[Harp-L] The Revolutionary harp

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

In an effort to add "depth" to this argument about the Civil War harmonica, I 
will include the full text of the Executive Declaration issued by Mich. Gov. 
James J. Blanchard in observance of August 28 - September 2, 1989 as Harmonica 
Week. It is 4 paragraphs long.

I first encountered SPAH in 1989 when I heard about Blues Night on a Thursday 
evening at a hotel near the Detroit Metro Airport. I went out to the hotel, 
saw the show and picked up was an official-looking certificate printed in blue 
ink on white paper. It was the governor's executive declaration for Harmonica 
Week 1989.

If anyone is looking for proof of the early appearance of the harmonica, this 
certificate traces the harmonica back to "the revolutionary days of the 
colonies, around campfires in the old west." 

SPAH (which sponsors Harp-l) was set up in Michigan to avoid the convolutions 
of incorporating in every state. Since SPAH started in the Detroit area, it 
made sense to incorporate it in Michigan. 

The declaration:

"The harmonica--that small rectangular instrument that can emit a sound 
belying its size--is an essential part of the musical heritage of this state and 
nation. It is an instrument that can be played by people of all ages, a fact 
contributing to its popularity across our nation for decades. The harmonica was 
played during the revolutionary days of the colonies, around campfires in the 
old west, as an essential component of jazz in New Orleans, and is a continuous 
contributor to our contemporary music era.

"The familiar harmonica sound has the uncanny ability to trigger memories. 
Many of us owned harmonicas as children or knew an accomplished player. 
Professionally performed in such groups as the Jerry Murad 'Harmonicats,' The 
Generation Gap, the 'Harmonica Express,' and the "Original Harmonica Band,' the 
harmonica can entertain with the wail of the sorrowful blues and the smiling 
staccato of an upbeat melody. Indeed, harmonica music is compelling.

"The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH) was 
organized 26 years ago to promote the harmonica and revive interest in and 
appreciation for the distinct harmonica sound. Its membership has grown to 
include students, teachers, professionals and fans who regularly volunteer their 
time to promote an instrument that encompasses pop, jazz, blues, harmonicists 
from around the world will gather in Detroit during Harmonica Week to celebrate 
this occasion.

Therefore, I, James J. Blanchard, Governor of the State of Michigan do hereby 
declare August 28 through September 2, 1989 as HARMONICA WEEK in Michigan. I 
encourage all citizens to recognize the significant role of the harmonica in 
the world of music. Please join me in commemorating this important observance."

Phil Lloyd/






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