The People of the ODPC |
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Elgia HickokIn September 1963, Elgia C. Hickok founded the ORIGINAL DULCIMER
PLAYERS CLUB in Michigan. It was the first dulcimer club in America.
Through this club, many people were introduced to the captivating sound of the
dulcimer.
The outstanding role of Elgia C. Hickok and the ODPC in the revival of dulcimers in America is documented in the Smithsonian publication, The Hammered Dulcimer in America, by Nancy Groce, published in 1983. The ORIGINAL DULCIMER PLAYER'S CLUB created a market for the instrument and prompted builders to begin building again. The younger generation learned from the older generation to build and to play. And so, the dulcimer revival began and continues today. |
Lilah GillettLilah Hickok Gillett, charter member of the O.D.P.C., and co-founder of
the Prairie Duclimer Club of Kansas City area, gives music her
full-time commitment by teaching, performing, recording, and publishing
books of tunes and instruction for the hammered dulcimer.
She has been awarded the title "Master Folk Artist" by both Kansas and Missouri, making her the only person to receive this award in two states. Her contribution to folk culture has been significant. Lilah, who learned to play the dulcimer by watching her father, Elgia Hickok play, was raised in a family with long-standing tradition of enjoying dulcimer. She has entertained thousands at special events and festivals, and continues to pass her special skills on to many eager apprentices. |
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Gene Cox1982 photo In the early days of the ODPC, Gene and his wife Esther were
from Hickory Corners, MI. Gene was that kind of person that every organization
needs.... he was a catalyst. He was the person who would
notice a newcomer and make sure they were welcomed. He also
made it his business to make sure like minded musicians met each other.
Gene was a founding member of the ODPC and its president from
1967 to 1981. Audio from first ODPC meeting,1963 (scroll down to Gene Cox) Audio from first FunFest, 1973 (scroll down to Gene Cox) Interview with Gene from 1982 |
Viola Cox1982 photo Viola Cox was Gene's mother.
She played the dulcimer and was an integral part of the club
until her death. She played many tunes that became a part of
the club repertoire but she didn't always remember the names.
"Viola's Favorite" was one that is still played today.
Another un-named tune that appears on the recording of the
first Funfest was renamed "Viola's Other Favorite" by Paul Goelz.
Interview from 1982 |
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Bob Spinner
1982 photo Bob Spinner was from Elk Rapids, MI and was playing in public before many of us had even thought about the dulcimer. He had an old beat up dulcimer that had a unique "plunky" sound that was perfect for jams because it didn't have as much sustain as most dulcimers did back then. It was only around 11 courses but he could coax the most amazing variety of keys out of it. In addition to the usual dulcimer repertoire of the day, he also played Polish and Hungarian music on the dulcimer and four string banjo. Bob was one of those treasures that don't come along every day. He was simultaneously the LOUDEST and the gentlest player I have ever heard. He could rise above any jam session, and then in the next breath could coax the gentlest and most musical sounds out of his old dulcimer. And where in the world he found those notes he used for the gypsy music he could play.... all I can say is that you DON'T have to have a chromatic instrument! His sure wasn't. Paul Goelz, 2011 Bob Spinner video collection on Paul Goelz's YouTube channel Audio from first ODPC meeting, 1963 (scroll down to Bob Spinner) Audio from first FunFest, 1973 (scroll down to Bob Spinner) |
Glen
Morningstar
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Judi
Morningstar 1982 photo |
Harley and Cloise SinclairStage set, 1982 (un-edited) |
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The Rascals |
Jay Round1982 photo In
addition to being a fine hammered dulcimer player, Jay was the
president of the ODPC from 1981 to 1983.
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Bill Webster1982 photo |
Paul Gifford |
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Bob Hubbach1982 photo |
Ceece Horodko (Webster)1982 photos |
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Bill White1982 photo |
The Olde MichiganRuffwater String Band1982 photo (30 seconds before the big storm) |
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Wes
Linenkugel 1982 photo Another
long time past president in the late 80s, Wes lives in Toledo Ohio.
Wes was a fixture on the Saturday evening show for many
years.
He could play faster than anyone and proved it regularly.
He also had other intersting tricks like the tune he wrote
and
played while crossing and un-crossing his hands. Wes is also
very multi-talented and in addition to the dulcimer he plays bass and a
wide variety of instruments.
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Jim
Herald
1982 photo Jim
was around for the start of the ODPC... see below for an audio
recording from the first ODPC meeting in 1963 as well as video from
1982.
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Paul Goelz 1982 photo
Originally from Evanston IL and currently living in Rochester Hills, MI,
Paul Goelz has attended Funfest
from about 1975 to the present. He is also responsible for these history pages.
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