Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #148486
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Description
Melodeons are keyboard instruments invented in Buffalo, New York in the 1830s. Similar to accordions, melodeons use reeds and airflow to create sounds, but the musician pumps the instrument by foot rather than using their arms.
Melodeons were popular with rural Maine congregations and for personal use in homes because they require little maintenance and are portable. The instruments are smaller and less expensive than pianos, yet they have a very loud and pleasing organ sound. Parishioners carried this fold-up melodeon to West Cumberland Methodist Church each Sunday where Evelina D. Morrill Montfort played it for the congregation.
About This Item
- Title: Melodeon, West Cumberland, ca. 1850
- Creator: Farley and Pearson
- Creation Date: circa 1850
- Subject Date: circa 1850
- Location: West Cumberland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Rosewood, Ivory, Leather, Cloth, Brass
- Dimensions: 76.2 cm x 66 cm x 35.6 cm
- Local Code: 2546-67
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Church music--Maine--West Cumberland
- Keyboard instruments--Maine--West Cumberland
- Melodeon (Button-key accordion)
- Methodist Church--Maine--West Cumberland
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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