Tonica Music Association Records, 1902-1906 | Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

Scope and Contents:

This collection contains a record book of meeting minutes from the Tonica Music Association, from its first meeting in 1902 to May 21, 1906. The first pages of the volume discuss the founding of the organization. Mrs. Barrass was elected the first president of the association, and a Mr. Barrass was elected Music Director. Margaret Cowell, presumably the author of this record book, was the first secretary. The group thanks the Ladies of the Congregational Church for the use of their room.

Biographical/Historical Context:

The village of Tonica, LaSalle County, Illinois, was founded in the mid-19th century as a stop on the Illinois Central Railroad about a hundred miles southwest of Chicago. The Tonica Music Association was founded in Tonica in 1902. The co-ed group was dedicated organizing musical events and shows in their community.

Acquisition Source: The Library purchased this collection with support from the Bruce C. Creamer fund in 2022, along with record books from the Ladies Missionary Society of the Congregational Church (MS 1120) and the Tonica Grange Number 213 (MS 1121).