l e and.
his Western saddle - - symbols, actually , of h is Western sojourn. The youth
had returned a man, had.
sibi l i ty and hardship.
returned with sel f - re l iance, the product of respon
I think he ad!n1red the West and i t s ways. foiaybe it
was t ha t . which induced the appeal of West Virginia, with i t s mountains and.
i t s wUd country and. i t s people I where for many years he fOWld contentment.
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-5-
IV - THE FIRST VIOLINS
Regret:ful1y, I know l i t t l e of Dudley's act ivi t ies for severaJ. years
af te r his return from the West. I know he worked a while on a dri l l ing r ig
(011) - tha t ' s a tough job. His "star" automobile agency a t Beverly, Ohio,did fair ly well a t f i r s t J but Durant products jus t did not compete with the
older makes of cars. A bakery partnership was another project ; he told of
&rising a t one c ' clock in the morning to get out the day's bread. Willing
and strong, he never backed away from work.
Probably his FIRST viol in was made in 1922. Just how he star ted, I
don' t know. Carl Hildebrand, a violin maker some three miles from our home,
gave him suggestion, advice and. encouragement; Dudley spent hours wit,tl him.
Any ava.ilable reading materials were devoured. The source of woods for the
f ixst fiddle i s unlmown, except fo r the belly. He may have obtained a well
seasoned piece of curly maple from one of the neighbors for the back. The
neck and. finger board were probably purchased.
But I found his story about th e b elly very interestiDg. This par t
of a. viol in normally i s made of impor ted, wel l seasoned spruce. But Dudley
had the idea he could. subst ibute. Hemlock grows in Ohio, a t ree s imi lar to
spruce, a member of the pine family and a s t ra ight gra.1.ned, beautiful wood.
In a portion of our barn were hemlock raf ters tha t had been there fo r over
25 years, hence well seasoned. So he cut a section from a ra f te r , thinking
it would be suitable for his contemplated viol in . I t worked up beautifully
and the tone was mellow. Bu t it l a c l ~ e d the power a violin needs. However,
the f inished whole was commendable and. acceptable as a f i r s t production.
Later , he purchased a l l his wood from supply houses in New York and
London. Fine v io l ins na tu ral ly require fine woods. The f ines t spruce and
most beautifully g ra ined cur ly maple g ro l f in the mountains of south-centraJ.
Europe - - Bavaria, Austria, Czechoslovakia. Carefully selected by experts,
it i s then cut into correct lengths for each size of instrunent , s tored and
seasoned fo r 40 years or more. That is two generations of waiting - we do
not have tha t kind of patience in our country. But every b i t of moisture
must be removed. Dudley used woods a t least 50 years old and has used some
as old as 150 years. Obviously, it must be without blemish. The resul t i s
a quite expensive wood. One of the world'S la rges t stores of such wood was
destroyed a t 11arknerkirken, Germany, during World War I I , Hhen some Russian
soldiers burned th is wood to keep warm!
-5-
IV - THE FIR5T VIOLINS
Regretfully, I know l i t t le of Dudley's activities for several years
a f t e r his return f'rom the West. I know he worked a. while on a dr l l l lng r ig
(011) - that 's a tough job. His "Star 'a u t o ~ o b i l e
agency at Beverly, Ohio,did fair ly well at f irs t , but Durant products just did not compete with the
older makes of cars . A bakery p3.rlnership was another project , he to ld of
ar i s ing a t one o 'c l ock 1n the morning to get out the day's bread. Willing
and strong. he never backed away from work.
Probably his FIRST violin was made 1n 1922. Just how he s tar ted , I
don' t know. Carl Hlldebrand, a viol in maker some three m1l.es from our home,
gave him suggestion, advice and. encourageme:at; Dudl.ey spent hours wit,tl him.
ArIy ava1l&ble reading materl.aJ.s were devoured. The source of woods for th e
f i r s t fiddle 1s unkno'W'll, except fo r the belly. He _y have obtained a well
seasoned piece of curly maple !'.rom one of the neighbors for the back. The
neck and f inger board were probably purchased.
But I found. his story about th e belly very interesting. This part
of a. no l in norma.lly i s made of imported, well seasoned spruce. But Dudley
had the idea he could substibute. Helllock grows in Ohio, a tree similar to
spruce, a member of the pine fam1ly and a straight grained, beaut1ful wood.
In a portion of our barn were hemlock rafters that had. been there for over
25 years, hence well seasoned. So he cut a section from. a ra.f'ter, th1nk1ng
1t would be suitable for his contemplated viol in. I t worked up beaut1:f'ully
and. the tone was mellow. But i t lac!'Ced th e power a violin needs. However,
the finished whole was commendable and acceptable as a f i rs t production.
Later, he purchased a l l his wood. from supply houses in New York and.
London. Fine violins natura.l.ly require fine woods. The f inest spruce and.
most beautif'ully grained curly maple g r a i l in the I:lOuntains of south-central
Europe - - Bavaria , Austria, Czechoslovakia . carefully selected by experts,
it i s then cut into correct lengths for each size of instrunent, stored an d
seasoned for 40 years or more. That i s two generations of lfa1ting _ we do
not have t hat k1nd. of patience in our country. But every b it of moisture
must be removed. Dudley used woods a t least 50 years old and has used some
as old as 1.50 years. Obviously, it must be without blemish. The :result is
a quite eXpensive wood. One of the world's largest stores of such wood was
destroyed a t I1ar!merkirken, Germany, during World War I I , when some Russian
soldiers burned this wood. to keep warm!
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So th is f i r s t fiddle launched his ultimate vocation. His ambition
was aroused. and he could make a fiddle! Did it ever enter his thoughts t
his dreams, th at th is was the b irth o f a career tha t eventually would lead.
to bu i ld ing about 275 firl.e instruments? that would lead. to recognition as
one of the reaJ.J.y fine viol in makers? No, I great ly doubt my brother could
even have dreamed such a dream.
I have no idea about th e se ve ra l violins tha t followed. The viol in
our brother, J8Jlles, has is labeled "Dudley Reed - 1925" but with no number.
In fact , he apparently kept no wrlt ten record of h is ins truments during his
f i r s t th i r ty years as a maker. During the winter when there was no f lying c
he worked on viol ins, increasing his knowledge and technique. While on a
vi s i t home in early 1929, I watched him working t strewing the wood shavings
over the roOIl l . A press interview in a Clarksburg, W.Va. newspaper in 1938,states that he had made and sold no less than 25 instruments; and. tha t ma.ny
viol ins had. been sent to him f or r ep ai rs . Also in 1938, during my v is i t a t
h is Elkins home, a young viol in is t from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
brought his viol in (one· Dudley had. made) for a sl ight ad.justmerrt - perhaps
to reset the soUildpost. Unfortunately. th is young ar t i s t became a fata.li ty
of World \Jar I I . The concertmeister of the Cincinnati Symphony a.lso had. a.
Dudley Reed viol in .
So even in those years he was making fine instruments. Constantly
he questioned himself, ever seeking improvement. For instance, the va.rn1sh
problem. one bedeviling a l l makers. had raceived his experimentation. With
typical tenaci ty he solved tha t one.
* * * * * * *
-6-
So th is f i r s t fiddle launched his ultimate vocation. His ambition
was aroused, an d he could make a fiddle ! Did it ever enter his thoughts t
h is dreams, that this was the bir th of a career tha t eventually would lead
"to building about ?:15 f i11e instnments? tha t would l ead. to recogni ien as
on e of the reaJ.l.y fine viol in makers? No, I greatJ.,- doubt my brother could
even have dreamed such a dream.
I have no idea about the several violins tha t followed. The viol ln
our brother , J&l:les, has 1s labeled "DudJ.ey Reed - 1925" but with no number.
In fact, he apparently kept no wr1t ten record. of h is instnments during his
f i r s t th i r ty years as a maker. During the winter when there was no fiying c
he worked on viol ins, increasing his knowledge and technique. While on a
Visl home in early 1929. I watched h1.m. working, streldng the wood shavings
over the rooll. A press interview in a Clarksburg, W.Va. newspaper in 1938,s ta tes that he had made and s old no less than 25 instruments; and that lIIBllY
vlollns had. been sent to him "for repaU's. A.J.so in 1938, during my v is i t a t
his Elkins home , a young v1ol1n1st from t he Inciianapolis Synphony Orchestra
broll(;ilt his viol in (one DudJ.ey had made) for a s l ight adjustment - perhaps
to rese t the soundpost. Unfortunately. th i s young a r t is t became a. fat.aJ..ity
of World 'Jar II. The concertmeister of the Cincinnati Symphony &1.50 had. a
Dudley Reed violin.
So even i n those years he was Clak1ng fine instrumeuts. Constantly
he questioned himself . ever seeking 1J:rprovement. For instance. t he varn1.sh
problem. one bedev1ling a l l makers. had received h1s experimentation. With
typical tenaci ty he solved that one •
• * • • * * *
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v -- THE FLYER
Let ' s back-track to 1923 when he learned to f ly in a "Jennie" under
the tutelage of Guy Vincent a t Waterford, Ohio. (The "Jennie" was a World
W ar I training plane - - Model IN - - slow and. safe . Many were available for
long af te r the War.) So for the next thir t ] ' years, flying became his chief
vocation and l ivelihood.
During the following two years, he "barnstormed" with Lyle "Scotty"
Scott , of Marietta., Ohio, carrying passengers on shor t s igh t- see ing f l ights
for about t hr ee do ll ar s a f l ight . (On page 8, see the copy of a handbil l . )
They also engaged in some "stunt" shows - wing-walking, parachute jumping,
flying under bridges, other stunts. Scotty was of the ~ type and gave
you a t h r i l l (I know - I rode with him once). Regrettabiy, he was involvedin a fa ta l crash a t Arnettsvi l le , V.Va. about 1930 during a s tunt maneuver.
Dudley was a much more sound and. conservative pi lo t . I have flown with him
too. One time he was forced into a diff icul t and hazardous emergency land
ing with a dead engine. He got us out sa.fely. I 'd ride with him a.nywhere;
he was topsl
His nen step was to acquire his own plane in 1926. He obtained a
wrecked Va co biplane which provided an OX-5 engine, f i t t ings and patterns.
Then he proceeded to r.13.k.e new wings from s pars , r ib s and covering he formed
himself. The sa.lue applied to the control surfaces - ai lerons, s tabi l izers ,
elevator and rudder. New longerons and st ruts provided for the fuselage.
The landing gear was new; most of the cowling was salvaged; the propeller ,
of course, was new. Now he had a new plane of his own and barnstormed with
it for a couple of years in south-eastezn Ohio and parts of west Virginia.
I have noted th is project in deta i l to emphasize his mechanical abi l i ty .
Afterward, from 1928 to 1932, he flew for Drexel George of Fairmont
Airways a t Fairmont, V. Va. They were flying a Stinson monoplane and it was
while there that he engagedin
one of his most novel experiences.On Dec. 21, 1930, he flew from Wauchula, Fla.., with the f i r s t cargo
of s trawber ri es eve r shipped from Florida to New York by airI Quoting from
an ar t ic le in the TAMPA DAILY TRlilUHE •••••• "Wauchula, Dec. 20 - - A modern
type monoplane was a t the Airport here tonight , serviced and ready to take
the a i r a t dawn tomorrow ••••••••• th e p la ne , piloted by Dudley Reed, chief
pi lo t for Faimont Air.rn.ys, will take 432 pin ts of berr ies , fresh from the
-7-
v -- THE FLYER
Let 's ba.ck-track to 1923 when he learn.ed to f ly in a "Jennie" under
the tutelage of Guy Vincent a t Waterford, Ohio. (The "Jennie" was a World
War I t ra ining plane - - Model IN - - slow and. safe . Many were available for
long a f t e r the 'liar.) So for the next thir t . ] ' Years, f lying became his chief
vocation and livelihood.
During the following two years t he "barnstormed" n th Lyle "Scotty"
Scott, of Marietta, OhiO, carrying passengers on short sight-seeing fl ights
for about three dollars a f l ight . (On page 8 , see th e copy of a handbill . )
They also engaged in sone "stwrt" shows - wing-walking, parachute jumping,
f lying under bridges, other stunts Scotty was of th e d.a.r1.ng type and. gave
you a t h r i l l (rknow
- I rode with him once). Regrettably, he was involved.in a fatal crash a t Arnettsvil le, W.Va, about 1930 during a stunt lII8ll8uvar.
Dudley was a much more sound and. conservative pi lo t . I have flown with him
too. One time he was forced into a d1ff1cuJ.t and hazardous emergency land
ing with a dead engine. He got us out safely. Pd ride with him a.nyrmere;
he was tops!
His next. step was to acquire his own plane in 1926. He obtained a
wrecked Waco biplane which provided an OX-5 engine, f i t t ings and patterns.
Then he proceeded to mIte new wings from spars, r ibs and. covering he formed
himself. The sa.one applied to the control surfaces - ai lerons, s tabi l izers ,
elevator and rudder. New longerons and st ruts provided for the :fuselage.
The landing gear was new; most of the cowling was salvaged; the propeller ,
of course, was new. Now he had a new plane of his own and. barnstormed with
it for a couple of years in south-eastern Ohio and. parts of West Virginia .
I have noted th is project in detai l to emphasize his mechanical abi l i ty .
Afterward, from 1928 to 1932, he flew for Drexel George of Fairmont
Airways a t Fairmont , W.Va. They were flying a Stinson monoplane an d it was
while there tha t he engagedin ODe
of his most novel experiences.On Dec. 21, 1930, he flew !'rom Wauchula , Fla . , with the f i r s t cargo
of strawberries ever shipped from Florida to New York by air! Quoting from
an ar t ic le in the TAMPA DAny TRIBUNE •••••• "Wauchula, Dec. 20 - - A modern
type monoplane was a t the Airport here tonight , serviced and :ready to take
the a i r a t dawn tomorrow ••••••••• the plane, piloted by Dudley Reed, chief
pi lo t for Fairmont Air.ro.ys, will take 432 pints of berries , fresh from the
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FmIEE
Airplane RideTo each person purchasing
one n e ~ ·or used car
Thru our eHorts we have secured
Scotty'S AirplaneIrom Marietta, f.l.noted by DUdleyReed -who ~ v i 1 1 ta!te passengers thisweek and Sonda'" a t tbe Ruii farmtbree mOes east ,,1 city.
Passenger r ~ i g b t s $3.50
Special for Saturday--Allschool students $1.50
Liipttm<er-OOcCoyHadsoll-Esse:
Phone 362 Dealers 326 S. BroadMallory Printinc Conpany. Lancaster. Ohio
f lying .!! Lancaster, .2!!!2 - a.bout ~
· "."
m'IJl1EE
Airplane RideTo each person purchasing
one new or used car
Thru our eHorts w e have secured
S C ~ t ~ ' 5 Air1l'llanefrom Marietta, f.lilloted by
Reed who wiU taEoe passengers ~ ' I aweek and Gunda''( a t the Ruii farmthree miles east " f city.
Passenger nights $%.50
Special for Saturday--All.school students $1.50
1 L l i ~ 1 l n t t t m ~ r · :OOcC(3YBudsoll-lEsssex
Phone 362 Dealers 326 S. BroadMallory Prioanr CoopanT, Laneu ur. Ohio
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At WAUCHULA, Florida December 20 , 193 0
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f ie lds of Hardee County, to the tab les of New York • • • • • • • The berries were
put up by the Bowli:ng Green strawberry Growers Association and the Hardee
County Growers, Inc. They will be sold a t auction in New York 1'1onday morn
ing. Accompanying Pi lo t Reed wil l be County Judge F. G. Janes, J r . , who a t
noon Monday wil l -present a basket of berr ies to Nayor James J . 'Walker •••••
on the s teps of the City Hall . Stops are planned a t Jacksonville, Raleigh,
Washington and possibly Newark. The f inal landing wil l be Roosevelt Field ,
L.I . , where arrangements have been made for moving pictures of the landing.
The distance •••••• is 1130 miles and the t r ip i s expected to take 11 hours
flying time • • • • • • • • • : time of the take-off i s se t for 6.30 a.m. , but Pi lo t
Reed says he hopes to take the a i r as soon as it is l igh t enough to see •••
with favorable weather condit ions, he hopes to land a t Roosevelt tomorrow
afternoon •••••••• M i l l i o r ~ of pints of b erries have been shipped from th i s
county and s ta te , but •••• th is i s the f i r s t shipped by plane • • • • A repre
senta t ive of the United States Department of Agriculture a t Washington wil l
meet the plane a t Roosevelt Field ." As often happens, the well- la id plans
fa i led . Weather c o n d i t i o r ~ were not favorable; ra in along the mid-Atlantic
coast caused delay. Bu t deliver the berr ies , he did, though a day l a t e .
Aft er f ly ing a t Weston, W.Va., during the summer, he went to E l k i r ~in December 1933 as Equipment Supervisor fo r the West Virginia Road Commis-
s ion. haintenance of all the s t a t e ' s highway equipment in the dis t r ic t was
involved, even including rebuilding of engines. E lkins l i e s in a Valley of
about 2000 fee t elevat ion, protected by surrounding peaks reaching 4860 f t .
It i s the seat of Davis-Elkins College . This beaut i ful country , with i t s
good clear a i r , was to be his home for the next e ig ht y ea rs .
He resided with Mr. & Mrs. Dice and Geo rg ia Harper for many months,
thus beginning a long fr iendship and beginning also an even tf ul pe ri od of
his l i f e . The Harpers were much involved in the ai rpor t fac i l i t ies of the
ear ly days. Harper 's Field , as it was known from 1920 to 1934 (and by the
pi lots as the "cow pasture"!) , was the scene of many "Barnstormer" f l ights .
Mrs. Harper t an authori ty on the airpor t ' s history , in an interview in the
I l i " T E R - ~ i O U N T A I N newspaper of Nov. 14, 1973, names a dozen who flew from t ha t
f ie ld in those years . And she t e l l s of American Airlines operators using
h er u ps ta ir s bedroom fo r t he i r radio and weather s ta t ion two years before
American began landing a t Elkins airpor t in 1934, the second ci ty served by
a commercial air l in e in West Virginia.
-9-
f ie lds of Hardee County to the tables of Hew York • • • • • • • The ber r ies were
put up by the Bowllr..g Green Strawberry Growers As sociat ion an d the Hardee
County Growers , Inc. They will be sold at auction in N e ~ York Monday mo rn
ing. A c c o ~ a n y Pilo t Reed Hill be County Judge F. G. Janes, J r . , who at
noon Monday wil l ·present a basket of berr ies to Mayor James J . Walker •••••
on the steps of th e City Hal l . Stops ar e planned at Jacksonville, Ra leigh,
Washington and possibly Newark . The final landing will be Roosevelt Field,
L.I . I where arrangements have been made fo r moving pictures of t he landing.
The distance •••••• 1s 1130 miles and the t r ip 1s expected to take 11 hours
flying t ime • • • • • • • • • : time of the take-off 1s set for 6,)0 a.m., but Pilot
Reed says he hopes to take th e a ir as soon as it 15 l ight enough to see •••
with favorable weather condit ions, he hopes to land a t Roosevelt tomorrow
afternoon •••••••• !,li l l ior.s of pints of berries have been shipped from th is
county and s ta te , but • • •• th is i s the f i r s t shipped by plane • • • • A repre
senta t ive of the United St a tes Department of Agrlcul ture a t Washington will
meet the plane a t Roosevelt Field ." As often happens, the well- la id plans
fai led. Weather condit ions were ~ favorable, rain along the mid-Atlantic
coast caus ed delay. Bu t deliver the berries, he did, though a day l a t e .
After flying a t Weston, W.Va., dur ing the summer, he )o-ent to ~ l k 1 n sin December 1933 as Equipment Supervisor for the West Vi rg inia Road Commis
sion. l'iaintenance of a l l the s ta te s highway equipment in the dis t r ic t was
involved , even including rebuilding of engines. Elkins l ies in a valley of
about 2000 feet elevat ion , protected by s urrounding peaks reaching 4860 f t .
I t is the s ea.t of Da.vis-Elkins College . This beautifUl CO\Ultry, wi th i t s
good clear a i r , was to be his home for the next eight years.
He res ided with Mr. & Mrs . Dice and Georgia Harper fo r many months,
thus beginning a long fr iendship a.nd beginning also an eventf'ul period of'
his l i f e . The Harpers were much involved in the ai rpor t fac i l i t ies of the
ear ly days . Harper 's Field . as it was known from 1920 to 1934 (and by the
pi lots as the "cow pasture"! ) , was the scene of many "Barnstormer" f l ights .
Mrs. Harper, an authori ty on the airpor t ' s his tory , in an interview in the
I ~ " I ' E R - N O U l I T A N newspaper of Nov. 14, 1973 , na.c.es a do zen who flew from that
f ie ld in thos e years . And she t e l l s of American Airl ines operators using
her upsta irs bedroom for t he i r radio and weather s ta t ion two years before
American began landing a t Elk ins a irport in 1934 , the second ci ty se rved by
a commercial air l ine in West Virginia .
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In 1933, the Harperis and three other land. owners s old la nd to the
c ity o f Elkins to extend the runways, build a fac i l i ty to house the manager
and the America.n Airlines ra.dio stat ion 2m make other improvements. Other
act lve ci t izens worked hard togather to establ ish the improved ai rpor t and
on oct. 6, 1934 it was dedicated as th e E lk in s Municipal Airport . Ar.d the
f i r s t manager ;m s -- Dudley Reed, who served unt i l 1941.
Another devoted and dynamic force in establ ishing that ai:rnort was
Congressman J e n P ~ n g s Randolph, then a new r ep r esent at ive fo r that d i s t r i c t ,
and a good fr iend of Dudley's. He became known in c iv i l avia.tion and the
hal ls of Cdhgress as "Mr. Aviationll, ever pushing and promoting l eg is la t ion
benefit ing it. Later, when the a irpor t was again expanded and the terminal
building (Dudley's former residence) moved and renovated in 1944, it a.gain
was Coneressman Jennings Randolph who helped secure federa l financing for
the projec t. In 1973, Elkins-Randolph County Airport bui l t new fac i l i t i e s
and on Nov. 17,1973 it was dedicated as Jennillo?'S Randolph Field. Elkins
was deservedly honoring (now) -S enato r Randolph for h is consistent support ;
and es tabl i sh ine i t s e l f as a worthy ai r l ine f ac i l i ty .
I have writte n o f these persons and events because they 50 closely
touched Dudley 's l i fe a t EIJr.ins. But another event a."ld person was involved
for a l i fe t ime. On July 1 4, 1934, Hartha Sandr idge and Dudley were married
a t Oaiuand, 11d. They moved into the new house a t the airpor t the f i r s t of
October 1934. Fai thful and good wife, she has been, patiently conforming
hersel f to h is fo ib le s, ever encouraging him and elated by his successes.
She was proud of her man! And Loyalty was her watchHord.! No accoJ.ade can
be accorded Dudley without inc lud in g Bartha. D espite her health problems,
and they were many, she remained jovial and pa.tient.
Dudley did not have a plane when he went to Elkins. So he obtained
a wrecked Haco J-5 and rebui l t it, the second t ime he had. rebui l t a plane.
Later, he sold the Waco and acquired a Stinson monoplane, a real nice job.
So his fly ing continued. During those Depression years , money was s carseand he had. to cut the price of a f lig ht to one dol lar . "A t th<lt price , a l l
we could do was lift o ff the ground, turn around and bring 'em back down,1I
he sa id . He to ld me that one SWlday he made 165 f l igh ts a t Blkins a t $1.00
each. They even carr ied bathroom scales around once and hau led people for
a penny-a-pound. He also continued i ns tr uc ti on o f student fiyer.s with the
Airport as t raining center. D a v i s ~ l k i n s College s tuden ts f requent ly took
the f lying course.
-10-
In 1933, the Harper 's and three ot.her land. owners sold land to 'the
01ty of Elki:ns to extend. runways t bui ld a f a c H i ty to house the ma.na.ger
an d the America.n Airl ines r-a.dio s ta t ion .. nd make other improveJ:lents. Other
active 01 t lzens worked hard to gathe r to esta-olish the improved ai rpor t and
on oct. 6, 1934 i t was dedicated as the Elkins Municipal Airport . Ar.d. th e
f i r s t manager ~ - - Duile] Reed, who served until 1941.
Another devoted and dynamic force in establ ishing tha t a i rpor t i IaS
Congressman Jennings Randolph, then a ne . represett'"..ative for tha t d. is tr ic t ,
and a good friend of Dudley's. He beca.me known in c iv i l avia.tion and the
hal ls of Cd'ngress as "Mr. Aviation", ever pushing and promot1ne leg is la t ion
benefit lng 1t . Later , when the ai rpor t was again expanded and the terminal
building: (Dudley's former residence) moved and renovated in 194 4 , i t a.gain
was Cone;ressman Jennings Randolph who he l ped secure federal financing fo r
the projec t . In 197) , Elkins- Randolph County Airpor t bu i l t new fa .d1i t i e s
and on Nov. 17, 1973 it was dedicated as Jel".niIlu<1'S Randolph Field. Elkins
was deservedly honoring (now)-Senator Randolph fo r his consis tent support ;
and cstabl ishine i t s e l f as a worthy ai r l ine f ac i l i ty .
I have wri t ten of these - persons and events because they so c l o ~ e l ytouched Dudley's l i f e a t ElY..ins. But another event a.>td person rms involved
for a l i f e t ime . On July 14, 19J4, Ha.rtha Sandridge and. Dudley were narr ied
a t OaY.land., I'.d. They coved into the new house a t the aiI'!lort the f i r s t of
October 1934. Fai thful and good wife, she has been, pat ien t ly conf'orm.ine
herse l f to his foibles , ever encouraging him and ela ted by h is successes .
She was proud of her man! And Loyalty was her ....atchword! !fo accolade can
be accorded Dudley ;dthout including Har tha . Despite her health problems ,
and they were many, she remained jovial and pat ien t .
Dudley did not have a plane when he went to Elkins . So he obtained
a w:reckcd lJaco J-5 and rebui l t it, the second t ine he had rebui l t a plane.
Later , he sold the 'Jaco and acquired a Stins on monoplane, a real nice job .
So his f lying continued. During those Depress ion years , moneywas
s carseand he had to cut the price of a f l igh t to one dol la r . "A t tha t price , a l l
we could do was lift o ff the ground, turn around. and bring 'em back ' l 1 . , "he said . He to ld me tha t one Sunday he made 165 f l igh ts a t lUkir.s a t Sl . 00
each. They even carr ied bathroo:n scales around once and hauled people for
a penny-3.-pound. He also continued instruct ion of student fiyers with the
Airpor t as t r a ln ln c: ce nt er . Davis4::lkins College ::;tudents frequently took
the flying course.
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n C
I.I
f-I
I
at. 7'. ,__ , , .II. ~ . L . . . . ~
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I am sure he must have had many in terest ing flying experiences in
th os e days . But his te l l ing of fl ights to Washington when clouds and mists
forced him to thread his way through gaps in the mountains, barely s k i ~ ~ n gthe ground or peaks, s t i l l leaves me with chi l l s . While I had ful l confi
dence in his abUity , yet during a l l his flying career every news item of
an a i rc raf t accident l e f t me with skipped heart beats. I fe l t re l i e f when
he ceased flying.
Recently, I received a much appreciated l e t te r from Sen. Randolph.
He t e l l s , with gusto, this story about he and Dudley flying to Petersburg
(some 40 miles east) from Elkins and of being lo s t in a sudden snow storm.
"\1lhere are we, Dud?" asked the Senator; "Damned i f I know, I I Dudley replied.
"Then the skies' opened and there was our airport dOllll below."
"He and r.artha are special friends in my l i f e . He named the singleengined plane we flew, 'The Representative'; we were very close in aviat ion
efforts. Hartha used to have me in to the l i t t l e house a t the edge of the
airport to laugh and EAT . She was a good cook. He was loved in Elkins,
as was l-iartha." (So nice a le t te r ! I t ' s no wonder the Senator has been in
Congress for 42 years . )
In th is " l i t t l e house" the Senator speaks of , he had adequate space
to work on violins I and he had a garden providing f ine, fresh vegetables.
Hunting also was a relaxation. He had a beautiful dog, Nell ie, a Llewellin
se t te r ; it was amazing, if he gave her an ear of sweet COTIl, how she would
eat from the cob ju st lik e a horse. I suspect t hose years a t Elkins, among
his beloved mountains, among friends he loved and uho loved him, . were some
of the most happy ones of his l i f e .
With the outbreak of World \ ~ a r I I , the patteTIl of his l i fe changed.In the Fall of 1941 he l e f t b:lkins to go to Douglas, Georgia (some 60 rr.iles
north of the Florida l ine) , as instructor in the Primary Training of U. S.
Airforce pi lots . On January 1 , 1945, he went to Arcadia, Florida, fo r the
same purpose, unt i l the end of the war. Actually, his role was Supervisorof Fl igh t Inst ruc to r s for one squadron of one-half the cadets on the f ie ld;
another supervisor had the other squadron. I believe he enjoyed th is work
but I know no deta i ls . He told of one incident however which imprel?sed me.
The ins t ructor ' s recommendation of a cadet 's passing was usually accepted;
but the supervisor 's decision was f ina l . In this case, the cadet was ques
t ionable and the instructor asked Dudley to make the f ina l f l ight . Dudley
- l l -
I aJ:l sure he must have had many in terest ing f ly ing expe::--iences in
those days. But his te l l ing of f l igh ts to Washington when clouds and mists
forced hir.l to thread h is way through gaps in the mountains , barely skim..-:dng
the ground or peaks , s t i l l leaves me wi. th ch i l l s . 'oihile I had fu l l confi
dellce 1n his abU1ty , ye t during a l l his f lying career every news i tem of
an a i r c r a f t accident l e f t me with skipped hear t beats . I fe l t r e l i e f when
he ceased flying.
Recently, I received a. much appreciated l e t t e r from Sen. R<:..ndolph.
He t e l l s , with gusto, th is story about he and Dudley flying to Peters burg
(some 40 miles east) from Elkins and of being los t in a sudden snow storm.
"Where are we, Dud?" asked the s enator; "Damned i f I know r" Dudley repl ied.
"Then the skies· opened and there was our airport dorm below."
"He and r.artha are specia l friends in my 11fe. He named the s ingleengined plane we flew, 'The Representat ive' J we were very close in aviat ion
effor t s . Hartha used to have me in to the l i t t l e house a t the edge of the
a irpor t to laugh an d B A T . She was a good cook. He was loved in Elkins ,
as was ZOiartha. II (So nice a le t te r ! I t S no wonder the Senator has been in
Congress fo r 42 years. )
In th i s " l i t t l e house" the Senator speaks of , he had adsquate space
to work on viol ins an d he had a garden providing f ine . fresh ve getables .
Hunting also was a relaxat ion. He had a beautiful dog, 11ell1e, a Lle ·..el11n
se t te r ; it was amazing, if he gave her an ear o f sweet corn, how she would
ea t !'rom the cob jus t l ike a horse. I suspect those years a t Elkins , among
his beloved mOWltains, among friends he loved and llho loved him, were some
of the most happy ones of his l i f e .
With the outbreak of World I I , the pat tern ot: his l i fe changed.
In the Fal l o f 1941 he l e f t l:.:lkins to go to Douglas, Georgia (some 60 rr.11es
north of the Flor ida l i ne ) , as ins t ructor in the Primary Training of U. S.
Airforce pi lo t s . On January 1 , 1945, he went to Arcadia, Flor ida , for the
same purpose, unt i l the end o f the war, Actual.l.y, his role was ::3upervisoro f Fl ight Ins t ruc tors fo r one squadron of one-half the cadets on the f ield;
another supervisor had the other squadron, I believe he enjoyed th i s w o r I ~but I know no deta i ls . He to ld of one incident however which impressed me.
The ins t ructor ' s recommendation of a cadet 's passing was usually accepted;
but the supervisor 's decision was final. In th i s case, the cadet was ques
t ionable and the i l l5tructor asked Dudley to make the f ina l f l i Ght . Dudley
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said he never had such a r ide , nor fear of being ki l led . The boy was a l l
over the sky; everything Has wrong. Of course, the cadet was "washed-out."
But he had to be good, or he would have wrecked them. His poor performance
was delibera te ; he simply wanted out.Probably the end of the war l imited Dudley's a ct iv e f ly in g, though
he continued to fly some and to maintain his commercial l icense for another
few years. A fte r t he war in 194.5, he served several months with the Laurie
Yonge Flying Schoo l, Har t Airi ' ield, Jacksonville, Fla. , as chief ins t ruc tor
of Aircraf t Mechanics. They bought thei r f ir st t ra i l er here and. a t ra i le r
was to be the i r home for the next twenty seven years. Although he had made
some viol ins while a t Douglas and. Arcadia, he increased his effor t here a t
Jacksonville an d it was here he worked with John Werchma,n. Leaving here in
1947, he went to Stengle Field, Gainesville, Fla. , again to teach Aircraf t
Mechanics, and to produce more fine violins . This was to remain his home.
By 1953, ai rcraf t and flying had becone things of the past - now the violin
had assumed his long cherished special in teres t and vocation.
* * * * * * *
-12-
sa.1d he never had such a r ide , nor fear of being kil led. The boy was a l l
over the s ky; everything Has w:-ong. Of course, the cadet was "washed_out."
But he had. to be good, or he would have wrecked them . His poor performance
was deliberate; he s i!!t'ply wanted out .Probably the end. of the war l imited Dudley' s act ive f lying, though
he continued to f ly SOL'le and. to maintain his commercial l icense for another
few years . Ai'ter the war in 1945. he served several lr.onths with the Laurie
Yonge Flying School, Hart Airi ' leld, Jacksonville, Fla . , as chief ins t ructor
o f Aircraf t Hechanics. They bought t he i r f i r s t t r a i l e r here and a t r a i l e r
was to be t he i r home fo r the next twenty seven years. Although he had made
some viol ins while a t Douglas and Arcadia, he increased his ef for t here a t
Jacksonville and it was here he worked with John Werchma.n. Leaving here in
1947 . he went to Stangle Field, Gainesville. Fla •• again to teach Aircraft
Meehan.ics, an d to produce more fine Violins. This was to remain h is home.
By 1953. a i r c r a f t and flyi...ne had. becooe things of the past - now the violin
had assumed h is long cherished specia l in teres t and vocation.
*******
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VI -- ~ ~ S ~ ~ R VIOL r J U ( ~ R
I only s l ight ly surprised when my brother declared; "I am going
to devote f u l l time to making violins . It I knew his ambition of course. He
continued; "I have a backlog of orders to keep me busy for a year . Savingss hou ld s ee me through unt i l I know my prospects of succeeding. The classes
of ai rcraf t students will end in three months. So th is i s my opportunity."
This talk occurred while I vis i ted him in Florida in August 1952.
His setup was quite ideal fo r his purpose - - his t r a i l e r for l iving
quarters under a big t ree in an open, rural- l ike se t t ing, enough space fo r
five cats he adored and. for Skippy, a not-quite-thoroughbred dog (reporter
Griff in 's term). A· motel cabin he rented across the drive from his t r a i l e r
provided him ample room for work, fo r storage a."1d for privacy; also for the
power saw, jo inter and j ig saw with ".hich he did the in !t i a l rough shaping
of the violins . His door was a lways open to cl ient , musician or friend and.
each was accorded a warm welcome. And it i s needless to say, Martha could
communicate by a shout.
So early in 1953, the different and. f ina l phase of his career began
under reasonable auspices. He had about 70 instruments to his credi t and a
growing reputation. There had also been some valued extra t ra ining. While
a t Jacksonville, he fortunately became acquainted with John Werchman of New
York, probably the best known res torer and r ep aire r o f v io lin s made by theold masters of the 17th century - - Stradivarius , Amati and Guarnarius. Hr.
Werchman was in Florida for several months and q ui te o fte n went to Dudley's
t r a i l e r to ta lk and to work a bi t . Dudley credited him as being the source
of much knowledge and improvement in his technique, both for repair and fo r
new violin work. And his viol ins , now improved, had already been f ine .
Fine indeed - - the instruments were beaut i:ful1 Working carefully,
using those tools unique to the a rt and as used by the masters, the curved
surfaces at tained almost incredibly perf'ect symmetry and smoothness. The
tuning fork played i t s par t as both back and bel ly were gradated to vibrate
to the correct pi tch. But the instrument, as f inal ly assembled, is not yet
ready fo r varnish J it must be put aside f or s ev er al weeks, perhaps months,
to "season" so tha t s tresses in th e r ec en tly sculptured and formed wood may
stabi l ize . This was a process unique with him, adding to the cost and time
of building but assuring a quali ty instrunent. His own formula of varnish
was now applied, coat upon coat, each meticulously rubbed out, hand rubbing
-13-
VI - - T l ! ; VIOL j·i.A.K"BR
I W-a.S only s l igh t ly surpr ised when my brother declared; "! am going
to devote fUll time to making viol ins." I knew his arehl ieD of course. He
continued; "I have a backlog of orders to keep Ir.e busy for a year . Savingsshould see me through unti l I know my prospects of succeeding. The classes
of a i r c r a f t s tudents will end in three months. So th i s i s my opportunity. t
This ta lk occurred while I vis i ted. him in Florida in August 1952.
His setup was qui te ideal fo r his purpose - - his t r a i l e r fo r l iv ing
quarters under a big t ree in an open. rural- l ike set t ing . enough space fo r
five cats he adored and. fo r Skippy, a not-quite-thoroughbred dog ( repor te r
Griffin's term). A motel cabin he rented across the drive from his t ra i le r
provided him ample room for work. for storage and for privacy; also for tho}
power sa ... , jo in ter and. j ig saw with lron.lch he did the i n i t i a l rough shaping
o f the vio l ins . His door was always open to c l ien t , musician or f'riend and.
each was accorded a warm welcome. And. it is needless to say, Martha could
couunica te by a shout .
So early in 1953, the di f feren t and. f inal phase o f h is career began
under reasonable auspices. He had about 70 instruments to h is cred i t and a
growing reputat.ion. There had also been some valued extra t r a in ing . While
a t Jacksonvi l le , he fortunately became acquainted. with John Werchman of New
York, probably the best known restorer and repairer of viol ins~ e
by theold cas ters of the 17th century - - St radivar ius , Amati and. Guarnarlus . Hr .
Werchman was in Florida for several months and quit.e often went to Dudley's
t ra i l e r to t.alk and. to work a b i t . Dudley credited him as be1ng the source
of much knowledge and improvement 1n h is technique, both for repai r and fo r
new viol in work. And his viol ins. now improved, had aJ.ready been f ine.
Fine indeed - - the instruments ....ere beautifUl! lJorking caref\l l ly,
using those tools unique to the art an d as used by the masters, the Curled
surfaces at tained alft.ost incredibly perf'ect symmetry an d smoothness. The
tuning fork p layed i t s part as both back and belly were gradated to vibrate
to the correc t pi tch . But the instrument, as f inal ly assembled, is not yet
ready fo r varnishl it must be put aside for several weeks, perhaps months,
to "seasonl1 so that s t resses in the recently sculptured an d formed wood may
s t ab i l ize . This was a process unique with him, adding to the cost and. time
o f building but assuring a qual i ty ins t runent . Hi s own formula of varnish
was now applied, coat. upon coat, each meticulously rubbed out , hand rubbing
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being the f ina l stage. Patterns of the old I ta l ian masters were reproduced
to the most minute deta i l - - why not? Slight study of the box of a violin
reveals i t s s tructural efficiency. For example, the corners a t the curves
of the waist provide r igid torsional resistance and l ight weight; the waist
i t .self is proportioned to properly res i s t tors ion and bending. Certainly
the beauty of resonance and form cannot be improved. The old masters knew
what they were doingl
But the purpose of the violin i s not beauty only; thousands accom-
plish th is . No, i t must pour forth the soul of the music and the a r t i s t in
fu l l , warm, round, yet br i l l i an t , tones. Dudley has said: "My instruments
must be equal to , or bet ter than, those of every violin maker, l iving or
dead." Brave words1 Did he accomplish this? Let 's explore a bi t .
Edward Preodor , a t one time head of the Strings Department of the
University of Florida School of 1'lusic and conductor of the University Sym
phony orchestra, l a te r of the University of South Florida. a t Tampa, consid-
ered by autho ri ti es t o be one of America's top vio l in is ts and conductors,
has saida "A discriminating l i s tener could not t e l l the difference between
a Strad and one of Reed's better violins . In fact , I would rather play one
of Reed's than any that are being bullt anywhere today." Praise indeed!
The Floridian Str ing Quartet, organized in 1948 a t the University
of Florida, is one of the f inest organizations of i t s kind in the South. A
brochure of the mid .50·s sta tes: "The instrwnent.s used by the quartet were
bui l t e sp ec ia lly f or them by Mr. Du.cUey Reed who is considered one of the
f inest craftsman in the country. His instrwnent.s are known for the i r deep,
warm tone and resonant bril l iance, the combination of which results in a
quality of tone seldom heard in quartet playing."
The brochure describes each of the ar t i s t s of the Quartet, each of
whom was a member of the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra and each
had a rich musical background and experience. They were - -
Edward Preodor, 1st Violin - conductor of the Symphony Orch. (above)
Anthony de Filippo, 2nd Violin - concertmeister of the Symphony
Robert E. Carson, Viol is t - principal vio l i s t of the Symphony
Arnold Wirtala, Cell is t - principal ce l l i s t of the Symphony
Three were members of the faculty of the School of Music; Dr. Carson was a
professor of Humanities, also a well known landscape a r t i s t . Perhaps it is
s ign if ic ant t h at in 1964, Dr. Carson purchased a Reed Viola; Arnold Wirtala
-14-
being the final stage. Patterns of the old I ta l ian masters were reproduced
to the most minute detail - - why not? Slight study of the box of a violin
reveals i t s structuraJ. efficiency. For example, the corners a t the curves
of the waist provide r igid tors ional res is tance and l igh t weight I the waist
i t s e l f 1s proportioned to properly re s i s t torsion an d bending. Certa.1nly
th e beauty of resonance and form cannot be improved. The old masters knew
what they were doing!
:aut the purpose of the viol in 1s not beauty only J thousands accom-
plish t h i s . No. i t must pour forth the soul o f the music and the a r t i s t 1n
:fUll, warm, round, yet bri l l iant , tones. Dudley has said; "My instZ'tlments
must be equal to , or better than, those of every violin m.a.k.er, l iving or
dead." Brave words! Did he accomplish this? Let ' s explore a bi t .
Edward Preodor, a t one time head of the Strings Department of the
Universi ty of Florida School of Music and conductor of the Universi ty Sym
phony orchestra, l a t e r of the University of South Florida. a t Tampa, consid-
ered by authori t ies to be one of America's top Violinists and conductors,
has saidl itA discriminating l i s tener could not t e l l the difference between
a Strad and. one of Reed's bet ter viol ins . In fac t , I would ra ther play one
of Reed's than an y tha t are being bui l t anywhere today." Praise 1ndeed!
The Floridian Str ing Quartet , organized in 1948 a t the Universi ty
of Florida, i s one of the :finest organizations of i t s kind in the South. A
brochure of the mid 50's s ta tes ; "The instruments used by the quartet were
bui l t especial ly for them by Mr. Dudley Reed lCho i s considered on e of the
f inest craf'tsman in the country. His instruments are known for t h e i r deep.
warm. tone an d resonant br i l l iance . the comb1nation of which resu l t s in a
quali ty of tone seldom heard in quartet playing."
The brochure describes each of the ar t i s t s of the Quartet , each of
whom was a member of the University of Florida SYlllPhony Orchestra an d each
had a r ich musical background and experience. They were - -
Edward Preodor, 1 s t Violin - conductor of the Symphony Orch. (above)
Anthony de Fil ippo, 2nd Violin - concertmeister of the Symphony
Robert E. Carson, Viol is t - principal vio l i s t of the Sym.phony
A:mold Wirtala, Cel l i s t - principal ce l l i s t of the Symphony
Three were memrers of the faculty of the School of Music: Dr. Carson was a
professor of Humanit1es, also a well known landscape ar t1s t . Perhaps it is
s ign i f ican t that in 1964, Dr . Carson purchased a Reed viola ; Arnold Wirtala
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purchased a •cel lo in 1962 and Grace Wirtala a viola in 1960. Di Filippo
had purchased a v io lin in 1951.
Other s ignif icant purchases were - University of Florida; 5 viol ins,
5 violas , 3 ' ce l los , Univ. of So . Florida; 5 viol ins, 5 violas , 2 ' cel losl
Auburn University; 1 viol in , 1 violal Converse College, 2 v iolas l also a
viola by the vio l i s t of the celebrated Budapest String Quartet .
Also I must note Carolyn Tyner, an accomplished musician and member
of the Symphony, who has a Reed viol in , viola and ' cel lo (her daughter 's) .
Once she wrote to me about p laying the "gorgeous" viola Dudley had made for
her. Then writ ing on December 21, 1973, she said, "I played my lovely Reed
v io lin in church l as t Sunday. I t was the f i r s t time anybody had heard tha t
viol in , i t s lovely tone more than made up for my rusty play ing condi tion.
Everybody r aved about i t . "
" l finished a ' cel lo for a customer in Rochester, N. Y. about three
weeks ago. The order for th i s instrument had been placed for 2t years. I t
i s a beautiful ' ce l lo - - wood, varnish, workmanship and tone. I believe it
i s probably the f inest I have done, it i s doubtful if any maker ever made a
bet ter one." •••••• from my brother 's l e t t e r of Dec. 20, 1965 to me.
One f inal observation reguarding his violas. I t was his contention
tha t the viola was a neglected instrument, even by the old masters. So he
exper imented with changes and was convinced tha. t he bullt the f ines t viola
of a l l time. Who i s to gainsay him? Probably he was r ight , a check of his
records of the l as t ten years of his act iv i ty , shows a larger percentage of
violas than would be anticipated.
Need I continue? Any real achievement was accomplished by some one
who believed. Dudley believed! He made a better fiddle 1 his instruments~ bet ter than, or equal to , a l l others! His dreams were fulf i l led!
* * * * * * *
-15-
purchased a 'ce l lo in 19 62 and Grace 'r.!!.rtala a viola in 1960 . Dl Fil ippo
had purchased a violin in 1951.
Other s igni f icant purchases were - University of Florida; 5 vio l ins ,
5 violas, 3 ' ce l los , Unlv. of So . Florida; 5 violins , 5 violas, 2 •cellos
Auburn University; 1 vio l in , 1 violas Converse College, 2 vio las . also a
viola by the violis t of th e celebrated Budapest String Quartet.
Also I mu s t note Carolyn Tyner, an accomp lished musician and member
of the Symphony, who has a Reed vio l in , viola an d 'cel lo (her daughter 's) .
Once sh e wrote to me about playing the " gorgeous" viola Dudley had. made fo r
her. Then writ ing on December 21, 1973 . she said; " I played my lovely Reed
vio l in in church l a s t Sunday. I t was the f i r s t time anybody had heard that
viol in , i t s lovely tone more than made up fol.· my rusty playing condit ion.
Everybody raved about i t . "
"I finished a ' cel lo fo r a customer in Rochester, N.Y. about thrP.e
weeks ago. The order for th i s instrument had. been pl aced for 2t years. I t
is a beautiful ' ce l lo - - wood, varnish, workmanship and tone . I believe it
1s probably the f inest I have donel it i s doubtful if an y maker ever made a
bet ter one." •••••• from my brother 's l e t t e r of Dec. 20 , 1965 to me .
One f ina l observation reguarding his violas . I t was h is contention
that the viola was a neglected instrument, even by the old masters. So he
experimented with changes an d was convinced tha t he built the f ines t viola
of a l l time. Who is to gainsay him? Probably he was r igh t a check of his
records of the l a s t ten years o f his act iv i ty , shows a l a rge r percentage of
violas than would be ant ic ipated.
Need I continue? Any real achievement was accomplished by s ome one
who believed. Dudley believed! He made a better fiddle I his instruments~ better than, or equal to , a l l others! His dreams were :fUlfilled:
* * * ••• *
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VII - - lillFAIRING
Thol.'e was a phase of his act iv i t ies tha.t needs to be considered in
r el at io n t o his c r ea ti ve car ee r. paradoxical ly, in one respect , as a thingdesi red; in ano t. he r, a s an albatross l imit ing his ambitions. In a posi t ive
way, l e t ' s quote from f1artha' s l e t te r of July 6, 1962 f!'om B r e v ~ - r o d . . "There
has been a lo t of work hera a t camp th is year . I believe he (Dudley) has
haired every bow in the camp, besides other repairs ." Again from Dudley's
l e t t e r of Dec. 20, 19651 "ile spent a very good summer in No. Carolina. Of
course, I had. to work l ike a dog. As usual , the f i r s t t r ip was two weeks
a t the beginning of camp; ir e then returned during August." BreVard, refers
to the Swn!iler Husical Fest ival a t Brevard, No. Carolina, which begins about
June 25th a.'1d las ts nine weeks. He at tenled it a..."lIlually f or six te en y ea rs,
doing inst rtunent repair work. A l e t t e r from Brevard Hay 12, 1969 says; " ~ ' l elook forward to the Reeds coming on July 3rd." 1969.vas t he i r l as t year .
The repair "ork a t Brevard wa..c; OOViO'..l5ly desiraole as it increased
h is r eput at io n and acquainta...'lce with the cOTilmunity - - incidental ly it also
provided a change from routine l iv ing . No doubt it led to orders for new
vio l ins . I t must have, fo r he shinned new i n s t ~ ~ e n t s to 18 s ta tes outside
of Florida (see Lis t of Instruments). Also there were new ins tru.rnents for
Converse College a t nearby Spartanburg, S.C. , besides a l l the work brought
to Brevard fo r repai r . But it meant a heavy load o f re pa ir -...o!'k throughout
the year. A massive accumulation of repair faced him when I vis i ted him in
the autumn of 1957, and again in 1962. He was wo! 'king long hours - - unt i l
nine or ten in the evening.
About 1959, the University of Alabama managed to get him on campas.
As Dudley recal ls . "They said there was a week's work to do. But the word
spread through Alabama t ha t I would be L'l the neighbo rhood and it took me
three weeks of hard work before I could leave. Then I had to b:ri.I'.g some of
work back with me. hare work continued to cone in a:r ter...ard ."
True, repair work prOVided the bread and b utte r o f operations and a
steady flow of income. I t also 'io"as necessary to care for the needs of old
fr iends . But ca.ny times I saw him consent to assume extra work, because of
h is sheer good...'less and kindness, when actual ly he had to s teal the time. I
o c c ~ ~ i o n a l l y urged him to re ject some of the repair so he could devote more
t ime to creating new instruments. His replyt "These people have no other
-16-
VII - - fui.F AIRING
Thcl."S was a phase ot.' his act!vi t ie3 that needs to be considered in
rela.tion to his creat ive C3.reer l pa"!"arioxica11y, in one respect , as a th ingdesiredj in another , as an albatross l imit ing his ambitions . In a posit ive
way, l e t ' s quote fyom Martha 's l e t t.e r :>f July 6 , 1962 from BrevCL..-d1 " There
has been a lo t of work here a t camp "this year . I be11e'l9 he (Dudley) ha s
haired every bow 1n the caJIT!). besides other repairs . " Again from Dudley's
lette r of Dec . 20 , 1965 . "Ve spent a very good summe r in No. Carolina . Of
course, I ha d to work l ike a dog . As usual , the f i r s t t r ip was two weeks
a t the beginning of camp; ;ore then returned during August." .Brevard, refers
to the Swamer ~ l u s i c a l Festival. at . Brevard , No . Carolina , which. begins about
June 25th a."ld l a s ts nine weeks. He at tenled it a."Ulually for sixteen years ,
doing instrument repa i r work . A l e t t e r from Brevard Hay 12, 1969 says i " 'I!e
look forward to the Reeds comin,g on July 3rd ." 1969 lrclS thei r l a s t year .
The repa ir \>ork a t Brevard was o o v i o desirable as it increased
h is reputat ion and acquaintan.ce with the CO J:lr.luni"ty - - incidental ly it also
provided a change from routine l iv1n-5 . No doubt it led to orders for new
viol ins . I t must have , for he shipped s t ~ ~ e n to 18 s ta tes outside
of Florida (see Lis t o f Instruments) . Also there were new instru.'i\ent s for
Converse College a t nearby Spartanburg , S . C., besides a l l the work brought
to Brevard for repa i r . But it meant a heavy load. of re!lair ·...ork throughout
the year . A massive accumulation of repair fa ced him when I vis i ted him inthe autumn of 1957 , an d again in 1962 . He was working long hours - - unt i l
nine or ten in the evening .
About 1959 , the Univer::;ity of Alaba.ma ma.naged to get him on campas.
As Dudley recal l s "They said there was a week I s "'ark to do . But the word
spread throu5h A1aba.r.ta that I would be L'1 the neighborhood an d it took me
three weeks of hard work before I could leave . Then I had to brir..g s ome of
work back with me. hare work continued to cor.te in af'ter..lard ."
True , repair work p rovided the bread and but te r o f operations an d a
steady flow of income . I t also "'''as necessary to care for the needs of old
f'riends . But ca.ny times I saw tum consent to assume extra work, because of
h is sheer goodness and kindness , when actual l y he had. to s teal the time . I
c ~ ~ i o n a l l y urged him to re ject some of the repa i r so he could devote more
time to creating new 1nstrwnents. His repl y I "These people have no other
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practical saurce of help 1 I s imply canno t refuse them. II Again there i s the
customer who brought a vio l in for repair and ended purchasing vio l in , viola
and ' ce l lo l more importantly, she became his most loyal and hel pf ul f ri end.
To quote again from his informative l e t t e r of Dec. 20, 1965 - - "I
have had so much emergency repair work that must be done. I finished the
most pressing work yesterday and planned on spending today and the res t of
the week on Christmas things. But I jus t now got a telephone cal l from a
friend in Orlando; he wanted me to do some work for him. He is driving up;
so there goes my afternoon. He i s a very fine ce l l i s t from New York and is
principal cello in th e F lo rid a Central Symphony Orchestra of Orlandu. That
is the way it goes with me continually. I don' t get to work on new instru-
ments unless I simply s t ea l the time from repair ."
"I don ' t see how long th is sort of thing can go on because I am notgett ing any younger. I t i s t e l l ing on me, too. While I am apparently ingood health and can s t i l l do good work, I can not spend the long hours a t
my bench I could a few years ago - - I get t i red! No doubt, I will be work
ing so long as I can l i f t my hand or see with my eyes."
Quoting from another l e t t e r of Oct. 26 , 1970 ( th is was three years
af te r his bat t le with cance r) I "I am s t i l l beating along as I have been,
working on some f iddles , but I do get t i red quickly. When I do, I jus t l ie
down fo r a while and close my eyes and jus t res t . " Again on Feb. 16, 1971,
he says I "I am s t i l l working some. A lo t of repai r work ha s come in . I
think I am get t ing old; I have to l ie down a t t imes in the daytime any more
just to res t . "
So as his strength decreased, the demand for repair work continued.
He seemed caught in a vice . Time and energy needed fo r creative work, that
would be permanent, were dissipated by effor ts that were temporary. Doubt
l e s s , friends and c l ien ts did not real ize his s i tua t ion . I hope fo r leni ty
because I resented what seemed so unfair; I fe l t posteri ty to be the loser .
I s t i l l do! But who knows the t rue answer? I s t i l l think of the beauty - beauty of the unfinished - - unclained!
* * * * * * *
-1 7-
practical s')urce of help, I 51!!'.?ly cannot refUse them," Again there is the
customer who brought a viol in for repair and ended purchasing violin, viola
and 'cello; more importantly, she became his most loyal and helpful friend.
To quote again from h is informative l e t t e r of Dec . 20, 1965 - - "1
have had so much emergency repair work tha t must be done . I fin:lshed the
mos t pressing work yesterday an d planned on sp e nding today and the r es t I)f
the ;reek on Christmas things . But I just now got a telephone ca l l from a
friend in Orlando; he wanted me to do some work for him. He is driving up;
so there goes my afternoon. He 1s a very fine cell13t froD New York a r ~ 15
principal cello in th e Florida Cent=al Symphony Orchestra of Orlando . That
1s the way it goes with me continually. I don' t ge t to work on new instru
ments unless I simply s t ea l the time from repa ir . II
"1 don ' t see how long th i s sor t of thing can go on because I am notgett ing an y younger. I t i s te l l ing on me, too. While I am apparently ingood health an d can s t i l l do good work, I can not spend the long hours a t
my bench 1 could a few years ago - I get t i red! No doubt, I will be work
ing so long as I can l i f t my hand or see with my eyes ."
Quoti!l8 from. another l e t t e r of Oct. 26 , 1970 ( th i s wa:; three years
af te r his bat t le with cancer) I " I am s t i l l beating along as I have been.
working on some fiddles , but 1 do ge t t i red quickly. When I do , I just l ie
down fo r a while and. close my eyes and jus t r es t ." Again on Feb . 1 6 , 1971,
he s ay s l III am s t i l l working some . A lo t of repai r work has come in . I
think I am ge t t ing old; 1 have to l i e down a t t imes in the daytime an y more
jus t to r es t ."
So as his strength decreased, the demand fo r repair work continued.
He seemed caught in a vice . Time and energy needed for creative work, that
would be permanent. were dissipated by effor t s tha t were temporary. Doubt
l ess , friends and cl ients did not real ize his s i tuat ion. 1 hope fo r leni ty
because I resented ~ a t s e e ~ d s o unfair; 1 f e l t poster i ty to be the lose r .
1 s t i l l do! But who knows the t rue answer? I s t i l l think of the beauty -
beauty of the unfinished - - unclained!
*******
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VIII - - DISAS1BR S T R ~ 3Dudley wa.s now past s ixty-five with his ambitions real ized. He had
achieved his greates t sa t is fac t ion as an ar t isan - - his ~ a t e s t pridef for
the Viola had become the pinnacle of his effor t s . Life had ful lness and he
fe l t he could continue his craf t unt i l his hands could 110 longer sculpt.ure
the wood or his ear no longer gradate tones .
In 1967, Disas te r s truck - - as a malignant tumor! Tha,t big, strong
body of his that housed a dominant but gentle sp i r i t , was brought low. Oh,
sure , there had been other impediments, such as the i l lnesses t ha t required
Martha's hospita l iza t ion. But he out-rode those sq ualls o f ill weather as
he would aga in a tt emp t to batten the hatches and r ide-out th i s one. And it
seemed he might do so. After submitting to the knife th re e times and some
months of recuperation l a te r , he returned to his bench, though he ,r as weak.
Those beaut i ful instruments once again flowed from his sJr...illful hands.
Again Fate deal t another blow. In 1970, Hartha was af f l ic ted by a
s troke, leaving a paralyzed r igh t arm and rendering her helpless , even to
arise from her bed unaided. She was hospi ta l ized in 1962 for pneumonia, in
1963 for removal of a kidney and in 1968 fo r a broken hip , the b all jo in t
being replaced by a plas t ic bal l - what i s the l imi t which one must endure?
With it a l l , she had maintained calmness and pat ience; and she did so now.
But it was disas terfor
both - -they
had beencalled
uponto bear so
much.
And again he steered windward to r es is t th is severe squall .
Bu t the storm did not abate i t s fury . One eye had been gathering
the clouding vei l of cataract , but the other sustained him. Then the f ina l
blow! Like the f l ick of a switch, that a l l important good eye ceased to
fun ction . B atte re d but s t i l l af loat , he once more surrendered his future
to the surgeon's scapel for a removal of the cataract t ha t might again give
hi m s igh t . Ini t ia l ly there was promise. I'll never forget the ecstacy inhis voice when I telephoned him some time l a t e r and asked if he could see.
And he repl ied so joyful ly , "Yeah!" But l a t e r t ha t b i t of promise faded.
He t r ied to do some repair work but was l imited by poor vision. Once again
he t r ied building a violin; but the resu l t did not meet his standards. His
ski l l s had become inoperative.
* * * * * * *
-18-
VIII - - DIS>SIBR STRIKe3
Dudley was now past sixty-five with his a!nbitioru:; rea l ized. He had
achieved his greates t sat isfact ion as an art isan - - his g=eatest pride; for
the Viola had become the pinnacle of his efforts. Life had fullness and hef e l t he could cont inue his cra f t unt i l his hands could no longer sculp ture
the wood or his ear no longer gradate tones.
In 1967 , Di s as ter s t ruck - - as a malignant tumor! Tha,t big , strong
body of his that housed a dominant but gent le sp i r tt , was brought lo w . Oh,
sure , there had been other impediments , such as the i l lnesses that requi red
Martha ' s hosp i t a l i za t ion . But he out-rode those squa.lls o f 111 weat.her as
he would again a t te nrot to bat ten the hatches and r ide - out th i s one . And i t
seemed he might do s o . After submitt ing to the kni fe three times and some
months of recuperat ion l a t e r , he returned to his bench , though he uas weak.
Those beauti fh l instruments once again flowed fro m his r;Y..i1lf'ul. hands.
Again Fate dealt another blow . In 1970 , Hartha was af f l ic ted by a
stroke , leaving a paralyzed r igh t am a.nd rendering her helpless . even to
ar ise from her bed unaided. She was hospitalized in 1962 for Fneumonia, in
196) for removal of a kidney a.nd in 1968 fo r a broken hip , the bal l jo in t
being re pl aced by a plas t ic ball - what i s the l imi t which one must endure?
With it a l l , she had maintained calmness a.nd patience; an d she did so no".
Bu tit
was disas ter for both- -
they had be en cal led upon to bear so much .And again he s teered windward to res is t th i s severe s qual l .
But the s torm did not abate i t s fury . One eye ha d been gathering
the clouding vei l of cataract , but the other sustained him . The n the f ina l
blow! Like the f l ick of a switch, tha t a l l important good eye ceased to
fUnction . Battered but s t i l l afloat , he once more surrendered his future
to the surgeon's scapel for a removal of the cataract that I:'.ight again give
him s igh t . In i t i a l ly there was promise . I'll never forget the ecstacy in
his vo i ce when I telephoned him sOI:le time l a t e r and asked if he could see .
And he repl ied so joyfUlly, "Yeah! " But l a t e r that b i t of promis e faded .
He t r ied to do SOCle repair work but was l imited by poor vision . Once again
he t r i ed building a viol inj but the result did not meet his standards . fii s
ski l l s had become inoperat ive.
* * * * * + *
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IX - GLOOM
The fury abated but with leaden clouds remaining as he was grounded
and tossed on the shoals of adversity. As he had been given ab i l i t i es , so
now they had been taken away. That was the realism he faced, the most di f -
f i cu l t adjustments of his l i f e t ime . One can imagine his heavy heart as his
tools lay unused and he closed his shop in ~ o v e m o e r 1 ~ 7 l .~ i t h debts accumulating, with an inadequat e income, with unbearable
burdens, he had to rely upon the goodness of fr iends - gal l and wormwood to
him, I know. Yet his fr iends responded nobly, to t he i r eternal cred i t .
No longer able to adequately care for Hartha, l ia ble to stumble and
f a l l , ar is ing with di f f icu l ty , it now became impossible to remain in t he i r
t r a i l e r that had been thei r home for so long. Reluctant ly, he agreed with
the urging of friendl; that a nursing home was the only prac t ica l solut ion,
So on July 1 , 1972, they entered the ConvaJ.escent Center of Gainesville.
I doubt if he quite rea l ized the permanency. He had hopes t ha t his
s t rength and mobility would inrprove. Even when I l a s t vis i ted with him, he
sa id; II Haybe I can be come s t ronger . I would l ike to build another fiddle."
He never quite gave up. But when he sa id he wished to leave the home, it
tore a t your heart for you knew his decl in ing cond it ion . No doubt, he fe l t
a keen disappointment, t ha t he asked himself , "Why?" One could understand.
I hope he was able to ref lec t on his success, on his br i l l i an t accomplish
ments, to exul t over his beautiful instruments, to envision l a t e r musicians
seeking a Dudley Reed instrument. Haybe he found a measure of contentment,
the f ulf illm en t o f h is dreams. He had. created a heritage to pos te r i ty .
For var ied r ea sons , I was unable to v i s i t Dudley fo r several years ,
but it was possible to spend a week with him in October 1973, a most sa t i s -
fying v i s i t . Being somewhat apprehensive of his condit ion as well as mine,
I returned s ix months l a t e r - - his birthday, April 1974. There had. been a
decided change, a def inite deteriora t ion. I bade him good-bye with a sense
of doubt, of forebod.ine.
So I had only normal shock when I was inforned of his demise, f iva
weeks laot e r , Sunday, Nay 26, 1974. He had. gone suddenly, withou t warning,
j u s t a f t e r his lunch had been served. Of course I miss him, mourn him, but
now he suffers no more! But when I think of the t roubles he and !1a rtha had
encountered in the i r la . ter l i f e , it is di f f icu l t to avoid misty eyes.
* * * * * * *
-19-
IX - G:.OOM
The fury abated but with leaden clouds remaining as he was grounded
and tossed on the shoals of adversity. As he had been given ab i l i t i es , Stl
now they had been taken away. That was the realism he faced, the most d if
f icu l adjustments of his l i fe t ime . One can i magine his heavy heart as his
tool s lay Wlused an d he closed his shop in rwvemoer 1 )171.
with debts accumula t ing , with an inadequate income, with Wlbearable
burdens I he had to rely upon the goodness of fr iends - gal l an d wormwood to
him, I know. Yet his friends responded nobly, to the i r eternal cred i t .
No longer able to adequately care fo r Nartha, l i ab le to stwnble and
fa l l , ar i s ing with dif f icu l ty , it now 'became iI:Iposslble to remain in the i r
t r a i l e r that had been thei r home for so long. Reluctantly , he agreed with
the urging of friend:... that a nursing home ....as the only prac t ica l so lu t ion,
So on July 1, 1972 , they entered the Convalescent Center of Gainesv i l l e .
I doubt if he quite real ized the permanency . He had hopes that his
s t rength an d mobility would i ~ : r o v e Even when I l a s t vis i ted with him , he
sa id , "Haybe I can become s t ronger . I would l ike to build another f iddle ."
He never quite gave up . But when he sa id he wished to leave the home , it
tore a t your heart for you knew his declining condit ion. No do ubt, he f e l t
a keen disappointment , tha t he asked hil'lSelf , "Why?" One could understand.
I hope he was able to r e f l ec t on his success, on his br i l l ian t . accomplish
ments , to exult over his beaut i ful instruments, to envision l a t e r music ians
seeking a Dudley Reed instrument. 11aybe he f ound a measure o f contentment ,
the f 'ulf i l lment of his dreams . He had created a heri tage to posteri ty .
For var ied reasons , I was unable to v i s i t Dudley for several years ,
but it was possible to spend a week with him in October 1973 , a most sa t i s -
fying vi s i t . Being somewhat apprehensive of his condit ion as well as mine,
I retu:rned s ix months l a t e r - - his birthday, April 1974. There had been a
decided change , a def in i te deteriora t ion. I ba.d.e him good- bye with a sense
of doubt, of forebod.ine.
So I ha d only normal shock when I was infomed of his demise , five
weeks l a t e r , Sunday , ~ l a y 26 , 1974. He had. gone suddenly, witho ut warning,
jus t a f t e r his lunch had bean se rved . Of course I miss him, lUOurn him, but
now he suffers no morel But when I think of the troubles he and !1artha had
e ncountered in thei r l a t e r l i fe , it i s di f f icu l t to avoid mi s t y eyes.
* ... ... ... ... ... ...
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x -- EULOGY
Dudley Reed was no ordinary person but had been touched by the wand
of Art is t rJ . His fine instruments have given pleasure and entertain.rnent to
thousands a.l'ld will continue top r ~ v i d e
joy into the reaches of t ime. Whenacco!!lPlished m u s ~ c i a n s made a pa.th to h is door, when univers i t ies adopted
his instruments, when cl ients willingly paid four figure pr ices , then one
must know tha t he had merit indeed.
A kind and cOffiDassionate man who befriended and respected people,
he readily made f r iends, fr iends who respected and loved him for h is inate.goodness and character . He was open and honest, without gui le , a lways with
a sense of humor, but he could be stern. Hard work was natural to him.
Professing no organized re l ig ion , he was yet aO. re l ig ious man. One
time he said to mel "How is it I have been given th is sk i l l and knowledge
to produce a f ine violin? I am only an ordinary f el low without background
fo r th is ab i l i ty . Surely it comes from outside myself and. i s a g i f t from a
Higher Power." One cou ld s ense his depth of thought .mile he was engrossed
in meditation as he worked hour af te r hour with his hands.
His character was molded a t the side o f our mother whom he loved.
During my l a s t v i s i t with him, he to ld me of th i s incident , which I had not
previously known. "I-Iother asked fo r me to come to her r oo m when she was so
s ick. She said to me; 'Dudley, I cannot l ive and will be gone shor t ly . I
love you. Will you promise to be a good boy, always?' I to ld her I would.
She was soon gone. I have always remembered and have always t r ied."
When he conceived "a bet ter f iddle", there was born the real DUdley
Reed, born the career t ha t brought noble achievement, f 'u lf i l lnent to him,
joy to others and a heri tage to th e fu tu re . Where? Not in that Ohio farm
house tha t saw his physical bi r th ; not in those roll ing Ohio hi l l s where he
pursued the wily game; not among the spruce and snows of the Cascades a.t
Yakama; not in the "Jennie" when he made his f i r s t fa l te r ing f l ights i!l. the
blue Ohio skies , above green bot tom lands and waters of the his tor ic Hus
kingum; not in the beaut i ful mountains of his beloved West Virginia as he
flew contentedly in t he i r crisp a i r l not in any of these. No, the career ,
of tha t Dudley Reed was born somew here when he sa t in discontent with tha t
f i r s t fiddle in hand, spurred by desire for a bet ter , but unobtainable one.
So the weak infant was nourished by questioning and reading, passed
in to adoles cenee with those f i r s t instrwnents , aequ ir ed s tr eng th while he
- 20 -
x -- EULOGY
Dudley Reea was no ordinary person but hnd been touched by the wand
of Art i s t r J . His fine lru:trwnents have given pleasure and. entertain.'I'lent to
thousands a!1.d wil l continue to pr:>vide joy into the reaches of t ime.'Nrl
en
acco!'lplished cians made a pi'.th to h is door , ;ffien univers i t ies adopted
his instruments, when clients will ingly paid four figure prices , then one
must know that he had merit. indeed ,
A kind and comDa5sionate man who befriended and respected people ,
he readily made f r iends, friends who respected and loved him for his ina te
goodness and character . He was open and honest, without gui l e , always with
a sense of humor , but he could be ste!'n. Hard work was natural to him .
Professing no organized re l igion , he was yet a re l igious man. One
time he said to me I "How 1s 1 I have been given th is sk i l l and knowl edge
to produce a f ine vio l in? I am only an ordinary fellow without background
for th i s abi l i ty . Surely it comes from outside myself and i s a gi f t from a
Higher Power . " One could sense his depth of thought ..mile he was engrossed
in JI'.editat ion as he worked hour af t e r hour ', d h his hands.
His character was molded a t the side of our mother ".mom. he loved.
During my l a s t v i s i t with him, he to l d me of th i s incident , which I had not
previously known, ~ i o t h e r asked for me to corne to her room when she was so
sick . She said to mel ' Dudley , I cannot l ive and will be gone short ly . I
love you. Will you promise to be a good boy, always? ' I to ld her I would.
She was soon gone . I have always remembered an d have always t r ied ."
When he concelved "a bet ter f iddle " , there was born the real Dudley
Reed, born the career that brought nobl e achievement , f\tl .fillnent to him ,
joy to others an d a heri tage to the ~ ~ t u r e . Where? Not in that Ohio farm
house t ha t saw his physical bir th ; not in those roll ing Ohio hi l l s where he
pursued the idly game; not among the spruce an d snows of the Casc2.des a t
Yakama.; not in the " Jennie" ..men he made his f i r s t fa l te r ing f l igh ts 1" the
blue Ohio skies , above green bottom l ~ d s and waters of the his tor ic
kinguro. l not in the beautif 'ul liIountains of his beloved West Virginia. as he
flew contentedly i n the i r crisp a i r , not in an y of these. No, t!'le C2.reer ,
of t hat Dudley Reed was born somewhere when he sa t in discontent with t ha t
f i r s t f iddle in hand, spurred by des i re for a bet ter , but unobtainable one.
So the weak i nfant was nourished by questioning <l.lld reading, passed
into adolescence with those f i r s t instruments , acquired strength while he
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labored with gouge, plane and scraper and intellect. in his house aside the
Elkins ai rpor t , reached ful l maturity within the t r a i l e r in Jacksonville as
he, f igurat ively , sa t a t the feet of the master, John Werchman, and in that.
small shop a t Gainesville, bore fu l l f ~ l i t .Those of us who loved him, will know the void he leaves and we will
cherish having known him. N O ~ 7 he sleeps - - that deep, untroubled sleep - - blanketed by F lor id a 's g ra ss es , arched by he:!" foam-flecked, azure canopy
and bathed b'J her golden sun.
Hay a mercifUl, good God comfort and console a loyal , lonesome and
troubled Hartha and grant peace to her departed mate.
*******
In behalf of my s i s t e r , Margaret, my brother , James,
and myself, we desire to express our deep grat i tude to the
good fr iends of l1artha and Dudley who so wonderfully helped
and attended them in the i r need. I can not na:ne ea.ch, but
must especial ly mention Carolyn Tyner, Estel la Carson, SamMcFadden and Gino Cavaceppi. Carolyn and Estel le were con
t inual ly providing the ex tra a t ten tions and items tha t madel i fe in the home to lerable I and, I am sure , are providing
equal at tent ion and c o m f o r t t o l ~ a r t h a since Dudley's demise.Such fr iendship cannot be repaid; a simple "Thank you" must
suffice and a fervent wish that lives of each are enriched.
-21-
labored with gouge, plane and scraper and in te l l ec t in his house aside the
Elkins ai rpor t , reached fu l l maturity within the t r a i l e r 1n Jacksonvil le as
he, f i ~ ~ t i v e l y , sat at the feet of the master, John W e r c h ~ a n , and in that
small shop a t Gainesvi l l e , bore fu l l f ru i t .
Those of us who loved him, will know the void he leaves and we wil l
cherish having known him. Now he sleeps -- that deep, untroubled sleep - - blanketed by Flor ida 's grasses , arched by he!." foam-flecked, azure canopy
and bathed her golden sun.
Hay a merciful, good God com:forl and console a loya l , lonesome and
t roubled Nartha and grant peace to her departed mate.
*******
In behalf of my s i s te r , hargaret , my brother, James,and myself, we desire to express our deep grat i tude to the
good fr iends o f 11artha an d Dudley who so wonderfully helped
and attended them in the i r need. I can not na;ne each, but
must especially mention Carolyn Tyner, Este l la Carson, SamMcFadden an d Gino Cavaceppi. Carolyn an d Este l le were con
t inua l ly ~ r o v i d i n the extra a t tent ions an d items that ~ d el i fe in the home tolerable . and, I am su re , are providing
equal attention and. comfort to Kartha sinc9 Dudley's demise .Such fr iendship cannot be repaid; a simple "Thank you" must
suf f ice an d a fervent wish tha t l ives of each are enriched.
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birthplace and H O ~ ~ - 1905
//
/ ~
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D L ~ L E Y ~ D - - B i o g ~ p h i c a l Data
April 16, 1900
Sept. 17,1912
June 18, 1913
June 13, 1<;1191919 1920
1920 192:1.
1922
1922
1923
1924 - - - - 1925
1925
1926
1928 - - - - 1932
Dec. 21, 1930
Aug. 27, 1933
30m a t Palf.ler, Washington County, Ohio
~ o t h e r , Lucy B. Reed, died
Father re -marri ed to Lucy A. Palmer
Graduated a t ~ a r i e t t a HighSchool
Attended. Hariet ta College
Worked. in lumber camp near Yakama, Wash. summer and fa l l 1920
Worked hay harvest in Idaho summer 1921, returned Ohio in Fal l
Had agency for "Star" automobile a t Beverly, Ohio
Probably made his FIRST Violin
Learned airplane fiying from.Guy Vincent at Waterford, Ohio
Flew and barnstormed with Lyle "Scotty" Scott a t ~ l a r i e t t a , Ohio
Made a Violin fo r h is broth er, James
Rebuil t wrecked Waco airplane, obtaining his own, barnstormedwith it for the next couple of years.
Flew Stinson monoplane for Fairmont Airways , Fair!l1ont, W. Va.
Flew f i r s t strawberries from Wauchula, Fla. to New York City
Flew to Chicago Expo with Nr & Hrs West of Bucha."1l1,:>n, W.Va.and Nild.red Eldridge in 4 hours f rom Ohio
Violin Maker a t Gainesville
Martha in hospital for Asthmatic Bronchitis and Pneumonia
Martha in hospital unt i l July 6 - kidney removed June 13th
Dudley hosp it al iz ed fo r in tes t ina l cancerMartha in hospi tal with broken hip j oin t u nt il May 20
~ a r t h a had stroke, arm paralyzed; in hospital to Sept. 10
Dudley hosp it al iz ed fo r removal of Cataract in l e f t eye.
Dudley closed his viol in shop
Dudley and Mar tha moved into Convalescent Center of Gainesvil le
Dudley died SUddenly a t Convalescent Center
Dudley buried in Hil lcres t Memorial Park, Gainesville
1952
1971
--- 1962
7, 1963
19673, 1968
23, 1970
- - - - 1970
- - - - 1971
1 , 1972
26, 1974
29, 1974
July
May
May
May
May
SeptMay
Aug.
Nov.
Nov.
1947
1953
Dec. 1933 Moved to Elkins, W.Va. Lived with Hr & Mrs "Dice" Harper
Oct. 1934 Became f i r s t manager of Elkins Nunicipal Airport
July 14, 1934 Married f'lartha Sandridge (Dec. 4, 1911) a t Oakland, Nd.
1934 - - - - 1939 Equipment Supervisor for W.Va. Road Commission a t Elkins
1941 - - - - 1944 Superv'r Pi lo t Primary Train 'g of U.S. Airforce, Douglas, Ga.
Jan. 1 , 1945 Pi lot t ra ining U.S. Airforce, Arcadia, Fla , to end of War II.1945 1947 Instructor o f A ir cr af t Mechanics a t Laurie Yonge Flying School
Hart Airfield , Jacksonville, Fla.
Inst ructor of Aircraft Mech's a t Stengle Field, Gainesville , F
D U ~ ICED - - B l o ~ . ! ' a p h i c a Data
April 16 . 1900 30m a t Palmer . Washington County, Ohio
Sept. 17, 191 2 rother , Lucy D. Reed , died
June 18 , 1913 Father re -ma rried to Luc y A. Palmer
June 13, 1<;
19 Graduated a tt t a .
High School1919 1920 Attended. Na r ie t ta Colleg e
1920 1921 'Worked in lumber camp near Yakama , ;,{ash. s ummer and fa l l 1920
1922
1922
192J
Worked hay harves t in Idaho sum;ner 1921, r e tuned Ohio in Fal l
Had agency for "star" automobile a t Beverly, Ohio
Probably ~ d e his FIRST Violin
Learned airplane flying from.Guy Vincent a t Waterford, Ohio
1924 1925 Flew and bar.l.Stormed with Lyle IIScotty" Scot t a t Na r ie t ta , Ohio
1925
1926
Made a Violin for his brother, James
Rebuil t wrecked Waco airplane, obtaining his ownl barnstormedwith it for the next couple of years.
1928 1932 Flew Stinson monoplane for Fairmont Airways , Fairmont, W.Va.
Dec.
Aug .
Dec.
Oct.
July
19J4
21. 19JO
27. 19JJ
19JJ
19J4
14. 19J4
19J9
Flew f i r s t strawberries from Wauchula, Fla. to New York City
Flew to Chicago Expo with M & I·rs West of Bucha."U1::m, W.Va.
and. NUdred Eldridge in 4 hours from Oh io
Hoved to Elkins, W.Va. Lived with Hr & M s "Dice" Harper
Became f i r s t :na.na.ger of lUkins Nunicipal Airport
Married Martha Sandridge (Dec. 4, 1911) a t Oakland, Nd.
Equipme nt Supervisor for W.Va. Road Commission a t Elkins
1941 1944 Superv ' r Pi lo t Primarf Train ' g of U.S. Airforce , Douglas, Ga.
Jan. 1, 1945 Pi lo t t ra ining U.S . Airforce, Arcadia, Fla, to end of War I I .
1945
1947
195J
May
May
Sept
1947
1952
1971
1962
7. 196J
1967
Instructor of Aircraf t e c h a n i c s a t Laurie Yonge Flying School,
Hart Airf ie ld , Jacksonville, Fla.
Inst ructor of Aircraft l·jech · s a t Stengle Field, Gainesvil le , F
Violin !!aker a t Gainesvil le
Martha in hospi ta l for Asthmatic Bronchit is and Pneumonia
Martha in hospital unt i l July 6 - kidney removed June 13th
Dudley hospital ized for in tes t ina l cancerMay 3, 1968 Martha 1n hospi t a l idth broken hip jo int unt i l Nay 20
Aug. 23, 1970 ~ a r t h a had stroke , arm para lyzed : in hospital to Sept . 10
Nov. 1970 Dudley hospitalized for removal of Cataract in l e f t eye.
Nov. 1971 Dudley closed his viol in shop
July 1 , 197 2 Dudley and Martha moved into Convalescent Center of Gainesvil le
May 26, 1974 Dudley died suddenly a t Convalescent Center
May 29, 1974 Dudley buried in Hi l l c res t Memoria l Park, Gainesville
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Family of DUDLEY REED
DUDLEY BRECKENRIDGIil REED - Born at Palmer, Washington Co., Ohio, April 16, 1900Died at Gainesville, Florida, May 26, 1 9 7 ~
Harried Martha Sandridge (Dec. 4, 1911) on July 14 , 1934
Son of-- James Fletcher Reed (Aug. 16 , 1860 - Dec. 24, 1944) and---------Lucy Bell (Breckenridge) Nov. 16,1868 - Sept 17,1912).
[Married Nov. 14 , 1889
Brother - Howard F. Reed (Sep. 2, 1892) of North Hollywood, Calif.I Nephew - Robert B. Reed (June 12 , 1922), address unknown
• • •• • •• • •• •• • •• • J . Fletcher Reed, married on June 18 , 1913I Lucy A. Palmer (June 18 , 1883) - Jan. 19 , 1966)
Sister - - Margaret S. (Reed) Love (Nov. 19 , 1915) Married James Donald Love (May 6, 1906)L on July 8, 1933. Resides at Wichita, Kas.
Nephew - Chester L. Love (Dec. 9, 1934) married Mary Lou (Ferrie)
Lon Feb. 21, 1959. Resides at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Chi1dred - Steven (Nov. 29, 1964)Debra Ann ( June 25, 1966)
Erother - James P. Reed (Nov. 22, 1919 Married Doris (McGregor) (Sep. 8, 1919)I on Aug. 15 , 1947. Res ides at Caldwell, Ohio.
t= Nephew - Phillip G. Reed (Oct. 13 , 1949) of Sandusky, Ohio
Nephew - Ronald A. Reed (July 9, 1952) of Columbus, Ohio.
Family of DUDLEY REED
DUDLEY BRECKENRIDGE REED - Born a t Palmer, Washington Co . , Ohio, April 1 6 , 1900Died a t Gainesville , Florida , 26 , 1974,
Narr i ed Hartha Sandri dge (Dec. 4, 1911) on July 14 , 1934
So n of-- James Fletcher Reed (Aug. 16 , 1860 - Dec. 24, 1944) and
L Lucy Bell (Breckenridge) Nov. 16,1868 - Sap. 17, 1912).11arried Nov . 14 , 1889
Brother - Howard F. Reed (Sep. 2 , 1892) of Norl:.h Hollywood, Cal i f .I Nephe w _ Robert B. Reed (June 12 , 1922), address unknown
•••• • ••••••••••• J . Fletcher Reed , married on JUlle 18 , 1913r------- - Lucy A. Palmer (June l B. 188 ) - Jan. 19. 1966)
Si s te r - - Margaret S. (Reed) Love (Nov. 19 , 1915) Nar r led James Donald Love (May 6, 1906)L on July 8 , 1933 . Reside;:; a t Wichita, Kas.
Nephew - Ches te r L. Love (Dec. 9 , 19J4) married ~ j a r y Lou (Ferrie)
Lon Feb. 21, 1959. Resides a t Dhahran , Saud i Arabia.
Ch 11dred - Steven (Nov. 29. 1964) .Debra Ann (June 25 . 1966)
Brother - James P. Reed (Nov. 22 , 1919 Married Doris (McGregor) (Sep. 8 , 1919)~ on Aug. 15 , 1947. Resid es a t Caldwell, Ohio,
Nephew - PhUl1p G. Reed (Oct. 1 ) . 1949) of Sandusky. Oh10
Nephew - Ronald A. Reed (July 9, 1952) of Columbus, Ohio.
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DUDLEY nEED Instrl..lments
P a r t i a l l i s t as shown by his records. No record available ofthose made e a r l i e r . Dates appear to be those when order was placed.
Fla
Atl
l ~ . Y •Utah
N.C.FlaTexN.C
M.chKy.Fla
N.C.Fla
N.C.La.Ala
N.C.
Ky.Fla
N.Y.U.C.Tenn
FlaFla
Some numbers available fo r195) and 1954 are shown
#1)9 became #164142 " 2016
155 .. 168164 II 2002
165 " 200)
20)7 " 209)
- For #14) see year 19571 4 7 " II 1956-
1 4 8 " " 1 9 5 6
1 5 1 " " 1 9 5 6
152 I I " 1 9 5 6
1144 and #105) Unassigned
NO'lES.x indicates a ) / 4 violin
Atl - Atla.nta.. Georgia
NW!lbers. not dates shownfo r 1955 and following
*******•••••M.* • • • *••• • • • MM • • • •
****************t*************************
12.22#112 VIOLA Robert Harrison
120 Violin Ralph Winkler121 Violin Florence Black
122 'Cello. Charles Medlin12) Violin Harold Ca.'Jl"O
124 Yio1in Joan cruthirds125 Violin Alicr; Keith Pfohl126 Violin Jane s t o l t z
127 'Cello Harry Dunscombe128 Violin Clara LiVingston
129 'Cello Un!v. of Florida.1)0 VIOLA Un!v. of Florida1)1 Violin Mrs. li. li . 11artin1)2 VIOLA Sally. Bingham- 1) ) V io li n Tom Daggy
1)4 Violin Ga11assi
1)5 Violin Sugonong
1)6 'Cello Nina Walker1)7 VIOLA Vladimir Lukashuk
1 )8 'C ello Owen F. Sellers140 Violin Nancy Cir i l lo141 Violin J . J . Earn."lardt
145 Violin Karen Beall146 VIOLA Dorothy Flory149 Violin Mrs l'1arie Hoberts150 Violin C. C. Gerry154 Violin l;lrs Kathryn Powell
Fla
Fla
Tenn
Atl
N.Y.
Atl
Benj. Goodsel l #90Anna Papas
Joseph Nadel1e
Mrs J . £ . Wells 891C. li . ReavesC. E. Blye 1f 1\ 0 F\t)JP a t r i c i a Hirschoren OhioB i l l T r i t t #105 N.C.Mrs Mary Walsh #106 N.C.B r i t t B. Moore #11) N.C.Robt. Harrison #114 AtlBenj. Goodsell #6)Sam 1l0chenberg #8) Ii.Y•LeRoy Hendricks Atl
195)
2- 4 Violin Robt. Harrison #9) Atl2- 7 Violin Mrs. F. Tuttle5-22 Violin Joseph V. Smith6-10 Violin C.:1. Reaves *1q6-2) Violin It:rs Winfred ~ r w 1 n #747-27 Violin John Aguilar8-22 Violin Robt. Harrison #81 Atl9- 4 Violin lim. Hutchins #60 At19- 9 Violin Albert R. Greco At19-21 Violin Albert R. Greco At110- 1 Violinx Barney Mendintz Atl
10-15 VIOLA Robert Camp #87
10-19 Violin Lrs. J . D. Lupton Atl10-21 Violin Dominick Uliss i #6810-)1 Violin hrs W.C. La.rd1n #86 Ga.11- 6 Violin Mrs F. J . Oakes #85 Ga.11-10 Violin Robt. Harrison #88 At111-14 Violin 11rs. M. Stopinski Fla
11-20 ~ i o 1 i n R ~ y m o n d K u r c ~ 1 ! At1... L ( ( 0 ( ) ~ " ' / .. ~ . ~ ' ; : ; . . . . FLr,,-~
1- 2 VIOLA1 - 9 Violin1-12 Violin
1-28 Violin) - 6 VIOLA6-23 Violin8-16 VIOLA
Violin
8-25 Violin8-)0 Violin
8-30 Violin
9- 9 VIOLA10- 5 Violin10-26 Violin
1951
5- 1 Violin d1 Filippo
!228- ) Violin Fred Cianciolo8- 9 Violin Benjamin Sweeting
9- 5 Violin Sam McFadden9-17 Violin Dr. Harry S. :alank9-17 ViolinA " I I I I I I
10-2) Violin C. W. Reaves -4F r '{11-18 Violin Mrs. John S. Luce12- 8 Violin Jo-Ann Hughes12-15 Violin Dr . Cha.c;. L. Park
12-20 Violin Kurt Bieler .;.1-'
c <-\\ u ( • "".I _ R..; , t l ; ' " :t,-'- '1
DUDLEY nt:ED In.<;;tr.L1lents
Partial l i s t as shom by his reco:!'d.s. No record. available ofthose J:Iade earlier. Dates a.ppear to be those when order was placed,
5- 1 Violin d1 Filippo
.!l l i8- 3 Violin Fred Cianciolo
8- 9 Violin Benjamin Sweeting
Fla
9- 5 Violin Sam Mcfadden Fla9-17 Violin Dr. Harry S. ~ l a n k9-17 Violinx tr " II "
10-23 V1ol1n C. W. Reaves -iF n-11-18 V101in Mrs. John S. Luce Tenn12- 8 Violin Jo-Ann Hughes12-15 V1ol1n Dr. Cha. • L. Park
12-20 VioUn Kurt .Bieler "" "c .. ,TGt C.",--' , R ' l . . ~ · } : r r ( ; . . ...
.!m2- 4 V101in Robt. Harrison #93 Atl2- 7 Viol1n Mrs. F. W. Tuttle5-22 Violin Joseph V. Smith
6-10 Violin C. Reaves *1':;6-23 Violin l irs Winfred 3rw1n #74
7-27 Violin John Aguilar8-22 ViolL., Robt. Harrison #81 Atl9- 4 Violin Wm . Hutchins #60 Atl9- 9 Violin Albert R. Greco Atl9-21 V1ol1n Albert R. Greco Atl10- 1 Vio1inx Earney Nendintz AU
10-15 VIOLA Robert Camp 1187
10-19 V101in Lrs. J . D. Lu?ton Atl10-21 Violin Dominick Ulissi 1168
10-31 V1ol1n hrs ' •C. Lardln # 86 Ga.
11- 6 V101in Mrs F. J . Oakes #65 Ga.11-10 Viol1n Robt. Harrison #88 Atl11-14 ViolL., Mrs. M. Stopinski Fla
ill.:!#112 VIOLA Robert Harrison
120 Violin Ralph Winkler121 Violin Florence Black122 'Cello. Charles Medlin123 Violin124 Violin
125 Violin126 V1ol1n127 'Cello128 V1ol1n129 'Cello130 VIOLA131 Viol1n
132 VIOLA133 Violin134 Violin135 Violin136 'Cello137 VIOLA138 'Cello140 Violin141 Violin
145 Violin146 VIOLA149 Violin150 Violin
154 Violin
NO'lES.
Harold CampJoan Cruthirds
Alies Keith ?fohlJane t o l t zHarry DunscombeClara L1vingston
Un!v. of Floricia.Yniv. of Florida
Mrs • \ l. 'Ii. l'.a.rttnS&l.ly .BinghamTom Daggy
GallassiSugonongNina ~ a l k e rVladimir LukashukOwen F. SellersNancy CirilloJ . J . E a r n . ~ a r d tKaren .BeallDorothy Flory
Mrs l-1ar1e RobertsC. C. Gerry
I<lrs
Kathryn Powell
x indicates a 3/4 violinAtl - Atlanta, Georgia
Nwabers. not c.ates shownfor 1955 and following
Atl
N.Y •UtahN.C.FlaTexN• Cj · ~ c hKy.Fla
N.C.Fl .
N.C.La.Ala
N.C.Ky.FlaN.Y.N.C,TennFlaFla
Fla
11-20 ~ i ~ h ~ ~ n ~ ~ ~ J z ~ f ~ ; :ill!!1- 2 VIOLA1- 9 Violin1-12 Violin
1-28 V1ol1n3- 6 VIOLA6-23 V101in8-16 VIOLA
Benj. Goodsell #90
Some numbers available for
1953 and 1954 are sholm
Violin
8-25 Violin8-30 Violin8-30 V1ol1n9- 9 VIOLA
10- 5 V10lin
10-26 Violin
Anna Papas AtlJoseph Nadelle N.Y.
MrsJ.£.
Wells 191 AtlC, V. ReavesC. E. Blye i f 110 FI,.,Patricia Hirschoren OhioBil l Tri t t #105 II.C.Mrs Mary Walsh #106 N.C.Bri t t B. Moore #113 N.C.Robt. Harrison #114 AtlBenj. Goodsell ii63
Sam lIochenberg ;v83 !I.Y.leRoy Henclricks Atl
#139 became142 "
155 "164 "165 "20.37 "
#J.642016
16820022003
2093
For .143 see year 19571 4 7 " "1956 .148" "1956151" "19561 5 2 " "1956
#144 and #153 Unassigned
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DUDLEY rlEED Ins t:=:'Wllents (Cont'd)
Herbert 5 i lbersack OhioDorothy rtussell Long Va.Hrs. G. L. Gent::q
Univ. of FloridaJames C. Pfohl N.C.?
Galassi1-:iss Jeneve i'larrenUniv. of FloridaUniv. of Florida?
University of Florida
1956
#147 Violin148 Violin151 Violin
152 Violin156 Bass157 Violin158 Violin159 'Cello160 VIOLA161 'Cello162 VIOLA163 Bass166 Violin167 Violin168 VIOLA169 Violin
2002 Violin2003 Violin2004 VIOLA2005 Violin2006 Violin2007 'Cello2008 Violin2009 'Cello2010 Violin2011 Violin2012 Violin
1957
#143 Violin#2013 VIOLA2014 Violin2015 VIOLA2016 Violin2017 Violin2018 Violin.2019 Violin2020 VIOLA2021 VIOLA
1958
#2022 'Cello2023 Violin2024 Violin2025 VIOLA
Sam NochenbergKurt BielerC. E. BuchanonUniv. of Florida
Bernie JacobsonFred BeckPaskellDr. SmithRobert HarrisonUniv. of IdahoWilliam HutchinsJane BishopUniv. of FloridaDrix GeorgeDorothy Flory
Nrs C. \1. ReavesFran.'!{ '11. \o1oodsNrs. Earnest CaseyBenjamin GoodsellChas. C. NcAlleyDr. J. J. Baer, Jr
John S. SudaDonald CoeUniv. of FloridaBoris Kroyt.
Univ. of FloridaUniv. of FloridaPam SorensenFlorida state Univ.
l { ~ Y •Aust.
FlaAlaH.C.FlaAtlIdaAtl
N.C.
Ga.Fla.
Fla.
D.C.
1959
#2026 Violin2027 Violin2028 Violi..l1
2029 VIOLA2030 VIOLA2031 Violin2032 Violin2033 Violin2034 Violin2035 VIOLA2036 VIOLA
1960
2038 Violin2039 VIOLA2040 VIOLA
2041 Violin2042 Violin2043 'Cello2044 Violin2045 VIOLA2046 VIOLA2047 Violin2048 "Cello2049 Violin2050 VIOLA
1961
#2051 'Cello2052 Violin2053 'Cello2054 Violin2055 Violin2056 Vio11..112057 Violin2058 Violin2059 Violin2060 Violin
1962
#2061 Violin
2062 Violin2063 Violin2064 Violin2065 Violin2066 'Cello2067 VIOLA2068 Violin
Florida State Univ•rt.rs. Verna B. NashPaul Roban
Univ. of FloridaJoe Clodfelter N.C.Jr. League of Jax. F1aBecky Hicks S.C.Dr. ~ J a n d e rHrs. WoodsConverse CollegeS. Venittelli Va.
M-."l"S W. S. Biggers Tex.Dr. ;:a1ter Bishop Ga.uIiiv • of FloridaHrs E. H. Grantham FlaLivingston FlaYarie Henderson Flaliniv. of So. Fla. FlaUniv. of 30. Fla. FlaGrace Wirta1a FlaDale hcCall FlaUniv. of So. Fla. FlaUniv. of Florida
Univ. of So. Fla Fla
E 1 i ~ a b e t h QuallsUniv. of Florida.Univ. of So. Fla. FlaAllen l'roxe1Univ. of So. Fla FlaTon Lm'leCherry Sau.11dersllia.ro.ne Bault
~ l a r y Bennett
LYnn hitherspoon
Esther Holly li.Y.B r u ~ { e r
ArizToa HallDr. Stanley CookBenjamin SweetingArnold ',:1rta1a FlaConverse CollegeHann (Viet liai'il)
DUDLEY rlEED Ins t:='Wllents (Cant 'd )
1956
#147 Violin
148 Violin
1.51 Violin
152 Violin156 Bass
157 Violin158 Violin
159 'Cello
160 VIOLA
161 'Cello162 VIOLA
16} Bass
166 Violin
167 Violin
168 VIOLA169 Violin
2002 Violin200} Violin
2004 VIOLA
2005 Violin
2006 Violin
2007 'Cello2008 Violin
2009 'Cello2010 Violin
2011 Violin
2012 Violin
1957
#14} Violin
#201} VIOLA
2014 Violin
2015 VIOLA2016 Violin
2017 Violin
2018 Violin .
2019 Violin
2020 VIOLA
2021 VIOLA
1958
Herbert S11bersack OhioDorothy Russell Long Va .Hrs. G. L. Gentry
Univ. of FloriaaJames C. Pfohl N.C.
?Galassi
Elss Jeneve Warren
Univ. of FloridaUniv. of Florida
?University of Florida
Sam !;ochen'bere Y •
Kurt Bieler Aust.
C. E. BuchanonUniv. of Florida
Bernie Jacobson FlaFred :Beck Ala
Faskell N. C.Dr. Smith FlaRobert Harrison AtlUnlv, of Idaho Ida
William Hutchins Atl
Jane Bishop
Univ . of Florida
Dr1.x GeorbeDorothy Flory
Mrs C. U. ReavesFran.!( 'J. Woo:is
!<irs . Zarnest CaseyBenjamin Goodsell
Chas. C. NcAlley
Dr. J . J. 3a.er, Jr
John S . SudaDonald Cae
Univ. of FloridaBorls Kroyt
N. C.
Ga.Fla .
Fla .
D. C.
#2022 'Cello Unlv. of Florida202} Violin Univ . of Florida
2024 Violin Pam Sorensen
2025 VIOLA Florida state i,;niv.
1959
#2026 Violin
2027 Violin
2028 ViolL'l
2029 VIOLA20}0 VIOLA
20)1 Violin
20}2 Violin
20}} Violin
20}4 Violin
20}5 VIOLA
20}6 VIOLA
1960
20}8 Violin
20}9 VIOLA
2040 VIOLA
2041 Violin2042 Violin
204) ' Cello
2044 Violin
2045 VIOLA
2046 VIOLA
2047 Violin
2048 "Cello
2049 Violin
2050 VIOLA
1961
#20.51 'Cello2052 Violin
205} 'Gello
2054 Violin
2055 Violin
2056 ViolL"!
2057 Violin
2058 Violi."l
2059 Violin
2060 Violin
1962
#2061 Violin
2062 Violin206} Violin
2064 Violin
2065 Violin
2066 'Cello
2067 VIOLA
2068 Violin
Florida state Unlv.
fo'lIS. Verna B. NashFaul Hoban
Univ. of FloridaJoe Clodfelter N.C .Jr . League of Jax . Fla
Becky Hicks S . C.Dr . ;lander
Mrs. Woods
Converse College
S . Venittell i Va .
¥IIS W. S. Biggers Tex.Dr. : a l t e r Bishop Ga.uriiv . of Florida}:r.; E. H. Gra..TJ.tharn. Fla
Livinoston Fla
Y:a.rie Henderson Fla
Gniv. of So. Fla. Fla
iJniv. of 3 0. Fla . Fla
Grace Wirtala Fla
Dale heCali Fla
Univ. of So . Fla. FlaUniv. of Florida
Univ. of So. F1.a Fla
Elizabeth Qual l s
Univ. of Floricla
Univ . of So . Fla.
Allen 'i'roxelUniv. of So . Fla
Ton Lowe
Cherry SaundersDianne 3aultHary BelUlettLynn hltherspoon
Esther !iolly
Bruoa,kerT O ~ , n<!.llDr. Stanley Cook
13enjanin S".eetingArnold :artala.
Converse Colleee
Hann (Viet liam)
Fla
Fla
N.Y.Ar iz
Fla
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DUDLEY RESD In.st!"\l!nents (Cont'd)
1971
? Violin Dudley's Last (unsold)
DUDLEY'S shop was closedin November 1971
1963
#2069 'Cello H. Isark2070 Violin Hrs. Dean Harshall Fla2071 Violin U P ~ v . of So. Fla. Fla
2072 Violin i:::!"...£; • Fla2073 Violin Dr iier..-ton Ailebach
1964
#2074 VIOL.<\ Univ. of So. Fla. Fla
2075 VIOLA Univ. of So. Fla. Fla2076 VIOLA Dr. Root. Carson Fla
2077 Violin Pierre Jean Fla2078 Violin Univ. of So. Fla. Fla
1965
#2079 Violin G. J. Michaelides
2080 Violin Mike Heifitz2081 VIOLA Joe Clodfelter N.C.2082 'Cello Judy Clodfelter N.C.2083 ViolL", Joe Clodfelter c.2084 Violin Sam HcFadden Fla2085 Violin George Curtington Ala2086 'Cello Hrs. Frank Holly N.Y.
1966
#2087 VIOLA Waldrop Fla2088 VIOLA A u b ~ ~ University Ga.2089 VIOLA Jose HodribUez Ala
2090 Violin Auburn University Ga.
1967
#2091 Violin Robert Camp Ala2092 Violin June G. Beasley
2093 VIOLA Hugh Partridge2094 VIOLA C. E. Bucha.."l.on
1970
#2106 ViolL",2107 Violin2108 VIOLA
2109 ~ l I O L A2110 Violin2111 'Cello
David DavidsonHelen !;.;dwards
1·;iss Shirley Hyers
Carolyn Tyner?
(linfinished)
Fla
W.Va.
Fla
1968
#2095 Violin2096 Violin2097 Violin
2098 Violin2099 VIOLA2100 Violin2101 VIOLA2102 VIOLA2103 Violin
~ l i c h a e l Holmes Kas.
Karen Casey N.Y•
lXs. Cecil S m i t h ~Carolyn Tyner Fla.1·:S Rebecca iialdropKaren liorlhy Fla. : ~ ~ say thisDr. Robert Cade 97l·!rs. C. Ian HoodRichard Schlub Ohio
was his best violin.
1969
196}
#2069 'Cello
2070 Violin
2071 Violin
2072 Violin2073 Violin
1964
#2074 VIOLA
2075 VIOr. ,
2076 VICLA
2077 Violin2078 Violin
l2§2
#2079 Violin
2080 Violin2081 VIOLA
2082 'Cello2083 ViolLo
2084 Violin2085 Violin2086 'Celio
1966
#2087 VIOLA
2088 VIOLA
2089 VIOLA
2090 Violin
1967
#2091 Viol in2092 Violin2093 VIOLA
2094 VIOLA
1968
#2095 ViolLo2096 Violin
2097 Violin
2098 Violin2099 VIOLA
2100 Violin
2101 VIOLA
2102 VIOLA
2103 Violin
1969
DUDlEY PEE:D lns trll:nents (Cont 'd)
1970
H. Isark #2106 ViolLo David Davidson FlaMrs. Dean Ha:!':'3ha.l l Fla 2107 Violin He len !!: dwardsUniv . of So . Fla. Fla 2108 VIOLA Liss Shirley r·lyers W.Va.. " l " I"-..... -+w. Fla 2109 n OLA (:arol:;l1 Tyner FlaDr iie,,-"ton Ailebach 2110 Violin ?
2111 'Cello (unfinished)
Univ . of So . Fla. Fla 1971
Univ . of So . Fla . Fla ? Violin Dudley ' s Last (unsold)Dr. Root . Carson Fla D u ~ L E Y shop was closedPie!"re Jean FlaUniv, of So . Fla. Fla 1n Xovember 1971
G. J . Michaelides
MiJte Heif i tzJoe Clodfel ter H. C.Judy Clodfelter N. C.Joe Clodfel ter rr .C .
Sa.r:l NcFadden FlaCeor;e C u r t l ~ o n Al a
Hrs . Frank Holly N.Y.
Waldrop FlaAubuL-n University Ga .
Jose Rodriti\lcz Ala
Auburn University Ga.
Robert Camp AlaJune G. BeasleyHueh Partridge
c. E. Bucha."lon
Hichael Hol mes Kas .Karen Casey N. Y•!;rs . Cecil S r : r l . t h ~Carolyn Tyner Fla .l':S Rebecca WaldropKaren l!orthy Fla . Some say th is was hi s best violin .
Dr. Robert Cade #2097
Hrs . C. Ian HoodRichard. Schl ub Oh i o