dudley reed fiddle maker

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CLARENCE W I LL IAM REAVES

GAINESV ll . .l . .E . F l ..OR IOA 3 2 6 0 3

T E ~ E P H O N E (904) 3 7 7 ~ 7 3 9

HE: Memorial to Dudley and Martha Reed by the Reaves Family

As a memorial to Dudley Reed for his g re at con tr ibuti on

to s t r ing players everywhere with the f ine s t r ing instruments

he made and to his wife, Martha, the heaves Family of Gaines-

v i l l e , Florida (Clarence and the Re2ves Family String Quartet ,

Dorothy , Carolyn , Martha and Florence) a re p re sentin g copies

of the book, DUDLEY REED, FIDDLE 1UXER by his brother, Howard

Heed (1974) to the Music Library a t the music Department of the

Universi ty of F lorida , to the Florida Room in the University ofFlorida Library on campus and to the Library a t the Brevard

Music center , Brevard, N. C.

This presentation is made with honor, love and esteem for

our dear fr iends, Dudley and Martha Reed.

CLARENCE WILL IAM REAVES

11;130 N .W . Dn . " ' v rGAINESVII -L .E. FLORIDA 3 2 6 0 3

RE: Memorial to Dudley and Martha Reed by the Reaves Family

As a memorial to Dudley Reed for his great contribution

to string players everywhere with the fine str ing instruments

he made and to his wife, Marthu, the .t"i.eaves Family of Gaines-

vi l le , Florida (Clarence and the Reaves Family St ring Quartet,

Dorothy, Carolyn, Martha and Florence) are presenting copies

of the book, DUDLEY REED, FIDDLE MAKER by his brother, Howard

Reed (1974), to the Music Library at the Music Department of t he

Univer s i ty of Florida, to the Florida Room in the University of

Florida Library on campus and to the Library at the Brevard

Mus ic Center , Brevard, N. C.

This present2.tion i s made with honor, love and esteem for

our de ar friends, Dudley and Martha Reed.



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* ** *DUDLEY REED *

* ** Fiddle Maker *

* ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A MEMORIAL

by his brother, Howard Reed

July 1974

* * * *

Dedicated to Martha

* * * *

Undoubtedly, the violin was Dudley's dominant

in teres t . But it. was entw ined with a l l o th er f ac et sof his l i f e . Since his knowledge and sk i l l developed

gradually, violin-making was an avocation Wltil about

1950; h is l iv el ihood r equi red o the r in teres ts .

My brother, James, my s i s t e r and many staunch

friends have shown a devoted in teres t in his l i f e and

in his accomplishments. So I am writing his story as

I know i t . My knowledge i s necessa r ily l imited; long

miles separated us most of our l ives . His good wife,Martha, has been of much help.

Lovingly, I write to his memory for I am very

proud of him. I f I appear to extol him - so be i t !

+ + ****.*. .. ... ... ... ... + +

+ ++ ++ DUDL EY R E E D +

+ ++ Fiddle Make r

++ +... ... ... ... .. .................. ... ... ... ...

.\ MEMORIAL

by bis brother Howard Reed

July 1974

......... ...

Dedica.ted to Martha.

............

Undoubtedly. the violin was Dudley 's dominant

interest . But 1 was entwined with a l l other facetsof his l l f e . Since h i s knowledge and sk i l l developed

grad.ua.lly , violin-making was an avocation W lt il about

19501 his livelihood required other interests.My brother, James, my s is ter and many s taunch

friends have shown a devoted interest in his l l fe and

in his accomplishments. So I am writ ing his s tory as

I know i t . My knowledge i s necessar i ly l imi ted; long

Jdles separated us most of our l i ves . His good wife ,Martha , has been of much help.

Lov1.ngl.y , I write to his memory for I am very

proud of him. I f I appear to extol him - so be i t !



DUDLEY REED

Fiddle Maker

"a bet ter fiddle"

"What f i r s t prompted you to make a vio l in , Dudley?" Idly watching

my brother as he worked i n ten tl y, p at ient ly and with evi dent loving car e on

a new vio l in , I was expressing a long-held curiosi ty. Most of his other

act iv i t ies seemed natural enough. He learned to fly only a few years a:f'ter

World War "I" when airplanes were the "new" thing. Mechanical ski l ls were

almost inborn with both of us. The automobile had. essentia l ly established

i t s e l f , though a horse s t i l l had i t s place in th e country . And wanderlusti s a par t of everyone. But wm r th e v io lin ?

In answer, he recalled tha t when he entered high school, he wished

to kite lessons on the violin - - he already had some piano. So he bought

an instrument recomoended by his teacher, and as good as he could afford. a t

tha t time. But as he progressed, he became dissatisf ied. Somehow, he made

contact with a violin maker - - maybe his needed repair , I don' t know - - and

he saw something of the viol in 's construction. Whatever it was, he said to

himself, "I can make a bet ter fiddle than the one I have."

Jus t when this idea originated, I do not know. But, I do know that

i t led to the drive, the motivation, that was to dominate his l i f e ; to bring

to him the joy of accomplishment, and o f f ul fi llmen t. " I can make a better

fiddle" - - can ' t you sense the dis c on te nt, as well as the determination and.

self-confidence in those words? How characteris t ic of h is e ntir e l i fe! He

was a t ru e ind iv idual is t and perfect ionis t . And i f a thing was within his

abi l i ty , he persevered, confident of success. So this thread, th is pursuit

of the bet ter violin , was woven w i t h o u ~ a break through each episode in the

tapestry of his l i fe I thin a t t imes, this thread broadened into the colorand bril l iance marking a dream ach ieved, only to be snipped nea r l i fe ' s end.

by the d is as te r o f eyesight that failed.

* * * * * * *

D U D L E Y R E E D

Flddle Maker

Ita bet ter fiddle"

"What f i r s t prompted you to make a viol ln , Dudley?" Idly watching

my brother as he worked intently. patiently and with evident loving care on

a new vio l in , I was expressing a long-held cur iosity . Most of his other

ac t iv i t i e s seemed natural enough. He learned to f ly only a few years af ' ter

World War "I" when airplanes were the "new" thing. Mechanical sk i l l s were

almost inborn with both of us. The autoIr.ooile had essentia l ly established

l t s e l f , though a horse s t i l l had. i t s place in the country. And. wanderlust

i s a part of everyone. But why the violin?

In answer, he recaJ.led that when he entered high school, he wished

to ta.1te lessons on the violin ..- he already had some piano. So he bought

an instrument recoonended by his teacher, and as good as he could afford at

that t ime. Bu t as he progressed, he became dissa t ls f ied. Somehow, he made

contact with a viol in Maker - - maybe his needed repair , I don' t know - - and

he saw something of the viol in 's construction. Whatever it was, he said to

himself, " I can make a bet ter fiddle than the one I have."

Just when th is idea originated, I do not know . But, I do know tha t

it led to the drive J the motivation, tha t was to dominate his l i fe I to bring

to him the jo y of accomplishment, an d of fulf i llment . " I can make a better

fiddle" - - cant t you sense the discontent. as well as the determination and.

self-confidence in those words? How characteris t ic of his ent i re l i fe ! He

was a t rue individual is t and perfect ionis t . And if a th ing was within his

ab1J.ity, he persevered, confident of success . So th is thread. th is pursui t

of the bet ter violin, was woven without a break through each episode in the

tapestry of his l i f e , th in a t t imes, th is thread broadened into the colorand. bri l l iance marking a dream achieved, only to be snipped near life 's en d

by the disaster of eyesight tha t fai led •

•••• * ••



-2-

I - - THE EARLY YEARS

Dudley Breckenridge Reed was born April 16, 1900 at Palmer, Washing

ton County, Ohio, son of J . Fletcher Reed and Lucy Bell (Breckenridge), and

given the name of our mother's f avor it e b ro ther , Dudley S. Breckenridge.

Good-natured and friendly, he grew up in the country, doing the errands any

farm boy usually does, attending country school, roaming the rol l ing hi l ls

and woodlands, m:i.ngling with kind and friendly neighbors, developing a fine

mind and body and those qual.ities o f cha ra cte r that would serve him well.

But in September 1912, our gentle, kind and good mother passed away

in the prime of l i fe a shattering blow to the three of us, Dudley, our

fa.ther, and myself. I t was a cr i s i s indeed for my twelve ye ar old brother.

Dad did his best but he also had his own diff icul t ies . And I returned to a

disrupted, unhappy second col lege yea r. So Dudley was much alone to carry

his grief inwardly, and with nobody in whom to confide. The sorrow struck

deep in to h is se ns itiv e soul. Fortunately, a cousin who came to look af te r

the i r needs, helped much to provide a b it of the needed affect ion.

Several months la ter , Father married a fine person, Lucy A. Palmer,

who earnestly t r ied to make a pleasant home. But again it was a di f f icu l t

time for Dudley - - she was not Mother. l>l1nds and hearts did not quite meet.

But happily, with maturity and the passing of yea rs , th er e came respect and

affect ion. Always, she had our wel fa re a t heart , worri ed about us as her

own, and welcomed us when we returned. Both of us mourned her demise a few

years ago. Our s i s t e r , Hargaret, and brother, James, her children, as well

as Dudley and myself, were ~ f amily, uni ted and with mutual affect ion.

An occurrence when he was about fourteen indicates his industry and

will-to-succeed. By rais ing a prize acre of corn, he earned a tour to Wash

ington, D.C. with other 4-H Club winners. I t was a big moment for him. He

wanted tha t t r ip and he got i t !

In 1915 he entered McConnelsville High School. Here the violin and

his l i fe were wedded - - not as the ski l led musician, for he had his l imi ts ,but love of the violin increased, d esire fo r tha t "better fiddle" was fixed

and his ear tr ai ned f or t rue tone. He told the story of one of his musical

friends who l is tened one day and. said; "Dudley, why don't you jus t make the

viol in and le t another ~ i t . " Then he'd chuckle about the cri t icism.

He t ransferred to Marietta High School and graduated June 13, 1919.

A year a t Harietta College fol lowed.

-2 -

I - - TIl!; EARLY YEARS

Dudley Breckenridge Reed was born April 16, 1900 a t Palmer, Washing

to n County, Ohlo, son of J . Fletcher Reed and Lucy Bell (Breckenridge), and

given the name of our mother 's faVorite brother, Dudley S. Breckenridge .

Good-natured and fr iendly, he grew up in the country, doing the errands any

farm boy usually does t attending country school, roaming the rol l ing hi l l s

and. woodlands, ~ n g l l n g with kind and. friendly neighbors, developing a fine

mind and body and those qualities of character that would serve him well.

But in September 1912, our gentle, kind and good mother passed away

in the prime of 11fe a shattering blow to the three of us t Dudley, our

father, and myself. I t was a crisis indeed for my twelve year old brother.

Dad. d.1d h is best but he also had h is Olffl d1ff lcult les . And I returned to a

disrupted, unhappy second. college year , So Dudley was much alone to carryhis gr ie f Inwa.rdly, and with nobody in whOll to confide. The sorrow struck

deep in to his sensi t ive soul. Fortunately, a cousin who came to look af'ter

their needs, helped much to provide a b it of the needed affection.

Several months la ter , Fa.ther married a. fine person, Lucy A. Palmer.

who earnestly t r ied to make a pleasant home. But again it was a di f f icu l t

time for Dudley - - she was not Mother. ~ 1 1 n d . s and hearts did not quite meet.

But happily, with maturity and. the passing of years, there came respect and

affect ion. Always, sh e ha d our welfare at heart , worried about us as her

own, and welcomed us when we returned. Both of us mourned her demise a few

years ago. Our s i s t e r , Nargaret, and brother, JaJr.es , her children, as well

as Dudley and myself, were one family, united and with mutual affect ion.

An occurrence when he was about fourteen indicates his industry and

w111-to-succeed. By rais ing a prize acre of corn, he earned a tour to Wash

ington, D.C. with other 4-H Club winners. I t was a big moment for him. He

wanted tha t t r ip and. he got i t !

In 1915 he entered McConnelsville High School . Here the violin and

his l i fe were wedded - - not as the ski l led musician, for be had his l im1ts,but l ove of the viol in increased, desire for tha t "bet ter fiddle" was fixed

and his ear t rained for t rue tone. He to ld the story of one of his musical

friends who l is tened one da y and s u d l "Dudley, why don' t you j us t ~ the

viol in and l e t another ~ i t . " Then he'd chuckle about the cri t ic ise .

He t ransferred to Marietta High School and gxaduated June 13. 1919 .

A year a t Harletta College followed.



I .

1908

"/1908UDLEY

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i,itrPALHEH SCHOOL

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Rocky Hill on Farm

Off to School 1 9 0 1 ~

Rocky Hill on Farm

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Off to c h o o l -

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--."



-3-

I I - - T'.liE HUNTER

Another facet of DUdley's early l i fe could be termed - - The Hunter.

Playing Ind ian could be considered the beginning. There were the headdress

and lIloccasins made by him, although I suspect a b it of aid was occasionally

rendered by Grandma. (she l ived with us) . Then came the bow and. arrows, his

own craft ing. He would be out prowling, s talking, creeping up on ima.g1na.ry

game. I t seemed to afford h::""'l. a lo t of fun.

Later , when he was ten or twalve, he had a "Daisy" a ir r i f le . When

English sparrows perched on the fence (they abound around farm buildings),

he would pop them off with hardly a miss, becoming an exce ll en t shot . With

r i f l e , or a. shotgun, he hunted the game of the h111s - - rabbits , squirrels ,

pheasants, other game. One of his prized possessions was a muzzle-loading

"Kentucky" squirrel r i f le . He boasted he could bring down a squirrel from

the highest t ree with i t .

He did lIuch serious htmting while he l ived a t Elkins, W.Va., but we

talked very l i t t l e about i t . Game was quite plentiful in the area. He did

t e l l me about a flock of wild turkeys in the mountains, how they had. the i r

sent1nal.s, making it diff icul t to approach close enough for a shot. He was

quite anxious to get one of those turkeys. He never did - - too bad, for he

would have thr i l led to tha t .

Hunting provid.ed one of the important expressions of his l i f e . Butl a t e r his warm, compassionate nature caused a change and. he had no desire

to ki l l game. He said. "The l i t t l e animals have a rig ht to l ive and. enjoy

l i fe also." His r i f le and fine shotgun hung on the i r wall pegs unused:

I t i s interes t ing that Narjorie Kinnan Rawlings, in her book "Cross Creek",

expressed the same feeling. She says; "There was great sport a.t f i r s t in

a l l the hunting. Then it came to sicken me, and now I go to the pines as

a guest and not an int ruder ." Again she says; "I have never killed a deer,

holding my shot in wonder a t the i r beauty •••••• many a hardened hunter has

told me tha t he is done with his deer kill ing." However, each makes clear

dis t inct ion between ki l l ing for sp ort (1) and. ki l l ing for needed food. Nor

did he abandon a l l outdoor recreation - - of course not. In fa.ct, he loved

to f ish. And in Florida, :nany were the t r ips from Gainesville to the Gulf,

especially to Cedar Keys, for a. day of fishing.

* * * * * * *

-)-

I I - - 1"& HUllTER

Another facet of Dudley's early l i fe could be termed - - The Hunter.

Playing Indian could be considered the beginning. There were the headdress

and moccasins made by him, although I suspect a b it of aid was occasionallyrendered by Gnwllna (she l ived with us) . Then came the bow and. arrows, his

own craft ing. He would be out prowllZl8, s ta lk ing , creeping up on ima.g1na.ry

game. I t seemed to a.fford h;;""l. a. lot. of f'un.

Later , when he wa:3 ten or t w l ve , he had a "Daisy" a i r r i f l e . When

English sparrows perched on the fence ( they abound around farm buildings) ,

he would pop them off with hardly a miss I becoming an excellent. shot.. With

r i f le , or & shotgun, he hunted the game of the hUls - rabbits, squirrels,

pheasants , other game . One

"Kentucky" squi r re l r i f l e .

the highest t ree with I t .

of his prized possessions was a muzzle-loading

He boasted he could bring down a squirrel from

He did Iluch ser ious hunting while he l ived a t Elkins , V. Va., but we

talked very l i t t l e abcut i t . Game was quite plen t iM 1n the area. He did

t e l l me about a flock of wild turkeys in the mountains, how they had. the i r

sent1na.ls, Naklng it di f f i cu l t to approach close enough for a shot. He was

quite anxious to get one of those turkeys. He never did - - too bad, for he

would have th r i l l ed to tha t .

Hunting provid.ed one of the important expressloIlS of his l i f e . Butl a t e r his warm, compassionate l\3.tu:re caused a change and he had no desire

to ki l l game. He saida "The l i t t l e animals have a. r ight to l ive and enjoy

l i f e also. I His r i f le and fine shotgun hung on

I t is interes t ing that Narjorie Kinnan Rawlings,

their wall pegs unused!

in her book "Cross Creek",

expressed the same feeling. She says; "There was great sport a t f i rs t i l l

a l l the hwrtlng. Then it came to sicken me, and. now I go to the pines as

a guest and. not an intruder." Again she says; "I have never ki l led a deer,

holding my shot in wonder a t the i r beauty ••••• , ma.ny a hardened hunter has

told me tha t he i s done with his deer kil l ing." However, each makes c lear

dis t inct ion between kil l ing for sport (1) and ki l l ing for needed food. Nor

did. he abandon a l l outdoor recreation - - of course not. In fac t , he loved

to f ish. And in Florida, :na.ny were the t r ips from Gainesville to the Gulf,

especially to Cedar Keys, for a day of fishing,

* * * * * * *



I I I - - TO THE WEST- - -Responding to the urge fo r scenic change (wanderlust). in midswnmer

of 1920. he went to see h is fr ie nd , Lou Miller, who had. a claim. with cabin,

in the Cascades not far from Yakama, Washing ton. Nearby was a lumber camp

where he worked unt i l winter snows caused it to close. So Dudley, Lou and

another fr iend, holed-up fo r the winter in the cabin with a stock of bacon.

f lour , canned goods and other food. But it became evident to him tha t the

Ileat supply was inadequate. He had. purchased a revolver and a hi-powered

.250-)000 Savage r i f l e while working in the camp. So he hunted, day af ter

day, shooting partridge out of the spruce t rees with his revolver (ammuni-

t ion was plen t i fu l and cheaper for t he r evo lve r) . Or he caught fish on the

r i f f l es . or t hrough hole s in the ice with a hook and piece of l ine . I t was

a case of hunt or starve . His companions lacked the abi l i ty to survive in

the t imber. When spring thaws s tar ted . he took the r i f l e along, hoping to

find a bear. so as to p rov id e an ample supply of meat. But no luck. Their

f lour ran short f or b is cu its and hot cakes. So they hunted around the k it

chens of the lumber camp and found sacks of f lour which had. become wet and.

l e f t a hard. crust on the outside. Breaking open th is crust , the f lour inthe center was good. Thus did they survive the winter:

With approach of StL1UIler, he went over into Idaho, near Twin Fal l s ,

and worked in the alfa l fa harvest . Talking a few weeks ago with our cou sin .

Harley Carrel. he mentioned about Dudley working a t his place in Idaho, and.

commended him as a good and resolute worker. He worked in the area several

weeks and - - in true Western sp i r i t - - bought a horse.

In la te sWlU11er. he returned to Ohio. bringing his Savage r i f l e and

his Western saddle - - symbols. a ctu ally . o f his Western sojourn. The youth

had. returned a man. had. returned with self-rel iance. the product of respon

s ib i l i ty and hardship. I think he admi red the West and i t s ways. Maybe it

was tha t which induced the appeal of West Virginia. with i t s mountains and

i t s wild country and i t s people J where for many years he found contentment.

* * * * * * *

I I I - - TO THE ~RespoDd.1ng to the urge fo r scenic change (wanderlust), in midsummer

of 1920, he vent to see his fr iend, Lou M l l e r , who had a claim, with cab1n,

in the Cascades not fa r from Yakama, Washington. Nearby was a lumber camp

where he worked unt i l winter snow caused 1 to close . So Dudley, Lou and.

another friend, holed-up for the winter in the cabin with a stock of bacon,

f lour , canned goods and other food. But 11. became evident to him that the

aeat supply was inadequate. He had purchased a revolver and a hi-powered

.250-)000 Savage r i f le while working in the camp. So he hunted, day af ie r

day, shooting partridge out of th e spruce trees with his revolver (ammuni-

t ion was plent iful and cheaper fo r the revolver) . Or he caught fIsh on the

r i f f les , or through holes in the Ice with a hook and piece of l ine. I t was

a case of hunt or starve. His COAlpa.n1ons lacked the abi l i ty to survive inthe t l aber . When spring thaws s t a r t ed , he took th.e r i f le along, hoping to

find. a bear , so as to provide an ample supply of meat. But no luck. Their

f lour ran shor t for biscui ts and hot cakes. So they hunted around. the Id t

chens of the luaber car.Ip and found sacks of f lour which had become wet and.

l e f t a hard crust on the outside. Breaking open t h i s crust , the f lour inthe center was good. Thus did they surviVe the winter!

With approach of sU;TUDer, he went over into Idaho, near Twin Fal ls ,

and worked in the alfa l fa harvest . Talking a few weeks ago with our cousin,

Harley Carrel , he mentioned about Dudley working a t h is place in Idaho, and.

commended him as a good and resolute worker. He worked in the area several

weeks and - - in t rue western sp i r i t - - bought a horse.

In late suruaer, he returned to Ohio, bringing his Savage r i f l e and.

his Western saddle - - symbols, actually , of h is Western sojourn. The youth

had returned a man, had.

sibi l i ty and hardship.

returned with sel f - re l iance, the product of respon

I think he ad!n1red the West and i t s ways. foiaybe it

was t ha t . which induced the appeal of West Virginia, with i t s mountains and.

i t s wUd country and. i t s people I where for many years he fOWld contentment.



-5-

IV - THE FIRST VIOLINS

Regret:ful1y, I know l i t t l e of Dudley's act ivi t ies for severaJ. years

af te r his return from the West. I know he worked a while on a dri l l ing r ig

(011) - tha t ' s a tough job. His "star" automobile agency a t Beverly, Ohio,did fair ly well a t f i r s t J but Durant products jus t did not compete with the

older makes of cars. A bakery partnership was another project ; he told of

&rising a t one c ' clock in the morning to get out the day's bread. Willing

and strong, he never backed away from work.

Probably his FIRST viol in was made in 1922. Just how he star ted, I

don' t know. Carl Hildebrand, a violin maker some three miles from our home,

gave him suggestion, advice and. encouragement; Dudley spent hours wit,tl him.

Any ava.ilable reading materials were devoured. The source of woods for the

f ixst fiddle i s unlmown, except fo r the belly. He may have obtained a well

seasoned piece of curly maple from one of the neighbors for the back. The

neck and. finger board were probably purchased.

But I found his story about th e b elly very interestiDg. This par t

of a. viol in normally i s made of impor ted, wel l seasoned spruce. But Dudley

had the idea he could. subst ibute. Hemlock grows in Ohio, a t ree s imi lar to

spruce, a member of the pine family and a s t ra ight gra.1.ned, beautiful wood.

In a portion of our barn were hemlock raf ters tha t had been there fo r over

25 years, hence well seasoned. So he cut a section from a ra f te r , thinking

it would be suitable for his contemplated viol in . I t worked up beautifully

and the tone was mellow. Bu t it l a c l ~ e d the power a violin needs. However,

the f inished whole was commendable and. acceptable as a f i r s t production.

Later , he purchased a l l his wood from supply houses in New York and

London. Fine v io l ins na tu ral ly require fine woods. The f ines t spruce and

most beautifully g ra ined cur ly maple g ro l f in the mountains of south-centraJ.

Europe - - Bavaria, Austria, Czechoslovakia. Carefully selected by experts,

it i s then cut into correct lengths for each size of instrunent , s tored and

seasoned fo r 40 years or more. That is two generations of waiting - we do

not have tha t kind of patience in our country. But every b i t of moisture

must be removed. Dudley used woods a t least 50 years old and has used some

as old as 150 years. Obviously, it must be without blemish. The resul t i s

a quite expensive wood. One of the world'S la rges t stores of such wood was

destroyed a t 11arknerkirken, Germany, during World War I I , Hhen some Russian

soldiers burned th is wood to keep warm!

-5-

IV - THE FIR5T VIOLINS

Regretfully, I know l i t t le of Dudley's activities for several years

a f t e r his return f'rom the West. I know he worked a. while on a dr l l l lng r ig

(011) - that 's a tough job. His "Star 'a u t o ~ o b i l e

agency at Beverly, Ohio,did fair ly well at f irs t , but Durant products just did not compete with the

older makes of cars . A bakery p3.rlnership was another project , he to ld of

ar i s ing a t one o 'c l ock 1n the morning to get out the day's bread. Willing

and strong. he never backed away from work.

Probably his FIRST violin was made 1n 1922. Just how he s tar ted , I

don' t know. Carl Hlldebrand, a viol in maker some three m1l.es from our home,

gave him suggestion, advice and. encourageme:at; Dudl.ey spent hours wit,tl him.

ArIy ava1l&ble reading materl.aJ.s were devoured. The source of woods for th e

f i r s t fiddle 1s unkno'W'll, except fo r the belly. He _y have obtained a well

seasoned piece of curly maple !'.rom one of the neighbors for the back. The

neck and f inger board were probably purchased.

But I found. his story about th e belly very interesting. This part

of a. no l in norma.lly i s made of imported, well seasoned spruce. But Dudley

had the idea he could substibute. Helllock grows in Ohio, a tree similar to

spruce, a member of the pine fam1ly and a straight grained, beaut1ful wood.

In a portion of our barn were hemlock rafters that had. been there for over

25 years, hence well seasoned. So he cut a section from. a ra.f'ter, th1nk1ng

1t would be suitable for his contemplated viol in. I t worked up beaut1:f'ully

and. the tone was mellow. But i t lac!'Ced th e power a violin needs. However,

the finished whole was commendable and acceptable as a f i rs t production.

Later, he purchased a l l his wood. from supply houses in New York and.

London. Fine violins natura.l.ly require fine woods. The f inest spruce and.

most beautif'ully grained curly maple g r a i l in the I:lOuntains of south-central

Europe - - Bavaria , Austria, Czechoslovakia . carefully selected by experts,

it i s then cut into correct lengths for each size of instrunent, stored an d

seasoned for 40 years or more. That i s two generations of lfa1ting _ we do

not have t hat k1nd. of patience in our country. But every b it of moisture

must be removed. Dudley used woods a t least 50 years old and has used some

as old as 1.50 years. Obviously, it must be without blemish. The :result is

a quite eXpensive wood. One of the world's largest stores of such wood was

destroyed a t I1ar!merkirken, Germany, during World War I I , when some Russian

soldiers burned this wood. to keep warm!



-6-

So th is f i r s t fiddle launched his ultimate vocation. His ambition

was aroused. and he could make a fiddle! Did it ever enter his thoughts t

his dreams, th at th is was the b irth o f a career tha t eventually would lead.

to bu i ld ing about 275 firl.e instruments? that would lead. to recognition as

one of the reaJ.J.y fine viol in makers? No, I great ly doubt my brother could

even have dreamed such a dream.

I have no idea about th e se ve ra l violins tha t followed. The viol in

our brother, J8Jlles, has is labeled "Dudley Reed - 1925" but with no number.

In fact , he apparently kept no wrlt ten record of h is ins truments during his

f i r s t th i r ty years as a maker. During the winter when there was no f lying c

he worked on viol ins, increasing his knowledge and technique. While on a

vi s i t home in early 1929, I watched him working t strewing the wood shavings

over the roOIl l . A press interview in a Clarksburg, W.Va. newspaper in 1938,states that he had made and sold no less than 25 instruments; and. tha t ma.ny

viol ins had. been sent to him f or r ep ai rs . Also in 1938, during my v is i t a t

h is Elkins home, a young viol in is t from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

brought his viol in (one· Dudley had. made) for a sl ight ad.justmerrt - perhaps

to reset the soUildpost. Unfortunately. th is young ar t i s t became a fata.li ty

of World \Jar I I . The concertmeister of the Cincinnati Symphony a.lso had. a.

Dudley Reed viol in .

So even in those years he was making fine instruments. Constantly

he questioned himself, ever seeking improvement. For instance, the va.rn1sh

problem. one bedeviling a l l makers. had raceived his experimentation. With

typical tenaci ty he solved tha t one.

* * * * * * *

-6-

So th is f i r s t fiddle launched his ultimate vocation. His ambition

was aroused, an d he could make a fiddle ! Did it ever enter his thoughts t

h is dreams, that this was the bir th of a career tha t eventually would lead

"to building about ?:15 f i11e instnments? tha t would l ead. to recogni ien as

on e of the reaJ.l.y fine viol in makers? No, I greatJ.,- doubt my brother could

even have dreamed such a dream.

I have no idea about the several violins tha t followed. The viol ln

our brother , J&l:les, has 1s labeled "DudJ.ey Reed - 1925" but with no number.

In fact, he apparently kept no wr1t ten record. of h is instnments during his

f i r s t th i r ty years as a maker. During the winter when there was no fiying c

he worked on viol ins, increasing his knowledge and technique. While on a

Visl home in early 1929. I watched h1.m. working, streldng the wood shavings

over the rooll. A press interview in a Clarksburg, W.Va. newspaper in 1938,s ta tes that he had made and s old no less than 25 instruments; and that lIIBllY

vlollns had. been sent to him "for repaU's. A.J.so in 1938, during my v is i t a t

his Elkins home , a young v1ol1n1st from t he Inciianapolis Synphony Orchestra

broll(;ilt his viol in (one DudJ.ey had made) for a s l ight adjustment - perhaps

to rese t the soundpost. Unfortunately. th i s young a r t is t became a. fat.aJ..ity

of World 'Jar II. The concertmeister of the Cincinnati Symphony &1.50 had. a

Dudley Reed violin.

So even i n those years he was Clak1ng fine instrumeuts. Constantly

he questioned himself . ever seeking 1J:rprovement. For instance. t he varn1.sh

problem. one bedev1ling a l l makers. had received h1s experimentation. With

typical tenaci ty he solved that one •

• * • • * * *



-7-

v -- THE FLYER

Let ' s back-track to 1923 when he learned to f ly in a "Jennie" under

the tutelage of Guy Vincent a t Waterford, Ohio. (The "Jennie" was a World

W ar I training plane - - Model IN - - slow and. safe . Many were available for

long af te r the War.) So for the next thir t ] ' years, flying became his chief

vocation and l ivelihood.

During the following two years, he "barnstormed" with Lyle "Scotty"

Scott , of Marietta., Ohio, carrying passengers on shor t s igh t- see ing f l ights

for about t hr ee do ll ar s a f l ight . (On page 8, see the copy of a handbil l . )

They also engaged in some "stunt" shows - wing-walking, parachute jumping,

flying under bridges, other stunts. Scotty was of the ~ type and gave

you a t h r i l l (I know - I rode with him once). Regrettabiy, he was involvedin a fa ta l crash a t Arnettsvi l le , V.Va. about 1930 during a s tunt maneuver.

Dudley was a much more sound and. conservative pi lo t . I have flown with him

too. One time he was forced into a diff icul t and hazardous emergency land

ing with a dead engine. He got us out sa.fely. I 'd ride with him a.nywhere;

he was topsl

His nen step was to acquire his own plane in 1926. He obtained a

wrecked Va co biplane which provided an OX-5 engine, f i t t ings and patterns.

Then he proceeded to r.13.k.e new wings from s pars , r ib s and covering he formed

himself. The sa.lue applied to the control surfaces - ai lerons, s tabi l izers ,

elevator and rudder. New longerons and st ruts provided for the fuselage.

The landing gear was new; most of the cowling was salvaged; the propeller ,

of course, was new. Now he had a new plane of his own and barnstormed with

it for a couple of years in south-eastezn Ohio and parts of west Virginia.

I have noted th is project in deta i l to emphasize his mechanical abi l i ty .

Afterward, from 1928 to 1932, he flew for Drexel George of Fairmont

Airways a t Fairmont, V. Va. They were flying a Stinson monoplane and it was

while there that he engagedin

one of his most novel experiences.On Dec. 21, 1930, he flew from Wauchula, Fla.., with the f i r s t cargo

of s trawber ri es eve r shipped from Florida to New York by airI Quoting from

an ar t ic le in the TAMPA DAILY TRlilUHE •••••• "Wauchula, Dec. 20 - - A modern

type monoplane was a t the Airport here tonight , serviced and ready to take

the a i r a t dawn tomorrow ••••••••• th e p la ne , piloted by Dudley Reed, chief

pi lo t for Faimont Air.rn.ys, will take 432 pin ts of berr ies , fresh from the

-7-

v -- THE FLYER

Let 's ba.ck-track to 1923 when he learn.ed to f ly in a "Jennie" under

the tutelage of Guy Vincent a t Waterford, Ohio. (The "Jennie" was a World

War I t ra ining plane - - Model IN - - slow and. safe . Many were available for

long a f t e r the 'liar.) So for the next thir t . ] ' Years, f lying became his chief

vocation and livelihood.

During the following two years t he "barnstormed" n th Lyle "Scotty"

Scott, of Marietta, OhiO, carrying passengers on short sight-seeing fl ights

for about three dollars a f l ight . (On page 8 , see th e copy of a handbill . )

They also engaged in sone "stwrt" shows - wing-walking, parachute jumping,

f lying under bridges, other stunts Scotty was of th e d.a.r1.ng type and. gave

you a t h r i l l (rknow

- I rode with him once). Regrettably, he was involved.in a fatal crash a t Arnettsvil le, W.Va, about 1930 during a stunt lII8ll8uvar.

Dudley was a much more sound and. conservative pi lo t . I have flown with him

too. One time he was forced into a d1ff1cuJ.t and hazardous emergency land

ing with a dead engine. He got us out safely. Pd ride with him a.nyrmere;

he was tops!

His next. step was to acquire his own plane in 1926. He obtained a

wrecked Waco biplane which provided an OX-5 engine, f i t t ings and patterns.

Then he proceeded to mIte new wings from spars, r ibs and. covering he formed

himself. The sa.one applied to the control surfaces - ai lerons, s tabi l izers ,

elevator and rudder. New longerons and st ruts provided for the :fuselage.

The landing gear was new; most of the cowling was salvaged; the propeller ,

of course, was new. Now he had a new plane of his own and. barnstormed with

it for a couple of years in south-eastern Ohio and. parts of West Virginia .

I have noted th is project in detai l to emphasize his mechanical abi l i ty .

Afterward, from 1928 to 1932, he flew for Drexel George of Fairmont

Airways a t Fairmont , W.Va. They were flying a Stinson monoplane an d it was

while there tha t he engagedin ODe

of his most novel experiences.On Dec. 21, 1930, he flew !'rom Wauchula , Fla . , with the f i r s t cargo

of strawberries ever shipped from Florida to New York by air! Quoting from

an ar t ic le in the TAMPA DAny TRIBUNE •••••• "Wauchula, Dec. 20 - - A modern

type monoplane was a t the Airport here tonight , serviced and :ready to take

the a i r a t dawn tomorrow ••••••••• the plane, piloted by Dudley Reed, chief

pi lo t for Fairmont Air.ro.ys, will take 432 pints of berries , fresh from the



-8-

FmIEE

Airplane RideTo each person purchasing

one n e ~ ·or used car

Thru our eHorts we have secured

Scotty'S AirplaneIrom Marietta, f.l.noted by DUdleyReed -who ~ v i 1 1 ta!te passengers thisweek and Sonda'" a t tbe Ruii farmtbree mOes east ,,1 city.

Passenger r ~ i g b t s $3.50

Special for Saturday--Allschool students $1.50

Liipttm<er-OOcCoyHadsoll-Esse:

Phone 362 Dealers 326 S. BroadMallory Printinc Conpany. Lancaster. Ohio

f lying .!! Lancaster, .2!!!2 - a.bout ~

· "."

m'IJl1EE

Airplane RideTo each person purchasing

one new or used car

Thru our eHorts w e have secured

S C ~ t ~ ' 5 Air1l'llanefrom Marietta, f.lilloted by

Reed who wiU taEoe passengers ~ ' I aweek and Gunda''( a t the Ruii farmthree miles east " f city.

Passenger nights $%.50

Special for Saturday--All.school students $1.50

1 L l i ~ 1 l n t t t m ~ r · :OOcC(3YBudsoll-lEsssex

Phone 362 Dealers 326 S. BroadMallory Prioanr CoopanT, Laneu ur. Ohio



At WAUCHULA, Florida December 20 , 193 0



-9-

f ie lds of Hardee County, to the tab les of New York • • • • • • • The berries were

put up by the Bowli:ng Green strawberry Growers Association and the Hardee

County Growers, Inc. They will be sold a t auction in New York 1'1onday morn

ing. Accompanying Pi lo t Reed wil l be County Judge F. G. Janes, J r . , who a t

noon Monday wil l -present a basket of berr ies to Nayor James J . 'Walker •••••

on the s teps of the City Hall . Stops are planned a t Jacksonville, Raleigh,

Washington and possibly Newark. The f inal landing wil l be Roosevelt Field ,

L.I . , where arrangements have been made for moving pictures of the landing.

The distance •••••• is 1130 miles and the t r ip i s expected to take 11 hours

flying time • • • • • • • • • : time of the take-off i s se t for 6.30 a.m. , but Pi lo t

Reed says he hopes to take the a i r as soon as it is l igh t enough to see •••

with favorable weather condit ions, he hopes to land a t Roosevelt tomorrow

afternoon •••••••• M i l l i o r ~ of pints of b erries have been shipped from th i s

county and s ta te , but •••• th is i s the f i r s t shipped by plane • • • • A repre

senta t ive of the United States Department of Agriculture a t Washington wil l

meet the plane a t Roosevelt Field ." As often happens, the well- la id plans

fa i led . Weather c o n d i t i o r ~ were not favorable; ra in along the mid-Atlantic

coast caused delay. Bu t deliver the berr ies , he did, though a day l a t e .

Aft er f ly ing a t Weston, W.Va., during the summer, he went to E l k i r ~in December 1933 as Equipment Supervisor fo r the West Virginia Road Commis-

s ion. haintenance of all the s t a t e ' s highway equipment in the dis t r ic t was

involved, even including rebuilding of engines. E lkins l i e s in a Valley of

about 2000 fee t elevat ion, protected by surrounding peaks reaching 4860 f t .

It i s the seat of Davis-Elkins College . This beaut i ful country , with i t s

good clear a i r , was to be his home for the next e ig ht y ea rs .

He resided with Mr. & Mrs. Dice and Geo rg ia Harper for many months,

thus beginning a long fr iendship and beginning also an even tf ul pe ri od of

his l i f e . The Harpers were much involved in the ai rpor t fac i l i t ies of the

ear ly days. Harper 's Field , as it was known from 1920 to 1934 (and by the

pi lots as the "cow pasture"!) , was the scene of many "Barnstormer" f l ights .

Mrs. Harper t an authori ty on the airpor t ' s history , in an interview in the

I l i " T E R - ~ i O U N T A I N newspaper of Nov. 14, 1973, names a dozen who flew from t ha t

f ie ld in those years . And she t e l l s of American Airlines operators using

h er u ps ta ir s bedroom fo r t he i r radio and weather s ta t ion two years before

American began landing a t Elkins airpor t in 1934, the second ci ty served by

a commercial air l in e in West Virginia.

-9-

f ie lds of Hardee County to the tables of Hew York • • • • • • • The ber r ies were

put up by the Bowllr..g Green Strawberry Growers As sociat ion an d the Hardee

County Growers , Inc. They will be sold at auction in N e ~ York Monday mo rn

ing. A c c o ~ a n y Pilo t Reed Hill be County Judge F. G. Janes, J r . , who at

noon Monday wil l ·present a basket of berr ies to Mayor James J . Walker •••••

on the steps of th e City Hal l . Stops ar e planned at Jacksonville, Ra leigh,

Washington and possibly Newark . The final landing will be Roosevelt Field,

L.I . I where arrangements have been made fo r moving pictures of t he landing.

The distance •••••• 1s 1130 miles and the t r ip 1s expected to take 11 hours

flying t ime • • • • • • • • • : time of the take-off 1s set for 6,)0 a.m., but Pilot

Reed says he hopes to take th e a ir as soon as it 15 l ight enough to see •••

with favorable weather condit ions, he hopes to land a t Roosevelt tomorrow

afternoon •••••••• !,li l l ior.s of pints of berries have been shipped from th is

county and s ta te , but • • •• th is i s the f i r s t shipped by plane • • • • A repre

senta t ive of the United St a tes Department of Agrlcul ture a t Washington will

meet the plane a t Roosevelt Field ." As often happens, the well- la id plans

fai led. Weather condit ions were ~ favorable, rain along the mid-Atlantic

coast caus ed delay. Bu t deliver the berries, he did, though a day l a t e .

After flying a t Weston, W.Va., dur ing the summer, he )o-ent to ~ l k 1 n sin December 1933 as Equipment Supervisor for the West Vi rg inia Road Commis

sion. l'iaintenance of a l l the s ta te s highway equipment in the dis t r ic t was

involved , even including rebuilding of engines. Elkins l ies in a valley of

about 2000 feet elevat ion , protected by s urrounding peaks reaching 4860 f t .

I t is the s ea.t of Da.vis-Elkins College . This beautifUl CO\Ultry, wi th i t s

good clear a i r , was to be his home for the next eight years.

He res ided with Mr. & Mrs . Dice and Georgia Harper fo r many months,

thus beginning a long fr iendship a.nd beginning also an eventf'ul period of'

his l i f e . The Harpers were much involved in the ai rpor t fac i l i t ies of the

ear ly days . Harper 's Field . as it was known from 1920 to 1934 (and by the

pi lots as the "cow pasture"! ) , was the scene of many "Barnstormer" f l ights .

Mrs. Harper, an authori ty on the airpor t ' s his tory , in an interview in the

I ~ " I ' E R - N O U l I T A N newspaper of Nov. 14, 1973 , na.c.es a do zen who flew from that

f ie ld in thos e years . And she t e l l s of American Airl ines operators using

her upsta irs bedroom for t he i r radio and weather s ta t ion two years before

American began landing a t Elk ins a irport in 1934 , the second ci ty se rved by

a commercial air l ine in West Virginia .



-10-

In 1933, the Harperis and three other land. owners s old la nd to the

c ity o f Elkins to extend the runways, build a fac i l i ty to house the manager

and the America.n Airlines ra.dio stat ion 2m make other improvements. Other

act lve ci t izens worked hard togather to establ ish the improved ai rpor t and

on oct. 6, 1934 it was dedicated as th e E lk in s Municipal Airport . Ar.d the

f i r s t manager ;m s -- Dudley Reed, who served unt i l 1941.

Another devoted and dynamic force in establ ishing that ai:rnort was

Congressman J e n P ~ n g s Randolph, then a new r ep r esent at ive fo r that d i s t r i c t ,

and a good fr iend of Dudley's. He became known in c iv i l avia.tion and the

hal ls of Cdhgress as "Mr. Aviationll, ever pushing and promoting l eg is la t ion

benefit ing it. Later, when the a irpor t was again expanded and the terminal

building (Dudley's former residence) moved and renovated in 1944, it a.gain

was Coneressman Jennings Randolph who helped secure federa l financing for

the projec t. In 1973, Elkins-Randolph County Airport bui l t new fac i l i t i e s

and on Nov. 17,1973 it was dedicated as Jennillo?'S Randolph Field. Elkins

was deservedly honoring (now) -S enato r Randolph for h is consistent support ;

and es tabl i sh ine i t s e l f as a worthy ai r l ine f ac i l i ty .

I have writte n o f these persons and events because they 50 closely

touched Dudley 's l i fe a t EIJr.ins. But another event a."ld person was involved

for a l i fe t ime. On July 1 4, 1934, Hartha Sandr idge and Dudley were married

a t Oaiuand, 11d. They moved into the new house a t the airpor t the f i r s t of

October 1934. Fai thful and good wife, she has been, patiently conforming

hersel f to h is fo ib le s, ever encouraging him and elated by his successes.

She was proud of her man! And Loyalty was her watchHord.! No accoJ.ade can

be accorded Dudley without inc lud in g Bartha. D espite her health problems,

and they were many, she remained jovial and pa.tient.

Dudley did not have a plane when he went to Elkins. So he obtained

a wrecked Haco J-5 and rebui l t it, the second t ime he had. rebui l t a plane.

Later, he sold the Waco and acquired a Stinson monoplane, a real nice job.

So his fly ing continued. During those Depression years , money was s carseand he had. to cut the price of a f lig ht to one dol lar . "A t th<lt price , a l l

we could do was lift o ff the ground, turn around and bring 'em back down,1I

he sa id . He to ld me that one SWlday he made 165 f l igh ts a t Blkins a t $1.00

each. They even carr ied bathroom scales around once and hau led people for

a penny-a-pound. He also continued i ns tr uc ti on o f student fiyer.s with the

Airport as t raining center. D a v i s ~ l k i n s College s tuden ts f requent ly took

the f lying course.

-10-

In 1933, the Harper 's and three ot.her land. owners sold land to 'the

01ty of Elki:ns to extend. runways t bui ld a f a c H i ty to house the ma.na.ger

an d the America.n Airl ines r-a.dio s ta t ion .. nd make other improveJ:lents. Other

active 01 t lzens worked hard to gathe r to esta-olish the improved ai rpor t and

on oct. 6, 1934 i t was dedicated as the Elkins Municipal Airport . Ar.d. th e

f i r s t manager ~ - - Duile] Reed, who served until 1941.

Another devoted and dynamic force in establ ishing tha t a i rpor t i IaS

Congressman Jennings Randolph, then a ne . represett'"..ative for tha t d. is tr ic t ,

and a good friend of Dudley's. He beca.me known in c iv i l avia.tion and the

hal ls of Cd'ngress as "Mr. Aviation", ever pushing and promot1ne leg is la t ion

benefit lng 1t . Later , when the ai rpor t was again expanded and the terminal

building: (Dudley's former residence) moved and renovated in 194 4 , i t a.gain

was Cone;ressman Jennings Randolph who he l ped secure federal financing fo r

the projec t . In 197) , Elkins- Randolph County Airpor t bu i l t new fa .d1i t i e s

and on Nov. 17, 1973 it was dedicated as Jel".niIlu<1'S Randolph Field. Elkins

was deservedly honoring (now)-Senator Randolph fo r his consis tent support ;

and cstabl ishine i t s e l f as a worthy ai r l ine f ac i l i ty .

I have wri t ten of these - persons and events because they so c l o ~ e l ytouched Dudley's l i f e a t ElY..ins. But another event a.>td person rms involved

for a l i f e t ime . On July 14, 19J4, Ha.rtha Sandridge and. Dudley were narr ied

a t OaY.land., I'.d. They coved into the new house a t the aiI'!lort the f i r s t of

October 1934. Fai thful and good wife, she has been, pat ien t ly conf'orm.ine

herse l f to his foibles , ever encouraging him and ela ted by h is successes .

She was proud of her man! And Loyalty was her ....atchword! !fo accolade can

be accorded Dudley ;dthout including Har tha . Despite her health problems ,

and they were many, she remained jovial and pat ien t .

Dudley did not have a plane when he went to Elkins . So he obtained

a w:reckcd lJaco J-5 and rebui l t it, the second t ine he had rebui l t a plane.

Later , he sold the 'Jaco and acquired a Stins on monoplane, a real nice job .

So his f lying continued. During those Depress ion years , moneywas

s carseand he had to cut the price of a f l igh t to one dol la r . "A t tha t price , a l l

we could do was lift o ff the ground, turn around. and bring 'em back ' l 1 . , "he said . He to ld me tha t one Sunday he made 165 f l igh ts a t lUkir.s a t Sl . 00

each. They even carr ied bathroo:n scales around once and hauled people for

a penny-3.-pound. He also continued instruct ion of student fiyers with the

Airpor t as t r a ln ln c: ce nt er . Davis4::lkins College ::;tudents frequently took

the flying course.



n C

I.I

f-I

I

at. 7'. ,__ , , .II. ~ . L . . . . ~



-11-

I am sure he must have had many in terest ing flying experiences in

th os e days . But his te l l ing of fl ights to Washington when clouds and mists

forced him to thread his way through gaps in the mountains, barely s k i ~ ~ n gthe ground or peaks, s t i l l leaves me with chi l l s . While I had ful l confi

dence in his abUity , yet during a l l his flying career every news item of

an a i rc raf t accident l e f t me with skipped heart beats. I fe l t re l i e f when

he ceased flying.

Recently, I received a much appreciated l e t te r from Sen. Randolph.

He t e l l s , with gusto, this story about he and Dudley flying to Petersburg

(some 40 miles east) from Elkins and of being lo s t in a sudden snow storm.

"\1lhere are we, Dud?" asked the Senator; "Damned i f I know, I I Dudley replied.

"Then the skies' opened and there was our airport dOllll below."

"He and r.artha are special friends in my l i f e . He named the singleengined plane we flew, 'The Representative'; we were very close in aviat ion

efforts. Hartha used to have me in to the l i t t l e house a t the edge of the

airport to laugh and EAT . She was a good cook. He was loved in Elkins,

as was l-iartha." (So nice a le t te r ! I t ' s no wonder the Senator has been in

Congress for 42 years . )

In th is " l i t t l e house" the Senator speaks of , he had adequate space

to work on violins I and he had a garden providing f ine, fresh vegetables.

Hunting also was a relaxation. He had a beautiful dog, Nell ie, a Llewellin

se t te r ; it was amazing, if he gave her an ear of sweet COTIl, how she would

eat from the cob ju st lik e a horse. I suspect t hose years a t Elkins, among

his beloved mountains, among friends he loved and uho loved him, . were some

of the most happy ones of his l i f e .

With the outbreak of World \ ~ a r I I , the patteTIl of his l i fe changed.In the Fall of 1941 he l e f t b:lkins to go to Douglas, Georgia (some 60 rr.iles

north of the Florida l ine) , as instructor in the Primary Training of U. S.

Airforce pi lots . On January 1 , 1945, he went to Arcadia, Florida, fo r the

same purpose, unt i l the end of the war. Actually, his role was Supervisorof Fl igh t Inst ruc to r s for one squadron of one-half the cadets on the f ie ld;

another supervisor had the other squadron. I believe he enjoyed th is work

but I know no deta i ls . He told of one incident however which imprel?sed me.

The ins t ructor ' s recommendation of a cadet 's passing was usually accepted;

but the supervisor 's decision was f ina l . In this case, the cadet was ques

t ionable and the instructor asked Dudley to make the f ina l f l ight . Dudley

- l l -

I aJ:l sure he must have had many in terest ing f ly ing expe::--iences in

those days. But his te l l ing of f l igh ts to Washington when clouds and mists

forced hir.l to thread h is way through gaps in the mountains , barely skim..-:dng

the ground or peaks , s t i l l leaves me wi. th ch i l l s . 'oihile I had fu l l confi

dellce 1n his abU1ty , ye t during a l l his f lying career every news i tem of

an a i r c r a f t accident l e f t me with skipped hear t beats . I fe l t r e l i e f when

he ceased flying.

Recently, I received a. much appreciated l e t t e r from Sen. R<:..ndolph.

He t e l l s , with gusto, th is story about he and Dudley flying to Peters burg

(some 40 miles east) from Elkins and of being los t in a sudden snow storm.

"Where are we, Dud?" asked the s enator; "Damned i f I know r" Dudley repl ied.

"Then the skies· opened and there was our airport dorm below."

"He and r.artha are specia l friends in my 11fe. He named the s ingleengined plane we flew, 'The Representat ive' J we were very close in aviat ion

effor t s . Hartha used to have me in to the l i t t l e house a t the edge of the

a irpor t to laugh an d B A T . She was a good cook. He was loved in Elkins ,

as was ZOiartha. II (So nice a le t te r ! I t S no wonder the Senator has been in

Congress fo r 42 years. )

In th i s " l i t t l e house" the Senator speaks of , he had adsquate space

to work on viol ins an d he had a garden providing f ine . fresh ve getables .

Hunting also was a relaxat ion. He had a beautiful dog, 11ell1e, a Lle ·..el11n

se t te r ; it was amazing, if he gave her an ear o f sweet corn, how she would

ea t !'rom the cob jus t l ike a horse. I suspect those years a t Elkins , among

his beloved mOWltains, among friends he loved and llho loved him, were some

of the most happy ones of his l i f e .

With the outbreak of World I I , the pat tern ot: his l i fe changed.

In the Fal l o f 1941 he l e f t l:.:lkins to go to Douglas, Georgia (some 60 rr.11es

north of the Flor ida l i ne ) , as ins t ructor in the Primary Training of U. S.

Airforce pi lo t s . On January 1 , 1945, he went to Arcadia, Flor ida , for the

same purpose, unt i l the end o f the war, Actual.l.y, his role was ::3upervisoro f Fl ight Ins t ruc tors fo r one squadron of one-half the cadets on the f ield;

another supervisor had the other squadron, I believe he enjoyed th i s w o r I ~but I know no deta i ls . He to ld of one incident however which impressed me.

The ins t ructor ' s recommendation of a cadet 's passing was usually accepted;

but the supervisor 's decision was final. In th i s case, the cadet was ques

t ionable and the i l l5tructor asked Dudley to make the f ina l f l i Ght . Dudley



-12-

said he never had such a r ide , nor fear of being ki l led . The boy was a l l

over the sky; everything Has wrong. Of course, the cadet was "washed-out."

But he had to be good, or he would have wrecked them. His poor performance

was delibera te ; he simply wanted out.Probably the end of the war l imited Dudley's a ct iv e f ly in g, though

he continued to fly some and to maintain his commercial l icense for another

few years. A fte r t he war in 194.5, he served several months with the Laurie

Yonge Flying Schoo l, Har t Airi ' ield, Jacksonville, Fla. , as chief ins t ruc tor

of Aircraf t Mechanics. They bought thei r f ir st t ra i l er here and. a t ra i le r

was to be the i r home for the next twenty seven years. Although he had made

some viol ins while a t Douglas and. Arcadia, he increased his effor t here a t

Jacksonville an d it was here he worked with John Werchma,n. Leaving here in

1947, he went to Stengle Field, Gainesville, Fla. , again to teach Aircraf t

Mechanics, and to produce more fine violins . This was to remain his home.

By 1953, ai rcraf t and flying had becone things of the past - now the violin

had assumed his long cherished special in teres t and vocation.

* * * * * * *

-12-

sa.1d he never had such a r ide , nor fear of being kil led. The boy was a l l

over the s ky; everything Has w:-ong. Of course, the cadet was "washed_out."

But he had. to be good, or he would have wrecked them . His poor performance

was deliberate; he s i!!t'ply wanted out .Probably the end. of the war l imited Dudley' s act ive f lying, though

he continued to f ly SOL'le and. to maintain his commercial l icense for another

few years . Ai'ter the war in 1945. he served several lr.onths with the Laurie

Yonge Flying School, Hart Airi ' leld, Jacksonville, Fla . , as chief ins t ructor

o f Aircraf t Hechanics. They bought t he i r f i r s t t r a i l e r here and a t r a i l e r

was to be t he i r home fo r the next twenty seven years. Although he had made

some viol ins while a t Douglas and Arcadia, he increased his ef for t here a t

Jacksonville and it was here he worked with John Werchma.n. Leaving here in

1947 . he went to Stangle Field, Gainesville. Fla •• again to teach Aircraft

Meehan.ics, an d to produce more fine Violins. This was to remain h is home.

By 1953. a i r c r a f t and flyi...ne had. becooe things of the past - now the violin

had assumed h is long cherished specia l in teres t and vocation.

*******



-13-

VI -- ~ ~ S ~ ~ R VIOL r J U ( ~ R

I only s l ight ly surprised when my brother declared; "I am going

to devote f u l l time to making violins . It I knew his ambition of course. He

continued; "I have a backlog of orders to keep me busy for a year . Savingss hou ld s ee me through unt i l I know my prospects of succeeding. The classes

of ai rcraf t students will end in three months. So th is i s my opportunity."

This talk occurred while I vis i ted him in Florida in August 1952.

His setup was quite ideal fo r his purpose - - his t r a i l e r for l iving

quarters under a big t ree in an open, rural- l ike se t t ing, enough space fo r

five cats he adored and. for Skippy, a not-quite-thoroughbred dog (reporter

Griff in 's term). A· motel cabin he rented across the drive from his t r a i l e r

provided him ample room for work, fo r storage a."1d for privacy; also for the

power saw, jo inter and j ig saw with ".hich he did the in !t i a l rough shaping

of the violins . His door was a lways open to cl ient , musician or friend and.

each was accorded a warm welcome. And it i s needless to say, Martha could

communicate by a shout.

So early in 1953, the different and. f ina l phase of his career began

under reasonable auspices. He had about 70 instruments to his credi t and a

growing reputation. There had also been some valued extra t ra ining. While

a t Jacksonville, he fortunately became acquainted with John Werchman of New

York, probably the best known res torer and r ep aire r o f v io lin s made by theold masters of the 17th century - - Stradivarius , Amati and Guarnarius. Hr.

Werchman was in Florida for several months and q ui te o fte n went to Dudley's

t r a i l e r to ta lk and to work a bi t . Dudley credited him as being the source

of much knowledge and improvement in his technique, both for repair and fo r

new violin work. And his viol ins , now improved, had already been f ine .

Fine indeed - - the instruments were beaut i:ful1 Working carefully,

using those tools unique to the a rt and as used by the masters, the curved

surfaces at tained almost incredibly perf'ect symmetry and smoothness. The

tuning fork played i t s par t as both back and bel ly were gradated to vibrate

to the correct pi tch. But the instrument, as f inal ly assembled, is not yet

ready fo r varnish J it must be put aside f or s ev er al weeks, perhaps months,

to "season" so tha t s tresses in th e r ec en tly sculptured and formed wood may

stabi l ize . This was a process unique with him, adding to the cost and time

of building but assuring a quali ty instrunent. His own formula of varnish

was now applied, coat upon coat, each meticulously rubbed out, hand rubbing

-13-

VI - - T l ! ; VIOL j·i.A.K"BR

I W-a.S only s l igh t ly surpr ised when my brother declared; "! am going

to devote fUll time to making viol ins." I knew his arehl ieD of course. He

continued; "I have a backlog of orders to keep Ir.e busy for a year . Savingsshould see me through unti l I know my prospects of succeeding. The classes

of a i r c r a f t s tudents will end in three months. So th i s i s my opportunity. t

This ta lk occurred while I vis i ted. him in Florida in August 1952.

His setup was qui te ideal fo r his purpose - - his t r a i l e r fo r l iv ing

quarters under a big t ree in an open. rural- l ike set t ing . enough space fo r

five cats he adored and. fo r Skippy, a not-quite-thoroughbred dog ( repor te r

Griffin's term). A motel cabin he rented across the drive from his t ra i le r

provided him ample room for work. for storage and for privacy; also for tho}

power sa ... , jo in ter and. j ig saw with lron.lch he did the i n i t i a l rough shaping

o f the vio l ins . His door was always open to c l ien t , musician or f'riend and.

each was accorded a warm welcome. And. it is needless to say, Martha could

couunica te by a shout .

So early in 1953, the di f feren t and. f inal phase o f h is career began

under reasonable auspices. He had about 70 instruments to h is cred i t and a

growing reputat.ion. There had also been some valued extra t r a in ing . While

a t Jacksonvi l le , he fortunately became acquainted. with John Werchman of New

York, probably the best known restorer and repairer of viol ins~ e

by theold cas ters of the 17th century - - St radivar ius , Amati and. Guarnarlus . Hr .

Werchman was in Florida for several months and quit.e often went to Dudley's

t ra i l e r to t.alk and. to work a b i t . Dudley credited him as be1ng the source

of much knowledge and improvement 1n h is technique, both for repai r and fo r

new viol in work. And his viol ins. now improved, had aJ.ready been f ine.

Fine indeed - - the instruments ....ere beautifUl! lJorking caref\l l ly,

using those tools unique to the art an d as used by the masters, the Curled

surfaces at tained alft.ost incredibly perf'ect symmetry an d smoothness. The

tuning fork p layed i t s part as both back and belly were gradated to vibrate

to the correc t pi tch . But the instrument, as f inal ly assembled, is not yet

ready fo r varnishl it must be put aside for several weeks, perhaps months,

to "seasonl1 so that s t resses in the recently sculptured an d formed wood may

s t ab i l ize . This was a process unique with him, adding to the cost and. time

o f building but assuring a qual i ty ins t runent . Hi s own formula of varnish

was now applied, coat. upon coat, each meticulously rubbed out , hand rubbing



-14-

being the f ina l stage. Patterns of the old I ta l ian masters were reproduced

to the most minute deta i l - - why not? Slight study of the box of a violin

reveals i t s s tructural efficiency. For example, the corners a t the curves

of the waist provide r igid torsional resistance and l ight weight; the waist

i t .self is proportioned to properly res i s t tors ion and bending. Certainly

the beauty of resonance and form cannot be improved. The old masters knew

what they were doingl

But the purpose of the violin i s not beauty only; thousands accom-

plish th is . No, i t must pour forth the soul of the music and the a r t i s t in

fu l l , warm, round, yet br i l l i an t , tones. Dudley has said: "My instruments

must be equal to , or bet ter than, those of every violin maker, l iving or

dead." Brave words1 Did he accomplish this? Let 's explore a bi t .

Edward Preodor , a t one time head of the Strings Department of the

University of Florida School of 1'lusic and conductor of the University Sym

phony orchestra, l a te r of the University of South Florida. a t Tampa, consid-

ered by autho ri ti es t o be one of America's top vio l in is ts and conductors,

has saida "A discriminating l i s tener could not t e l l the difference between

a Strad and one of Reed's better violins . In fact , I would rather play one

of Reed's than any that are being bullt anywhere today." Praise indeed!

The Floridian Str ing Quartet, organized in 1948 a t the University

of Florida, is one of the f inest organizations of i t s kind in the South. A

brochure of the mid .50·s sta tes: "The instrwnent.s used by the quartet were

bui l t e sp ec ia lly f or them by Mr. Du.cUey Reed who is considered one of the

f inest craftsman in the country. His instrwnent.s are known for the i r deep,

warm tone and resonant bril l iance, the combination of which results in a

quality of tone seldom heard in quartet playing."

The brochure describes each of the ar t i s t s of the Quartet, each of

whom was a member of the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra and each

had a rich musical background and experience. They were - -

Edward Preodor, 1st Violin - conductor of the Symphony Orch. (above)

Anthony de Filippo, 2nd Violin - concertmeister of the Symphony

Robert E. Carson, Viol is t - principal vio l i s t of the Symphony

Arnold Wirtala, Cell is t - principal ce l l i s t of the Symphony

Three were members of the faculty of the School of Music; Dr. Carson was a

professor of Humanities, also a well known landscape a r t i s t . Perhaps it is

s ign if ic ant t h at in 1964, Dr. Carson purchased a Reed Viola; Arnold Wirtala

-14-

being the final stage. Patterns of the old I ta l ian masters were reproduced

to the most minute detail - - why not? Slight study of the box of a violin

reveals i t s structuraJ. efficiency. For example, the corners a t the curves

of the waist provide r igid tors ional res is tance and l igh t weight I the waist

i t s e l f 1s proportioned to properly re s i s t torsion an d bending. Certa.1nly

th e beauty of resonance and form cannot be improved. The old masters knew

what they were doing!

:aut the purpose of the viol in 1s not beauty only J thousands accom-

plish t h i s . No. i t must pour forth the soul o f the music and the a r t i s t 1n

:fUll, warm, round, yet bri l l iant , tones. Dudley has said; "My instZ'tlments

must be equal to , or better than, those of every violin m.a.k.er, l iving or

dead." Brave words! Did he accomplish this? Let ' s explore a bi t .

Edward Preodor, a t one time head of the Strings Department of the

Universi ty of Florida School of Music and conductor of the Universi ty Sym

phony orchestra, l a t e r of the University of South Florida. a t Tampa, consid-

ered by authori t ies to be one of America's top Violinists and conductors,

has saidl itA discriminating l i s tener could not t e l l the difference between

a Strad and. one of Reed's bet ter viol ins . In fac t , I would ra ther play one

of Reed's than an y tha t are being bui l t anywhere today." Praise 1ndeed!

The Floridian Str ing Quartet , organized in 1948 a t the Universi ty

of Florida, i s one of the :finest organizations of i t s kind in the South. A

brochure of the mid 50's s ta tes ; "The instruments used by the quartet were

bui l t especial ly for them by Mr. Dudley Reed lCho i s considered on e of the

f inest craf'tsman in the country. His instruments are known for t h e i r deep.

warm. tone an d resonant br i l l iance . the comb1nation of which resu l t s in a

quali ty of tone seldom heard in quartet playing."

The brochure describes each of the ar t i s t s of the Quartet , each of

whom was a member of the University of Florida SYlllPhony Orchestra an d each

had a r ich musical background and experience. They were - -

Edward Preodor, 1 s t Violin - conductor of the Symphony Orch. (above)

Anthony de Fil ippo, 2nd Violin - concertmeister of the Symphony

Robert E. Carson, Viol is t - principal vio l i s t of the Sym.phony

A:mold Wirtala, Cel l i s t - principal ce l l i s t of the Symphony

Three were memrers of the faculty of the School of Music: Dr. Carson was a

professor of Humanit1es, also a well known landscape ar t1s t . Perhaps it is

s ign i f ican t that in 1964, Dr . Carson purchased a Reed viola ; Arnold Wirtala



-15-

purchased a •cel lo in 1962 and Grace Wirtala a viola in 1960. Di Filippo

had purchased a v io lin in 1951.

Other s ignif icant purchases were - University of Florida; 5 viol ins,

5 violas , 3 ' ce l los , Univ. of So . Florida; 5 viol ins, 5 violas , 2 ' cel losl

Auburn University; 1 viol in , 1 violal Converse College, 2 v iolas l also a

viola by the vio l i s t of the celebrated Budapest String Quartet .

Also I must note Carolyn Tyner, an accomplished musician and member

of the Symphony, who has a Reed viol in , viola and ' cel lo (her daughter 's) .

Once she wrote to me about p laying the "gorgeous" viola Dudley had made for

her. Then writ ing on December 21, 1973, she said, "I played my lovely Reed

v io lin in church l as t Sunday. I t was the f i r s t time anybody had heard tha t

viol in , i t s lovely tone more than made up for my rusty play ing condi tion.

Everybody r aved about i t . "

" l finished a ' cel lo for a customer in Rochester, N. Y. about three

weeks ago. The order for th i s instrument had been placed for 2t years. I t

i s a beautiful ' ce l lo - - wood, varnish, workmanship and tone. I believe it

i s probably the f inest I have done, it i s doubtful if any maker ever made a

bet ter one." •••••• from my brother 's l e t t e r of Dec. 20, 1965 to me.

One f inal observation reguarding his violas. I t was his contention

tha t the viola was a neglected instrument, even by the old masters. So he

exper imented with changes and was convinced tha. t he bullt the f ines t viola

of a l l time. Who i s to gainsay him? Probably he was r ight , a check of his

records of the l as t ten years of his act iv i ty , shows a larger percentage of

violas than would be anticipated.

Need I continue? Any real achievement was accomplished by some one

who believed. Dudley believed! He made a better fiddle 1 his instruments~ bet ter than, or equal to , a l l others! His dreams were fulf i l led!

* * * * * * *

-15-

purchased a 'ce l lo in 19 62 and Grace 'r.!!.rtala a viola in 1960 . Dl Fil ippo

had purchased a violin in 1951.

Other s igni f icant purchases were - University of Florida; 5 vio l ins ,

5 violas, 3 ' ce l los , Unlv. of So . Florida; 5 violins , 5 violas, 2 •cellos

Auburn University; 1 vio l in , 1 violas Converse College, 2 vio las . also a

viola by the violis t of th e celebrated Budapest String Quartet.

Also I mu s t note Carolyn Tyner, an accomp lished musician and member

of the Symphony, who has a Reed vio l in , viola an d 'cel lo (her daughter 's) .

Once sh e wrote to me about playing the " gorgeous" viola Dudley had. made fo r

her. Then writ ing on December 21, 1973 . she said; " I played my lovely Reed

vio l in in church l a s t Sunday. I t was the f i r s t time anybody had heard that

viol in , i t s lovely tone more than made up fol.· my rusty playing condit ion.

Everybody raved about i t . "

"I finished a ' cel lo fo r a customer in Rochester, N.Y. about thrP.e

weeks ago. The order for th i s instrument had. been pl aced for 2t years. I t

is a beautiful ' ce l lo - - wood, varnish, workmanship and tone . I believe it

1s probably the f inest I have donel it i s doubtful if an y maker ever made a

bet ter one." •••••• from my brother 's l e t t e r of Dec. 20 , 1965 to me .

One f ina l observation reguarding his violas . I t was h is contention

that the viola was a neglected instrument, even by the old masters. So he

experimented with changes an d was convinced tha t he built the f ines t viola

of a l l time. Who is to gainsay him? Probably he was r igh t a check of his

records of the l a s t ten years o f his act iv i ty , shows a l a rge r percentage of

violas than would be ant ic ipated.

Need I continue? Any real achievement was accomplished by s ome one

who believed. Dudley believed! He made a better fiddle I his instruments~ better than, or equal to , a l l others! His dreams were :fUlfilled:

* * * ••• *



-16-

VII - - lillFAIRING

Thol.'e was a phase of his act iv i t ies tha.t needs to be considered in

r el at io n t o his c r ea ti ve car ee r. paradoxical ly, in one respect , as a thingdesi red; in ano t. he r, a s an albatross l imit ing his ambitions. In a posi t ive

way, l e t ' s quote from f1artha' s l e t te r of July 6, 1962 f!'om B r e v ~ - r o d . . "There

has been a lo t of work hera a t camp th is year . I believe he (Dudley) has

haired every bow in the camp, besides other repairs ." Again from Dudley's

l e t t e r of Dec. 20, 19651 "ile spent a very good summer in No. Carolina. Of

course, I had. to work l ike a dog. As usual , the f i r s t t r ip was two weeks

a t the beginning of camp; ir e then returned during August." BreVard, refers

to the Swn!iler Husical Fest ival a t Brevard, No. Carolina, which begins about

June 25th a.'1d las ts nine weeks. He at tenled it a..."lIlually f or six te en y ea rs,

doing inst rtunent repair work. A l e t t e r from Brevard Hay 12, 1969 says; " ~ ' l elook forward to the Reeds coming on July 3rd." 1969.vas t he i r l as t year .

The repair "ork a t Brevard wa..c; OOViO'..l5ly desiraole as it increased

h is r eput at io n and acquainta...'lce with the cOTilmunity - - incidental ly it also

provided a change from routine l iv ing . No doubt it led to orders for new

vio l ins . I t must have, fo r he shinned new i n s t ~ ~ e n t s to 18 s ta tes outside

of Florida (see Lis t of Instruments). Also there were new ins tru.rnents for

Converse College a t nearby Spartanburg, S.C. , besides a l l the work brought

to Brevard fo r repai r . But it meant a heavy load o f re pa ir -...o!'k throughout

the year. A massive accumulation of repair faced him when I vis i ted him in

the autumn of 1957, and again in 1962. He was wo! 'king long hours - - unt i l

nine or ten in the evening.

About 1959, the University of Alabama managed to get him on campas.

As Dudley recal ls . "They said there was a week's work to do. But the word

spread through Alabama t ha t I would be L'l the neighbo rhood and it took me

three weeks of hard work before I could leave. Then I had to b:ri.I'.g some of

work back with me. hare work continued to cone in a:r ter...ard ."

True, repair work prOVided the bread and b utte r o f operations and a

steady flow of income. I t also 'io"as necessary to care for the needs of old

fr iends . But ca.ny times I saw him consent to assume extra work, because of

h is sheer good...'less and kindness, when actual ly he had to s teal the time. I

o c c ~ ~ i o n a l l y urged him to re ject some of the repair so he could devote more

t ime to creating new instruments. His replyt "These people have no other

-16-

VII - - fui.F AIRING

Thcl."S was a phase ot.' his act!vi t ie3 that needs to be considered in

rela.tion to his creat ive C3.reer l pa"!"arioxica11y, in one respect , as a th ingdesiredj in another , as an albatross l imit ing his ambitions . In a posit ive

way, l e t ' s quote fyom Martha 's l e t t.e r :>f July 6 , 1962 from BrevCL..-d1 " There

has been a lo t of work here a t camp "this year . I be11e'l9 he (Dudley) ha s

haired every bow 1n the caJIT!). besides other repairs . " Again from Dudley's

lette r of Dec . 20 , 1965 . "Ve spent a very good summe r in No. Carolina . Of

course, I ha d to work l ike a dog . As usual , the f i r s t t r ip was two weeks

a t the beginning of camp; ;ore then returned during August." .Brevard, refers

to the Swamer ~ l u s i c a l Festival. at . Brevard , No . Carolina , which. begins about

June 25th a."ld l a s ts nine weeks. He at tenled it a."Ulually for sixteen years ,

doing instrument repa i r work . A l e t t e r from Brevard Hay 12, 1969 says i " 'I!e

look forward to the Reeds comin,g on July 3rd ." 1969 lrclS thei r l a s t year .

The repa ir \>ork a t Brevard was o o v i o desirable as it increased

h is reputat ion and acquaintan.ce with the CO J:lr.luni"ty - - incidental ly it also

provided a change from routine l iv1n-5 . No doubt it led to orders for new

viol ins . I t must have , for he shipped s t ~ ~ e n to 18 s ta tes outside

of Florida (see Lis t o f Instruments) . Also there were new instru.'i\ent s for

Converse College a t nearby Spartanburg , S . C., besides a l l the work brought

to Brevard for repa i r . But it meant a heavy load. of re!lair ·...ork throughout

the year . A massive accumulation of repair fa ced him when I vis i ted him inthe autumn of 1957 , an d again in 1962 . He was working long hours - - unt i l

nine or ten in the evening .

About 1959 , the Univer::;ity of Alaba.ma ma.naged to get him on campas.

As Dudley recal l s "They said there was a week I s "'ark to do . But the word

spread throu5h A1aba.r.ta that I would be L'1 the neighborhood an d it took me

three weeks of hard work before I could leave . Then I had to brir..g s ome of

work back with me. hare work continued to cor.te in af'ter..lard ."

True , repair work p rovided the bread and but te r o f operations an d a

steady flow of income . I t also "'''as necessary to care for the needs of old

f'riends . But ca.ny times I saw tum consent to assume extra work, because of

h is sheer goodness and kindness , when actual l y he had. to s teal the time . I

c ~ ~ i o n a l l y urged him to re ject some of the repa i r so he could devote more

time to creating new 1nstrwnents. His repl y I "These people have no other



-17-

practical saurce of help 1 I s imply canno t refuse them. II Again there i s the

customer who brought a vio l in for repair and ended purchasing vio l in , viola

and ' ce l lo l more importantly, she became his most loyal and hel pf ul f ri end.

To quote again from his informative l e t t e r of Dec. 20, 1965 - - "I

have had so much emergency repair work that must be done. I finished the

most pressing work yesterday and planned on spending today and the res t of

the week on Christmas things. But I jus t now got a telephone cal l from a

friend in Orlando; he wanted me to do some work for him. He is driving up;

so there goes my afternoon. He i s a very fine ce l l i s t from New York and is

principal cello in th e F lo rid a Central Symphony Orchestra of Orlandu. That

is the way it goes with me continually. I don' t get to work on new instru-

ments unless I simply s t ea l the time from repair ."

"I don ' t see how long th is sort of thing can go on because I am notgett ing any younger. I t i s t e l l ing on me, too. While I am apparently ingood health and can s t i l l do good work, I can not spend the long hours a t

my bench I could a few years ago - - I get t i red! No doubt, I will be work

ing so long as I can l i f t my hand or see with my eyes."

Quoting from another l e t t e r of Oct. 26 , 1970 ( th is was three years

af te r his bat t le with cance r) I "I am s t i l l beating along as I have been,

working on some f iddles , but I do get t i red quickly. When I do, I jus t l ie

down fo r a while and close my eyes and jus t res t . " Again on Feb. 16, 1971,

he says I "I am s t i l l working some. A lo t of repai r work ha s come in . I

think I am get t ing old; I have to l ie down a t t imes in the daytime any more

just to res t . "

So as his strength decreased, the demand for repair work continued.

He seemed caught in a vice . Time and energy needed fo r creative work, that

would be permanent, were dissipated by effor ts that were temporary. Doubt

l e s s , friends and c l ien ts did not real ize his s i tua t ion . I hope fo r leni ty

because I resented what seemed so unfair; I fe l t posteri ty to be the loser .

I s t i l l do! But who knows the t rue answer? I s t i l l think of the beauty - beauty of the unfinished - - unclained!

* * * * * * *

-1 7-

practical s')urce of help, I 51!!'.?ly cannot refUse them," Again there is the

customer who brought a viol in for repair and ended purchasing violin, viola

and 'cello; more importantly, she became his most loyal and helpful friend.

To quote again from h is informative l e t t e r of Dec . 20, 1965 - - "1

have had so much emergency repair work tha t must be done . I fin:lshed the

mos t pressing work yesterday an d planned on sp e nding today and the r es t I)f

the ;reek on Christmas things . But I just now got a telephone ca l l from a

friend in Orlando; he wanted me to do some work for him. He is driving up;

so there goes my afternoon. He 1s a very fine cell13t froD New York a r ~ 15

principal cello in th e Florida Cent=al Symphony Orchestra of Orlando . That

1s the way it goes with me continually. I don' t ge t to work on new instru

ments unless I simply s t ea l the time from repa ir . II

"1 don ' t see how long th i s sor t of thing can go on because I am notgett ing an y younger. I t i s te l l ing on me, too. While I am apparently ingood health an d can s t i l l do good work, I can not spend the long hours a t

my bench 1 could a few years ago - I get t i red! No doubt, I will be work

ing so long as I can l i f t my hand or see with my eyes ."

Quoti!l8 from. another l e t t e r of Oct. 26 , 1970 ( th i s wa:; three years

af te r his bat t le with cancer) I " I am s t i l l beating along as I have been.

working on some fiddles , but 1 do ge t t i red quickly. When I do , I just l ie

down fo r a while and. close my eyes and jus t r es t ." Again on Feb . 1 6 , 1971,

he s ay s l III am s t i l l working some . A lo t of repai r work has come in . I

think I am ge t t ing old; 1 have to l i e down a t t imes in the daytime an y more

jus t to r es t ."

So as his strength decreased, the demand fo r repair work continued.

He seemed caught in a vice . Time and energy needed for creative work, that

would be permanent. were dissipated by effor t s tha t were temporary. Doubt

l ess , friends and cl ients did not real ize his s i tuat ion. 1 hope fo r leni ty

because I resented ~ a t s e e ~ d s o unfair; 1 f e l t poster i ty to be the lose r .

1 s t i l l do! But who knows the t rue answer? I s t i l l think of the beauty -

beauty of the unfinished - - unclained!

*******



-18-

VIII - - DISAS1BR S T R ~ 3Dudley wa.s now past s ixty-five with his ambitions real ized. He had

achieved his greates t sa t is fac t ion as an ar t isan - - his ~ a t e s t pridef for

the Viola had become the pinnacle of his effor t s . Life had ful lness and he

fe l t he could continue his craf t unt i l his hands could 110 longer sculpt.ure

the wood or his ear no longer gradate tones .

In 1967, Disas te r s truck - - as a malignant tumor! Tha,t big, strong

body of his that housed a dominant but gentle sp i r i t , was brought low. Oh,

sure , there had been other impediments, such as the i l lnesses t ha t required

Martha's hospita l iza t ion. But he out-rode those sq ualls o f ill weather as

he would aga in a tt emp t to batten the hatches and r ide-out th i s one. And it

seemed he might do so. After submitting to the knife th re e times and some

months of recuperation l a te r , he returned to his bench, though he ,r as weak.

Those beaut i ful instruments once again flowed from his sJr...illful hands.

Again Fate deal t another blow. In 1970, Hartha was af f l ic ted by a

s troke, leaving a paralyzed r igh t arm and rendering her helpless , even to

arise from her bed unaided. She was hospi ta l ized in 1962 for pneumonia, in

1963 for removal of a kidney and in 1968 fo r a broken hip , the b all jo in t

being replaced by a plas t ic bal l - what i s the l imi t which one must endure?

With it a l l , she had maintained calmness and pat ience; and she did so now.

But it was disas terfor

both - -they

had beencalled

uponto bear so

much.

And again he steered windward to r es is t th is severe squall .

Bu t the storm did not abate i t s fury . One eye had been gathering

the clouding vei l of cataract , but the other sustained him. Then the f ina l

blow! Like the f l ick of a switch, that a l l important good eye ceased to

fun ction . B atte re d but s t i l l af loat , he once more surrendered his future

to the surgeon's scapel for a removal of the cataract t ha t might again give

hi m s igh t . Ini t ia l ly there was promise. I'll never forget the ecstacy inhis voice when I telephoned him some time l a t e r and asked if he could see.

And he repl ied so joyful ly , "Yeah!" But l a t e r t ha t b i t of promise faded.

He t r ied to do some repair work but was l imited by poor vision. Once again

he t r ied building a violin; but the resu l t did not meet his standards. His

ski l l s had become inoperative.

* * * * * * *

-18-

VIII - - DIS>SIBR STRIKe3

Dudley was now past sixty-five with his a!nbitioru:; rea l ized. He had

achieved his greates t sat isfact ion as an art isan - - his g=eatest pride; for

the Viola had become the pinnacle of his efforts. Life had fullness and hef e l t he could cont inue his cra f t unt i l his hands could no longer sculp ture

the wood or his ear no longer gradate tones.

In 1967 , Di s as ter s t ruck - - as a malignant tumor! Tha,t big , strong

body of his that housed a dominant but gent le sp i r tt , was brought lo w . Oh,

sure , there had been other impediments , such as the i l lnesses that requi red

Martha ' s hosp i t a l i za t ion . But he out-rode those squa.lls o f 111 weat.her as

he would again a t te nrot to bat ten the hatches and r ide - out th i s one . And i t

seemed he might do s o . After submitt ing to the kni fe three times and some

months of recuperat ion l a t e r , he returned to his bench , though he uas weak.

Those beauti fh l instruments once again flowed fro m his r;Y..i1lf'ul. hands.

Again Fate dealt another blow . In 1970 , Hartha was af f l ic ted by a

stroke , leaving a paralyzed r igh t am a.nd rendering her helpless . even to

ar ise from her bed unaided. She was hospitalized in 1962 for Fneumonia, in

196) for removal of a kidney a.nd in 1968 fo r a broken hip , the bal l jo in t

being re pl aced by a plas t ic ball - what i s the l imi t which one must endure?

With it a l l , she had maintained calmness a.nd patience; an d she did so no".

Bu tit

was disas ter for both- -

they had be en cal led upon to bear so much .And again he s teered windward to res is t th i s severe s qual l .

But the s torm did not abate i t s fury . One eye ha d been gathering

the clouding vei l of cataract , but the other sustained him . The n the f ina l

blow! Like the f l ick of a switch, tha t a l l important good eye ceased to

fUnction . Battered but s t i l l afloat , he once more surrendered his future

to the surgeon's scapel for a removal of the cataract that I:'.ight again give

him s igh t . In i t i a l ly there was promise . I'll never forget the ecstacy in

his vo i ce when I telephoned him sOI:le time l a t e r and asked if he could see .

And he repl ied so joyfUlly, "Yeah! " But l a t e r that b i t of promis e faded .

He t r ied to do SOCle repair work but was l imited by poor vision . Once again

he t r i ed building a viol inj but the result did not meet his standards . fii s

ski l l s had become inoperat ive.

* * * * * + *



-19-

IX - GLOOM

The fury abated but with leaden clouds remaining as he was grounded

and tossed on the shoals of adversity. As he had been given ab i l i t i es , so

now they had been taken away. That was the realism he faced, the most di f -

f i cu l t adjustments of his l i f e t ime . One can imagine his heavy heart as his

tools lay unused and he closed his shop in ~ o v e m o e r 1 ~ 7 l .~ i t h debts accumulating, with an inadequat e income, with unbearable

burdens, he had to rely upon the goodness of fr iends - gal l and wormwood to

him, I know. Yet his fr iends responded nobly, to t he i r eternal cred i t .

No longer able to adequately care for Hartha, l ia ble to stumble and

f a l l , ar is ing with di f f icu l ty , it now became impossible to remain in t he i r

t r a i l e r that had been thei r home for so long. Reluctant ly, he agreed with

the urging of friendl; that a nursing home was the only prac t ica l solut ion,

So on July 1 , 1972, they entered the ConvaJ.escent Center of Gainesville.

I doubt if he quite rea l ized the permanency. He had hopes t ha t his

s t rength and mobility would inrprove. Even when I l a s t vis i ted with him, he

sa id; II Haybe I can be come s t ronger . I would l ike to build another fiddle."

He never quite gave up. But when he sa id he wished to leave the home, it

tore a t your heart for you knew his decl in ing cond it ion . No doubt, he fe l t

a keen disappointment, t ha t he asked himself , "Why?" One could understand.

I hope he was able to ref lec t on his success, on his br i l l i an t accomplish

ments, to exul t over his beautiful instruments, to envision l a t e r musicians

seeking a Dudley Reed instrument. Haybe he found a measure of contentment,

the f ulf illm en t o f h is dreams. He had. created a heritage to pos te r i ty .

For var ied r ea sons , I was unable to v i s i t Dudley fo r several years ,

but it was possible to spend a week with him in October 1973, a most sa t i s -

fying v i s i t . Being somewhat apprehensive of his condit ion as well as mine,

I returned s ix months l a t e r - - his birthday, April 1974. There had. been a

decided change, a def inite deteriora t ion. I bade him good-bye with a sense

of doubt, of forebod.ine.

So I had only normal shock when I was inforned of his demise, f iva

weeks laot e r , Sunday, Nay 26, 1974. He had. gone suddenly, withou t warning,

j u s t a f t e r his lunch had been served. Of course I miss him, mourn him, but

now he suffers no more! But when I think of the t roubles he and !1a rtha had

encountered in the i r la . ter l i f e , it is di f f icu l t to avoid misty eyes.

* * * * * * *

-19-

IX - G:.OOM

The fury abated but with leaden clouds remaining as he was grounded

and tossed on the shoals of adversity. As he had been given ab i l i t i es , Stl

now they had been taken away. That was the realism he faced, the most d if

f icu l adjustments of his l i fe t ime . One can i magine his heavy heart as his

tool s lay Wlused an d he closed his shop in rwvemoer 1 )171.

with debts accumula t ing , with an inadequate income, with Wlbearable

burdens I he had to rely upon the goodness of fr iends - gal l an d wormwood to

him, I know. Yet his friends responded nobly, to the i r eternal cred i t .

No longer able to adequately care fo r Nartha, l i ab le to stwnble and

fa l l , ar i s ing with dif f icu l ty , it now 'became iI:Iposslble to remain in the i r

t r a i l e r that had been thei r home for so long. Reluctantly , he agreed with

the urging of friend:... that a nursing home ....as the only prac t ica l so lu t ion,

So on July 1, 1972 , they entered the Convalescent Center of Gainesv i l l e .

I doubt if he quite real ized the permanency . He had hopes that his

s t rength an d mobility would i ~ : r o v e Even when I l a s t vis i ted with him , he

sa id , "Haybe I can become s t ronger . I would l ike to build another f iddle ."

He never quite gave up . But when he sa id he wished to leave the home , it

tore a t your heart for you knew his declining condit ion. No do ubt, he f e l t

a keen disappointment , tha t he asked hil'lSelf , "Why?" One could understand.

I hope he was able to r e f l ec t on his success, on his br i l l ian t . accomplish

ments , to exult over his beaut i ful instruments, to envision l a t e r music ians

seeking a Dudley Reed instrument. 11aybe he f ound a measure o f contentment ,

the f 'ulf i l lment of his dreams . He had created a heri tage to posteri ty .

For var ied reasons , I was unable to v i s i t Dudley for several years ,

but it was possible to spend a week with him in October 1973 , a most sa t i s -

fying vi s i t . Being somewhat apprehensive of his condit ion as well as mine,

I retu:rned s ix months l a t e r - - his birthday, April 1974. There had been a

decided change , a def in i te deteriora t ion. I ba.d.e him good- bye with a sense

of doubt, of forebod.ine.

So I ha d only normal shock when I was infomed of his demise , five

weeks l a t e r , Sunday , ~ l a y 26 , 1974. He had. gone suddenly, witho ut warning,

jus t a f t e r his lunch had bean se rved . Of course I miss him, lUOurn him, but

now he suffers no morel But when I think of the troubles he and !1artha had

e ncountered in thei r l a t e r l i fe , it i s di f f icu l t to avoid mi s t y eyes.

* ... ... ... ... ... ...



-20-

x -- EULOGY

Dudley Reed was no ordinary person but had been touched by the wand

of Art is t rJ . His fine instruments have given pleasure and entertain.rnent to

thousands a.l'ld will continue top r ~ v i d e

joy into the reaches of t ime. Whenacco!!lPlished m u s ~ c i a n s made a pa.th to h is door, when univers i t ies adopted

his instruments, when cl ients willingly paid four figure pr ices , then one

must know tha t he had merit indeed.

A kind and cOffiDassionate man who befriended and respected people,

he readily made f r iends, fr iends who respected and loved him for h is inate.goodness and character . He was open and honest, without gui le , a lways with

a sense of humor, but he could be stern. Hard work was natural to him.

Professing no organized re l ig ion , he was yet aO. re l ig ious man. One

time he said to mel "How is it I have been given th is sk i l l and knowledge

to produce a f ine violin? I am only an ordinary f el low without background

fo r th is ab i l i ty . Surely it comes from outside myself and. i s a g i f t from a

Higher Power." One cou ld s ense his depth of thought .mile he was engrossed

in meditation as he worked hour af te r hour with his hands.

His character was molded a t the side o f our mother whom he loved.

During my l a s t v i s i t with him, he to ld me of th i s incident , which I had not

previously known. "I-Iother asked fo r me to come to her r oo m when she was so

s ick. She said to me; 'Dudley, I cannot l ive and will be gone shor t ly . I

love you. Will you promise to be a good boy, always?' I to ld her I would.

She was soon gone. I have always remembered and have always t r ied."

When he conceived "a bet ter f iddle", there was born the real DUdley

Reed, born the career t ha t brought noble achievement, f 'u lf i l lnent to him,

joy to others and a heri tage to th e fu tu re . Where? Not in that Ohio farm

house tha t saw his physical bi r th ; not in those roll ing Ohio hi l l s where he

pursued the wily game; not among the spruce and snows of the Cascades a.t

Yakama; not in the "Jennie" when he made his f i r s t fa l te r ing f l ights i!l. the

blue Ohio skies , above green bot tom lands and waters of the his tor ic Hus

kingum; not in the beaut i ful mountains of his beloved West Virginia as he

flew contentedly in t he i r crisp a i r l not in any of these. No, the career ,

of tha t Dudley Reed was born somew here when he sa t in discontent with tha t

f i r s t fiddle in hand, spurred by desire for a bet ter , but unobtainable one.

So the weak infant was nourished by questioning and reading, passed

in to adoles cenee with those f i r s t instrwnents , aequ ir ed s tr eng th while he

- 20 -

x -- EULOGY

Dudley Reea was no ordinary person but hnd been touched by the wand

of Art i s t r J . His fine lru:trwnents have given pleasure and. entertain.'I'lent to

thousands a!1.d wil l continue to pr:>vide joy into the reaches of t ime.'Nrl

en

acco!'lplished cians made a pi'.th to h is door , ;ffien univers i t ies adopted

his instruments, when clients will ingly paid four figure prices , then one

must know that he had merit. indeed ,

A kind and comDa5sionate man who befriended and respected people ,

he readily made f r iends, friends who respected and loved him for his ina te

goodness and character . He was open and honest, without gui l e , always with

a sense of humor , but he could be ste!'n. Hard work was natural to him .

Professing no organized re l igion , he was yet a re l igious man. One

time he said to me I "How 1s 1 I have been given th is sk i l l and knowl edge

to produce a f ine vio l in? I am only an ordinary fellow without background

for th i s abi l i ty . Surely it comes from outside myself and i s a gi f t from a

Higher Power . " One could sense his depth of thought ..mile he was engrossed

in JI'.editat ion as he worked hour af t e r hour ', d h his hands.

His character was molded a t the side of our mother ".mom. he loved.

During my l a s t v i s i t with him, he to l d me of th i s incident , which I had not

previously known, ~ i o t h e r asked for me to corne to her room when she was so

sick . She said to mel ' Dudley , I cannot l ive and will be gone short ly . I

love you. Will you promise to be a good boy, always? ' I to ld her I would.

She was soon gone . I have always remembered an d have always t r ied ."

When he concelved "a bet ter f iddle " , there was born the real Dudley

Reed, born the career that brought nobl e achievement , f\tl .fillnent to him ,

joy to others an d a heri tage to the ~ ~ t u r e . Where? Not in that Ohio farm

house t ha t saw his physical bir th ; not in those roll ing Ohio hi l l s where he

pursued the idly game; not among the spruce an d snows of the Casc2.des a t

Yakama.; not in the " Jennie" ..men he made his f i r s t fa l te r ing f l igh ts 1" the

blue Ohio skies , above green bottom l ~ d s and waters of the his tor ic

kinguro. l not in the beautif 'ul liIountains of his beloved West Virginia. as he

flew contentedly i n the i r crisp a i r , not in an y of these. No, t!'le C2.reer ,

of t hat Dudley Reed was born somewhere when he sa t in discontent with t ha t

f i r s t f iddle in hand, spurred by des i re for a bet ter , but unobtainable one.

So the weak i nfant was nourished by questioning <l.lld reading, passed

into adolescence with those f i r s t instruments , acquired strength while he



-21-

labored with gouge, plane and scraper and intellect. in his house aside the

Elkins ai rpor t , reached ful l maturity within the t r a i l e r in Jacksonville as

he, f igurat ively , sa t a t the feet of the master, John Werchman, and in that.

small shop a t Gainesville, bore fu l l f ~ l i t .Those of us who loved him, will know the void he leaves and we will

cherish having known him. N O ~ 7 he sleeps - - that deep, untroubled sleep - - blanketed by F lor id a 's g ra ss es , arched by he:!" foam-flecked, azure canopy

and bathed b'J her golden sun.

Hay a mercifUl, good God comfort and console a loyal , lonesome and

troubled Hartha and grant peace to her departed mate.

*******

In behalf of my s i s t e r , Margaret, my brother , James,

and myself, we desire to express our deep grat i tude to the

good fr iends of l1artha and Dudley who so wonderfully helped

and attended them in the i r need. I can not na:ne ea.ch, but

must especial ly mention Carolyn Tyner, Estel la Carson, SamMcFadden and Gino Cavaceppi. Carolyn and Estel le were con

t inual ly providing the ex tra a t ten tions and items tha t madel i fe in the home to lerable I and, I am sure , are providing

equal at tent ion and c o m f o r t t o l ~ a r t h a since Dudley's demise.Such fr iendship cannot be repaid; a simple "Thank you" must

suffice and a fervent wish that lives of each are enriched.

-21-

labored with gouge, plane and scraper and in te l l ec t in his house aside the

Elkins ai rpor t , reached fu l l maturity within the t r a i l e r 1n Jacksonvil le as

he, f i ~ ~ t i v e l y , sat at the feet of the master, John W e r c h ~ a n , and in that

small shop a t Gainesvi l l e , bore fu l l f ru i t .

Those of us who loved him, will know the void he leaves and we wil l

cherish having known him. Now he sleeps -- that deep, untroubled sleep - - blanketed by Flor ida 's grasses , arched by he!." foam-flecked, azure canopy

and bathed her golden sun.

Hay a merciful, good God com:forl and console a loya l , lonesome and

t roubled Nartha and grant peace to her departed mate.

*******

In behalf of my s i s te r , hargaret , my brother, James,and myself, we desire to express our deep grat i tude to the

good fr iends o f 11artha an d Dudley who so wonderfully helped

and attended them in the i r need. I can not na;ne each, but

must especially mention Carolyn Tyner, Este l la Carson, SamMcFadden an d Gino Cavaceppi. Carolyn an d Este l le were con

t inua l ly ~ r o v i d i n the extra a t tent ions an d items that ~ d el i fe in the home tolerable . and, I am su re , are providing

equal attention and. comfort to Kartha sinc9 Dudley's demise .Such fr iendship cannot be repaid; a simple "Thank you" must

suf f ice an d a fervent wish tha t l ives of each are enriched.



birthplace and H O ~ ~ - 1905

//

/ ~



D L ~ L E Y ~ D - - B i o g ~ p h i c a l Data

April 16, 1900

Sept. 17,1912

June 18, 1913

June 13, 1<;1191919 1920

1920 192:1.

1922

1922

1923

1924 - - - - 1925

1925

1926

1928 - - - - 1932

Dec. 21, 1930

Aug. 27, 1933

30m a t Palf.ler, Washington County, Ohio

~ o t h e r , Lucy B. Reed, died

Father re -marri ed to Lucy A. Palmer

Graduated a t ~ a r i e t t a HighSchool

Attended. Hariet ta College

Worked. in lumber camp near Yakama, Wash. summer and fa l l 1920

Worked hay harvest in Idaho summer 1921, returned Ohio in Fal l

Had agency for "Star" automobile a t Beverly, Ohio

Probably made his FIRST Violin

Learned airplane fiying from.Guy Vincent at Waterford, Ohio

Flew and barnstormed with Lyle "Scotty" Scott a t ~ l a r i e t t a , Ohio

Made a Violin fo r h is broth er, James

Rebuil t wrecked Waco airplane, obtaining his own, barnstormedwith it for the next couple of years.

Flew Stinson monoplane for Fairmont Airways , Fair!l1ont, W. Va.

Flew f i r s t strawberries from Wauchula, Fla. to New York City

Flew to Chicago Expo with Nr & Hrs West of Bucha."1l1,:>n, W.Va.and Nild.red Eldridge in 4 hours f rom Ohio

Violin Maker a t Gainesville

Martha in hospital for Asthmatic Bronchitis and Pneumonia

Martha in hospital unt i l July 6 - kidney removed June 13th

Dudley hosp it al iz ed fo r in tes t ina l cancerMartha in hospi tal with broken hip j oin t u nt il May 20

~ a r t h a had stroke, arm paralyzed; in hospital to Sept. 10

Dudley hosp it al iz ed fo r removal of Cataract in l e f t eye.

Dudley closed his viol in shop

Dudley and Mar tha moved into Convalescent Center of Gainesvil le

Dudley died SUddenly a t Convalescent Center

Dudley buried in Hil lcres t Memorial Park, Gainesville

1952

1971

--- 1962

7, 1963

19673, 1968

23, 1970

- - - - 1970

- - - - 1971

1 , 1972

26, 1974

29, 1974

July

May

May

May

May

SeptMay

Aug.

Nov.

Nov.

1947

1953

Dec. 1933 Moved to Elkins, W.Va. Lived with Hr & Mrs "Dice" Harper

Oct. 1934 Became f i r s t manager of Elkins Nunicipal Airport

July 14, 1934 Married f'lartha Sandridge (Dec. 4, 1911) a t Oakland, Nd.

1934 - - - - 1939 Equipment Supervisor for W.Va. Road Commission a t Elkins

1941 - - - - 1944 Superv'r Pi lo t Primary Train 'g of U.S. Airforce, Douglas, Ga.

Jan. 1 , 1945 Pi lot t ra ining U.S. Airforce, Arcadia, Fla , to end of War II.1945 1947 Instructor o f A ir cr af t Mechanics a t Laurie Yonge Flying School

Hart Airfield , Jacksonville, Fla.

Inst ructor of Aircraft Mech's a t Stengle Field, Gainesville , F

D U ~ ICED - - B l o ~ . ! ' a p h i c a Data

April 16 . 1900 30m a t Palmer . Washington County, Ohio

Sept. 17, 191 2 rother , Lucy D. Reed , died

June 18 , 1913 Father re -ma rried to Luc y A. Palmer

June 13, 1<;

19 Graduated a tt t a .

High School1919 1920 Attended. Na r ie t ta Colleg e

1920 1921 'Worked in lumber camp near Yakama , ;,{ash. s ummer and fa l l 1920

1922

1922

192J

Worked hay harves t in Idaho sum;ner 1921, r e tuned Ohio in Fal l

Had agency for "star" automobile a t Beverly, Ohio

Probably ~ d e his FIRST Violin

Learned airplane flying from.Guy Vincent a t Waterford, Ohio

1924 1925 Flew and bar.l.Stormed with Lyle IIScotty" Scot t a t Na r ie t ta , Ohio

1925

1926

Made a Violin for his brother, James

Rebuil t wrecked Waco airplane, obtaining his ownl barnstormedwith it for the next couple of years.

1928 1932 Flew Stinson monoplane for Fairmont Airways , Fairmont, W.Va.

Dec.

Aug .

Dec.

Oct.

July

19J4

21. 19JO

27. 19JJ

19JJ

19J4

14. 19J4

19J9

Flew f i r s t strawberries from Wauchula, Fla. to New York City

Flew to Chicago Expo with M & I·rs West of Bucha."U1::m, W.Va.

and. NUdred Eldridge in 4 hours from Oh io

Hoved to Elkins, W.Va. Lived with Hr & M s "Dice" Harper

Became f i r s t :na.na.ger of lUkins Nunicipal Airport

Married Martha Sandridge (Dec. 4, 1911) a t Oakland, Nd.

Equipme nt Supervisor for W.Va. Road Commission a t Elkins

1941 1944 Superv ' r Pi lo t Primarf Train ' g of U.S. Airforce , Douglas, Ga.

Jan. 1, 1945 Pi lo t t ra ining U.S . Airforce, Arcadia, Fla, to end of War I I .

1945

1947

195J

May

May

Sept

1947

1952

1971

1962

7. 196J

1967

Instructor of Aircraf t e c h a n i c s a t Laurie Yonge Flying School,

Hart Airf ie ld , Jacksonville, Fla.

Inst ructor of Aircraft l·jech · s a t Stengle Field, Gainesvil le , F

Violin !!aker a t Gainesvil le

Martha in hospi ta l for Asthmatic Bronchit is and Pneumonia

Martha in hospital unt i l July 6 - kidney removed June 13th

Dudley hospital ized for in tes t ina l cancerMay 3, 1968 Martha 1n hospi t a l idth broken hip jo int unt i l Nay 20

Aug. 23, 1970 ~ a r t h a had stroke , arm para lyzed : in hospital to Sept . 10

Nov. 1970 Dudley hospitalized for removal of Cataract in l e f t eye.

Nov. 1971 Dudley closed his viol in shop

July 1 , 197 2 Dudley and Martha moved into Convalescent Center of Gainesvil le

May 26, 1974 Dudley died suddenly a t Convalescent Center

May 29, 1974 Dudley buried in Hi l l c res t Memoria l Park, Gainesville



Family of DUDLEY REED

DUDLEY BRECKENRIDGIil REED - Born at Palmer, Washington Co., Ohio, April 16, 1900Died at Gainesville, Florida, May 26, 1 9 7 ~

Harried Martha Sandridge (Dec. 4, 1911) on July 14 , 1934

Son of-- James Fletcher Reed (Aug. 16 , 1860 - Dec. 24, 1944) and---------Lucy Bell (Breckenridge) Nov. 16,1868 - Sept 17,1912).

[Married Nov. 14 , 1889

Brother - Howard F. Reed (Sep. 2, 1892) of North Hollywood, Calif.I Nephew - Robert B. Reed (June 12 , 1922), address unknown

• • •• • •• • •• •• • •• • J . Fletcher Reed, married on June 18 , 1913I Lucy A. Palmer (June 18 , 1883) - Jan. 19 , 1966)

Sister - - Margaret S. (Reed) Love (Nov. 19 , 1915) Married James Donald Love (May 6, 1906)L on July 8, 1933. Resides at Wichita, Kas.

Nephew - Chester L. Love (Dec. 9, 1934) married Mary Lou (Ferrie)

Lon Feb. 21, 1959. Resides at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Chi1dred - Steven (Nov. 29, 1964)Debra Ann ( June 25, 1966)

Erother - James P. Reed (Nov. 22, 1919 Married Doris (McGregor) (Sep. 8, 1919)I on Aug. 15 , 1947. Res ides at Caldwell, Ohio.

t= Nephew - Phillip G. Reed (Oct. 13 , 1949) of Sandusky, Ohio

Nephew - Ronald A. Reed (July 9, 1952) of Columbus, Ohio.

Family of DUDLEY REED

DUDLEY BRECKENRIDGE REED - Born a t Palmer, Washington Co . , Ohio, April 1 6 , 1900Died a t Gainesville , Florida , 26 , 1974,

Narr i ed Hartha Sandri dge (Dec. 4, 1911) on July 14 , 1934

So n of-- James Fletcher Reed (Aug. 16 , 1860 - Dec. 24, 1944) and

L Lucy Bell (Breckenridge) Nov. 16,1868 - Sap. 17, 1912).11arried Nov . 14 , 1889

Brother - Howard F. Reed (Sep. 2 , 1892) of Norl:.h Hollywood, Cal i f .I Nephe w _ Robert B. Reed (June 12 , 1922), address unknown

•••• • ••••••••••• J . Fletcher Reed , married on JUlle 18 , 1913r------- - Lucy A. Palmer (June l B. 188 ) - Jan. 19. 1966)

Si s te r - - Margaret S. (Reed) Love (Nov. 19 , 1915) Nar r led James Donald Love (May 6, 1906)L on July 8 , 1933 . Reside;:; a t Wichita, Kas.

Nephew - Ches te r L. Love (Dec. 9 , 19J4) married ~ j a r y Lou (Ferrie)

Lon Feb. 21, 1959. Resides a t Dhahran , Saud i Arabia.

Ch 11dred - Steven (Nov. 29. 1964) .Debra Ann (June 25 . 1966)

Brother - James P. Reed (Nov. 22 , 1919 Married Doris (McGregor) (Sep. 8 , 1919)~ on Aug. 15 , 1947. Resid es a t Caldwell, Ohio,

Nephew - PhUl1p G. Reed (Oct. 1 ) . 1949) of Sandusky. Oh10

Nephew - Ronald A. Reed (July 9, 1952) of Columbus, Ohio.



DUDLEY nEED Instrl..lments

P a r t i a l l i s t as shown by his records. No record available ofthose made e a r l i e r . Dates appear to be those when order was placed.

Fla

Atl

l ~ . Y •Utah

N.C.FlaTexN.C

M.chKy.Fla

N.C.Fla

N.C.La.Ala

N.C.

Ky.Fla

N.Y.U.C.Tenn

FlaFla

Some numbers available fo r195) and 1954 are shown

#1)9 became #164142 " 2016

155 .. 168164 II 2002

165 " 200)

20)7 " 209)

- For #14) see year 19571 4 7 " II 1956-

1 4 8 " " 1 9 5 6

1 5 1 " " 1 9 5 6

152 I I " 1 9 5 6

1144 and #105) Unassigned

NO'lES.x indicates a ) / 4 violin

Atl - Atla.nta.. Georgia

NW!lbers. not dates shownfo r 1955 and following

*******•••••M.* • • • *••• • • • MM • • • •

****************t*************************

12.22#112 VIOLA Robert Harrison

120 Violin Ralph Winkler121 Violin Florence Black

122 'Cello. Charles Medlin12) Violin Harold Ca.'Jl"O

124 Yio1in Joan cruthirds125 Violin Alicr; Keith Pfohl126 Violin Jane s t o l t z

127 'Cello Harry Dunscombe128 Violin Clara LiVingston

129 'Cello Un!v. of Florida.1)0 VIOLA Un!v. of Florida1)1 Violin Mrs. li. li . 11artin1)2 VIOLA Sally. Bingham- 1) ) V io li n Tom Daggy

1)4 Violin Ga11assi

1)5 Violin Sugonong

1)6 'Cello Nina Walker1)7 VIOLA Vladimir Lukashuk

1 )8 'C ello Owen F. Sellers140 Violin Nancy Cir i l lo141 Violin J . J . Earn."lardt

145 Violin Karen Beall146 VIOLA Dorothy Flory149 Violin Mrs l'1arie Hoberts150 Violin C. C. Gerry154 Violin l;lrs Kathryn Powell

Fla

Fla

Tenn

Atl

N.Y.

Atl

Benj. Goodsel l #90Anna Papas

Joseph Nadel1e

Mrs J . £ . Wells 891C. li . ReavesC. E. Blye 1f 1\ 0 F\t)JP a t r i c i a Hirschoren OhioB i l l T r i t t #105 N.C.Mrs Mary Walsh #106 N.C.B r i t t B. Moore #11) N.C.Robt. Harrison #114 AtlBenj. Goodsell #6)Sam 1l0chenberg #8) Ii.Y•LeRoy Hendricks Atl

195)

2- 4 Violin Robt. Harrison #9) Atl2- 7 Violin Mrs. F. Tuttle5-22 Violin Joseph V. Smith6-10 Violin C.:1. Reaves *1q6-2) Violin It:rs Winfred ~ r w 1 n #747-27 Violin John Aguilar8-22 Violin Robt. Harrison #81 Atl9- 4 Violin lim. Hutchins #60 At19- 9 Violin Albert R. Greco At19-21 Violin Albert R. Greco At110- 1 Violinx Barney Mendintz Atl

10-15 VIOLA Robert Camp #87

10-19 Violin Lrs. J . D. Lupton Atl10-21 Violin Dominick Uliss i #6810-)1 Violin hrs W.C. La.rd1n #86 Ga.11- 6 Violin Mrs F. J . Oakes #85 Ga.11-10 Violin Robt. Harrison #88 At111-14 Violin 11rs. M. Stopinski Fla

11-20 ~ i o 1 i n R ~ y m o n d K u r c ~ 1 ! At1... L ( ( 0 ( ) ~ " ' / .. ~ . ~ ' ; : ; . . . . FLr,,-~

1- 2 VIOLA1 - 9 Violin1-12 Violin

1-28 Violin) - 6 VIOLA6-23 Violin8-16 VIOLA

Violin

8-25 Violin8-)0 Violin

8-30 Violin

9- 9 VIOLA10- 5 Violin10-26 Violin

1951

5- 1 Violin d1 Filippo

!228- ) Violin Fred Cianciolo8- 9 Violin Benjamin Sweeting

9- 5 Violin Sam McFadden9-17 Violin Dr. Harry S. :alank9-17 ViolinA " I I I I I I

10-2) Violin C. W. Reaves -4F r '{11-18 Violin Mrs. John S. Luce12- 8 Violin Jo-Ann Hughes12-15 Violin Dr . Cha.c;. L. Park

12-20 Violin Kurt Bieler .;.1-'

c <-\\ u ( • "".I _ R..; , t l ; ' " :t,-'- '1

DUDLEY nt:ED In.<;;tr.L1lents

Partial l i s t as shom by his reco:!'d.s. No record. available ofthose J:Iade earlier. Dates a.ppear to be those when order was placed,

5- 1 Violin d1 Filippo

.!l l i8- 3 Violin Fred Cianciolo

8- 9 Violin Benjamin Sweeting

Fla

9- 5 Violin Sam Mcfadden Fla9-17 Violin Dr. Harry S. ~ l a n k9-17 Violinx tr " II "

10-23 V1ol1n C. W. Reaves -iF n-11-18 V101in Mrs. John S. Luce Tenn12- 8 Violin Jo-Ann Hughes12-15 V1ol1n Dr. Cha. • L. Park

12-20 VioUn Kurt .Bieler "" "c .. ,TGt C.",--' , R ' l . . ~ · } : r r ( ; . . ...

.!m2- 4 V101in Robt. Harrison #93 Atl2- 7 Viol1n Mrs. F. W. Tuttle5-22 Violin Joseph V. Smith

6-10 Violin C. Reaves *1':;6-23 Violin l irs Winfred 3rw1n #74

7-27 Violin John Aguilar8-22 ViolL., Robt. Harrison #81 Atl9- 4 Violin Wm . Hutchins #60 Atl9- 9 Violin Albert R. Greco Atl9-21 V1ol1n Albert R. Greco Atl10- 1 Vio1inx Earney Nendintz AU

10-15 VIOLA Robert Camp 1187

10-19 V101in Lrs. J . D. Lu?ton Atl10-21 Violin Dominick Ulissi 1168

10-31 V1ol1n hrs ' •C. Lardln # 86 Ga.

11- 6 V101in Mrs F. J . Oakes #65 Ga.11-10 Viol1n Robt. Harrison #88 Atl11-14 ViolL., Mrs. M. Stopinski Fla

ill.:!#112 VIOLA Robert Harrison

120 Violin Ralph Winkler121 Violin Florence Black122 'Cello. Charles Medlin123 Violin124 Violin

125 Violin126 V1ol1n127 'Cello128 V1ol1n129 'Cello130 VIOLA131 Viol1n

132 VIOLA133 Violin134 Violin135 Violin136 'Cello137 VIOLA138 'Cello140 Violin141 Violin

145 Violin146 VIOLA149 Violin150 Violin

154 Violin

NO'lES.

Harold CampJoan Cruthirds

Alies Keith ?fohlJane t o l t zHarry DunscombeClara L1vingston

Un!v. of Floricia.Yniv. of Florida

Mrs • \ l. 'Ii. l'.a.rttnS&l.ly .BinghamTom Daggy

GallassiSugonongNina ~ a l k e rVladimir LukashukOwen F. SellersNancy CirilloJ . J . E a r n . ~ a r d tKaren .BeallDorothy Flory

Mrs l-1ar1e RobertsC. C. Gerry

I<lrs

Kathryn Powell

x indicates a 3/4 violinAtl - Atlanta, Georgia

Nwabers. not c.ates shownfor 1955 and following

Atl

N.Y •UtahN.C.FlaTexN• Cj · ~ c hKy.Fla

N.C.Fl .

N.C.La.Ala

N.C.Ky.FlaN.Y.N.C,TennFlaFla

Fla

11-20 ~ i ~ h ~ ~ n ~ ~ ~ J z ~ f ~ ; :ill!!1- 2 VIOLA1- 9 Violin1-12 Violin

1-28 V1ol1n3- 6 VIOLA6-23 V101in8-16 VIOLA

Benj. Goodsell #90

Some numbers available for

1953 and 1954 are sholm

Violin

8-25 Violin8-30 Violin8-30 V1ol1n9- 9 VIOLA

10- 5 V10lin

10-26 Violin

Anna Papas AtlJoseph Nadelle N.Y.

MrsJ.£.

Wells 191 AtlC, V. ReavesC. E. Blye i f 110 FI,.,Patricia Hirschoren OhioBil l Tri t t #105 II.C.Mrs Mary Walsh #106 N.C.Bri t t B. Moore #113 N.C.Robt. Harrison #114 AtlBenj. Goodsell ii63

Sam lIochenberg ;v83 !I.Y.leRoy Henclricks Atl

#139 became142 "

155 "164 "165 "20.37 "

#J.642016

16820022003

2093

For .143 see year 19571 4 7 " "1956 .148" "1956151" "19561 5 2 " "1956

#144 and #153 Unassigned



DUDLEY rlEED Ins t:=:'Wllents (Cont'd)

Herbert 5 i lbersack OhioDorothy rtussell Long Va.Hrs. G. L. Gent::q

Univ. of FloridaJames C. Pfohl N.C.?

Galassi1-:iss Jeneve i'larrenUniv. of FloridaUniv. of Florida?

University of Florida

1956

#147 Violin148 Violin151 Violin

152 Violin156 Bass157 Violin158 Violin159 'Cello160 VIOLA161 'Cello162 VIOLA163 Bass166 Violin167 Violin168 VIOLA169 Violin

2002 Violin2003 Violin2004 VIOLA2005 Violin2006 Violin2007 'Cello2008 Violin2009 'Cello2010 Violin2011 Violin2012 Violin

1957

#143 Violin#2013 VIOLA2014 Violin2015 VIOLA2016 Violin2017 Violin2018 Violin.2019 Violin2020 VIOLA2021 VIOLA

1958

#2022 'Cello2023 Violin2024 Violin2025 VIOLA

Sam NochenbergKurt BielerC. E. BuchanonUniv. of Florida

Bernie JacobsonFred BeckPaskellDr. SmithRobert HarrisonUniv. of IdahoWilliam HutchinsJane BishopUniv. of FloridaDrix GeorgeDorothy Flory

Nrs C. \1. ReavesFran.'!{ '11. \o1oodsNrs. Earnest CaseyBenjamin GoodsellChas. C. NcAlleyDr. J. J. Baer, Jr

John S. SudaDonald CoeUniv. of FloridaBoris Kroyt.

Univ. of FloridaUniv. of FloridaPam SorensenFlorida state Univ.

l { ~ Y •Aust.

FlaAlaH.C.FlaAtlIdaAtl

N.C.

Ga.Fla.

Fla.

D.C.

1959

#2026 Violin2027 Violin2028 Violi..l1

2029 VIOLA2030 VIOLA2031 Violin2032 Violin2033 Violin2034 Violin2035 VIOLA2036 VIOLA

1960

2038 Violin2039 VIOLA2040 VIOLA

2041 Violin2042 Violin2043 'Cello2044 Violin2045 VIOLA2046 VIOLA2047 Violin2048 "Cello2049 Violin2050 VIOLA

1961

#2051 'Cello2052 Violin2053 'Cello2054 Violin2055 Violin2056 Vio11..112057 Violin2058 Violin2059 Violin2060 Violin

1962

#2061 Violin

2062 Violin2063 Violin2064 Violin2065 Violin2066 'Cello2067 VIOLA2068 Violin

Florida State Univ•rt.rs. Verna B. NashPaul Roban

Univ. of FloridaJoe Clodfelter N.C.Jr. League of Jax. F1aBecky Hicks S.C.Dr. ~ J a n d e rHrs. WoodsConverse CollegeS. Venittelli Va.

M-."l"S W. S. Biggers Tex.Dr. ;:a1ter Bishop Ga.uIiiv • of FloridaHrs E. H. Grantham FlaLivingston FlaYarie Henderson Flaliniv. of So. Fla. FlaUniv. of 30. Fla. FlaGrace Wirta1a FlaDale hcCall FlaUniv. of So. Fla. FlaUniv. of Florida

Univ. of So. Fla Fla

E 1 i ~ a b e t h QuallsUniv. of Florida.Univ. of So. Fla. FlaAllen l'roxe1Univ. of So. Fla FlaTon Lm'leCherry Sau.11dersllia.ro.ne Bault

~ l a r y Bennett

LYnn hitherspoon

Esther Holly li.Y.B r u ~ { e r

ArizToa HallDr. Stanley CookBenjamin SweetingArnold ',:1rta1a FlaConverse CollegeHann (Viet liai'il)

DUDLEY rlEED Ins t:='Wllents (Cant 'd )

1956

#147 Violin

148 Violin

1.51 Violin

152 Violin156 Bass

157 Violin158 Violin

159 'Cello

160 VIOLA

161 'Cello162 VIOLA

16} Bass

166 Violin

167 Violin

168 VIOLA169 Violin

2002 Violin200} Violin

2004 VIOLA

2005 Violin

2006 Violin

2007 'Cello2008 Violin

2009 'Cello2010 Violin

2011 Violin

2012 Violin

1957

#14} Violin

#201} VIOLA

2014 Violin

2015 VIOLA2016 Violin

2017 Violin

2018 Violin .

2019 Violin

2020 VIOLA

2021 VIOLA

1958

Herbert S11bersack OhioDorothy Russell Long Va .Hrs. G. L. Gentry

Univ. of FloriaaJames C. Pfohl N.C.

?Galassi

Elss Jeneve Warren

Univ. of FloridaUniv. of Florida

?University of Florida

Sam !;ochen'bere Y •

Kurt Bieler Aust.

C. E. BuchanonUniv. of Florida

Bernie Jacobson FlaFred :Beck Ala

Faskell N. C.Dr. Smith FlaRobert Harrison AtlUnlv, of Idaho Ida

William Hutchins Atl

Jane Bishop

Univ . of Florida

Dr1.x GeorbeDorothy Flory

Mrs C. U. ReavesFran.!( 'J. Woo:is

!<irs . Zarnest CaseyBenjamin Goodsell

Chas. C. NcAlley

Dr. J . J. 3a.er, Jr

John S . SudaDonald Cae

Univ. of FloridaBorls Kroyt

N. C.

Ga.Fla .

Fla .

D. C.

#2022 'Cello Unlv. of Florida202} Violin Univ . of Florida

2024 Violin Pam Sorensen

2025 VIOLA Florida state i,;niv.

1959

#2026 Violin

2027 Violin

2028 ViolL'l

2029 VIOLA20}0 VIOLA

20)1 Violin

20}2 Violin

20}} Violin

20}4 Violin

20}5 VIOLA

20}6 VIOLA

1960

20}8 Violin

20}9 VIOLA

2040 VIOLA


204) ' Cello

2044 Violin

2045 VIOLA

2046 VIOLA

2047 Violin

2048 "Cello

2049 Violin

2050 VIOLA

1961

#20.51 'Cello2052 Violin

205} 'Gello

2054 Violin

2055 Violin

2056 ViolL"!

2057 Violin

2058 Violi."l

2059 Violin

2060 Violin

1962

#2061 Violin

2062 Violin206} Violin

2064 Violin

2065 Violin

2066 'Cello

2067 VIOLA

2068 Violin

Florida state Unlv.

fo'lIS. Verna B. NashFaul Hoban

Univ. of FloridaJoe Clodfelter N.C .Jr . League of Jax . Fla

Becky Hicks S . C.Dr . ;lander

Mrs. Woods

Converse College

S . Venittell i Va .

¥IIS W. S. Biggers Tex.Dr. : a l t e r Bishop Ga.uriiv . of Florida}:r.; E. H. Gra..TJ.tharn. Fla

Livinoston Fla

Y:a.rie Henderson Fla

Gniv. of So. Fla. Fla

iJniv. of 3 0. Fla . Fla

Grace Wirtala Fla

Dale heCali Fla

Univ. of So . Fla. FlaUniv. of Florida

Univ. of So. F1.a Fla

Elizabeth Qual l s

Univ. of Floricla

Univ . of So . Fla.

Allen 'i'roxelUniv. of So . Fla

Ton Lowe

Cherry SaundersDianne 3aultHary BelUlettLynn hltherspoon

Esther !iolly

Bruoa,kerT O ~ , n<!.llDr. Stanley Cook

13enjanin S".eetingArnold :artala.

Converse Colleee

Hann (Viet liam)

Fla

Fla

N.Y.Ar iz

Fla



DUDLEY RESD In.st!"\l!nents (Cont'd)

1971

? Violin Dudley's Last (unsold)

DUDLEY'S shop was closedin November 1971

1963

#2069 'Cello H. Isark2070 Violin Hrs. Dean Harshall Fla2071 Violin U P ~ v . of So. Fla. Fla

2072 Violin i:::!"...£; • Fla2073 Violin Dr iier..-ton Ailebach

1964

#2074 VIOL.<\ Univ. of So. Fla. Fla

2075 VIOLA Univ. of So. Fla. Fla2076 VIOLA Dr. Root. Carson Fla

2077 Violin Pierre Jean Fla2078 Violin Univ. of So. Fla. Fla

1965

#2079 Violin G. J. Michaelides

2080 Violin Mike Heifitz2081 VIOLA Joe Clodfelter N.C.2082 'Cello Judy Clodfelter N.C.2083 ViolL", Joe Clodfelter c.2084 Violin Sam HcFadden Fla2085 Violin George Curtington Ala2086 'Cello Hrs. Frank Holly N.Y.

1966

#2087 VIOLA Waldrop Fla2088 VIOLA A u b ~ ~ University Ga.2089 VIOLA Jose HodribUez Ala

2090 Violin Auburn University Ga.

1967

#2091 Violin Robert Camp Ala2092 Violin June G. Beasley

2093 VIOLA Hugh Partridge2094 VIOLA C. E. Bucha.."l.on

1970

#2106 ViolL",2107 Violin2108 VIOLA

2109 ~ l I O L A2110 Violin2111 'Cello

David DavidsonHelen !;.;dwards

1·;iss Shirley Hyers

Carolyn Tyner?

(linfinished)

Fla

W.Va.

Fla

1968

#2095 Violin2096 Violin2097 Violin

2098 Violin2099 VIOLA2100 Violin2101 VIOLA2102 VIOLA2103 Violin

~ l i c h a e l Holmes Kas.

Karen Casey N.Y•

lXs. Cecil S m i t h ~Carolyn Tyner Fla.1·:S Rebecca iialdropKaren liorlhy Fla. : ~ ~ say thisDr. Robert Cade 97l·!rs. C. Ian HoodRichard Schlub Ohio

was his best violin.

1969

196}

#2069 'Cello

2070 Violin

2071 Violin


1964

#2074 VIOLA

2075 VIOr. ,

2076 VICLA


l2§2

#2079 Violin

2080 Violin2081 VIOLA

2082 'Cello2083 ViolLo

2084 Violin2085 Violin2086 'Celio

1966

#2087 VIOLA

2088 VIOLA

2089 VIOLA

2090 Violin

1967

#2091 Viol in2092 Violin2093 VIOLA

2094 VIOLA

1968

#2095 ViolLo2096 Violin

2097 Violin

2098 Violin2099 VIOLA

2100 Violin

2101 VIOLA

2102 VIOLA

2103 Violin

1969

DUDlEY PEE:D lns trll:nents (Cont 'd)

1970

H. Isark #2106 ViolLo David Davidson FlaMrs. Dean Ha:!':'3ha.l l Fla 2107 Violin He len !!: dwardsUniv . of So . Fla. Fla 2108 VIOLA Liss Shirley r·lyers W.Va.. " l " I"-..... -+w. Fla 2109 n OLA (:arol:;l1 Tyner FlaDr iie,,-"ton Ailebach 2110 Violin ?

2111 'Cello (unfinished)

Univ . of So . Fla. Fla 1971

Univ . of So . Fla . Fla ? Violin Dudley ' s Last (unsold)Dr. Root . Carson Fla D u ~ L E Y shop was closedPie!"re Jean FlaUniv, of So . Fla. Fla 1n Xovember 1971

G. J . Michaelides

MiJte Heif i tzJoe Clodfel ter H. C.Judy Clodfelter N. C.Joe Clodfel ter rr .C .

Sa.r:l NcFadden FlaCeor;e C u r t l ~ o n Al a

Hrs . Frank Holly N.Y.

Waldrop FlaAubuL-n University Ga .

Jose Rodriti\lcz Ala

Auburn University Ga.

Robert Camp AlaJune G. BeasleyHueh Partridge

c. E. Bucha."lon

Hichael Hol mes Kas .Karen Casey N. Y•!;rs . Cecil S r : r l . t h ~Carolyn Tyner Fla .l':S Rebecca WaldropKaren l!orthy Fla . Some say th is was hi s best violin .

Dr. Robert Cade #2097

Hrs . C. Ian HoodRichard. Schl ub Oh i o

dudley reed fiddle maker

Documents