Many a carol played on steamboat-era piano

This 1880s Estey piano came out of Nelson Hotel that was located on Lord Mott Road just outside of Urbanna. Long before radio and other mass media came along, songs of Christmas were sung by those who gathered around this type of piano. The old piano is owned by Jane Birchard of Urbanna, whose father brought the piano home from the hotel for his children to learn to play. (Photo by Larry Chowning)

by Larry Chowning – 

Oh, if only that old piano could play back the songs and tunes that were once belted out on her keyboard long ago — just like if those old walls could talk.

If an old piano could play back in time its old music, Jane Birchard’s upright Estey piano that came from the old Nelson Hotel would provide a glimpse into Urbanna’s historical entertainment, long before radios and record players were household items.

Southside Sentinel
Southside Sentinelhttps://ssentinel.com
The Southside Sentinel has been serving Middlesex County and the adjacent region since April 9, 1896; SSentinel.com since 1997.
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