1901 Sheet Music w/ TRAIN PHOTO COVER Wichita Kansas

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The sheet music in this auction, which was published in Wichita, Kansas by Thos. Shaw in 1901, is titled "Somebody's Sister". The words and music were written by Felix McNeal and arranged by E. Collett.Nothing is known about Felix McNeal, other than the fact that he was a Wichita resident. A bit more is known about the publisher, although details are sketchy. Thos. Shaw, who was known in Wichita as the "Music Man", owned a music store. According to an ad he ran, the business was that of a "Jobber and Retailer of Pianos, Organs and Musical Merchandise, Guitars, Banjos, Violins, Mandolins, Strings and Repairs, Sheet Music, Music Books, Brass Band and Orchestra Music," They also repaired musical instruments. In addition to this, Shaw was the head of Shaw's Orchestra, which made musicians available for weddings, parties and other events. Like many small town music publishers, the publishing business was just a minor sideline to his real business...that's why sheet music from these small publishing businesses is difficult to find.The song itself is "Dedicated to the Railroad Trainmen of America". It's difficult to say whether this was meant to refer to trainmen in general or the association known as the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. We also don't know whether or not this dedication was because either the composer or publisher had a connection with the Trainmen or if they just saw this as a marketing ploy in order to increase their sales.Finally, we come to the front cover photo. It seems to match the song lyrics which tell the tale of a poor girl who is begging, at the train depot, for "a few pennies to take her back home once more." The cover photo shows a semi-circle of men gatd about a somewhat dejected looking (and poorly dressed) young woman. Although it's possible that the picture was a generic scene that the publisher thought matched well with the sheet music, I have the feeling that it was probably taken, in the Wichita area, especially for this cover. However, speculation aside, it still makes for a great looking cover.The sheet music in this auction is large format and measures about 10-1/2 by 13-3/4 inches. The large photo of the train with the conductor prominently shown in the middle is clearly printed and shows a lot of detail on the suited gentlemen on the train, the newsboy, the crowd and the girl. Itâe(tm)s printed as a blue duotone. The rest of the type on the cover is red. T is some dust smudging along the edges (my scan accentuates it, itâe(tm)s not as dark as it looks when I view the posting on my computer). T are some indentations in the paper from handling, and some light bends at the corners and one near the spine below the photo. T is a 1/4-inch edge tear on the right edge. The spine inside is taped top to bottom, and t is a small piece of tape on the inside page edge. On the back cover, t are four pieces of tape -- one 4-inch piece strengthening the edge w a small notch of paper is missing and three near the top strengthening the paper. Inside, the music is complete and is printed on three pages.I have more sheet music on eBay this week. To see them, click Thanks...and Good Luck!!!Terms of Sale: Checks must clear before shipment...PayPal or money order ships within 2 days (I go to the Post Office twice a week). Illinois residents must pay sales tax. If you are the High Bidder, you must confirm your winning bid within 3 days after auction ends. Payment must be received within 10 days after auction ends (unless prior arrangements are made) or seller reserves the right to void this sale without further notification.SHIPPING: Successful bidder pays shipping costs. Shipping in the US is $4.60, via Priority Mail. Although t are slightly less expensive ways to ship, using Priority Mail allows me to provide the best (and safest) method of packing your purchases and is the only way I ship. PLEASE NOTE: I do not charge a handling fee and additional pieces of sheet music, purchased at the same time, do not involve a... read more

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