The Kitchen Kabinet Orchestra*

Organized by the wife of Rev. C.B. Piersol, this Pauline Methodist ladies' group performed locally for a 25-cent admission charge; the goal was to raise money to buy things for the church. Instruments were made from a variety of household items with kazoos attached. The Kitchen Kabinet Orchestra's program included a story about a couple who fell in love – their courtship, wedding and marriage. Readings and songs were also presented, including "Turkey in the Straw", "Jingle Bells", "Blue Bells of Scotland" and "Polly Wolly Doodle".  A performance at the city auditorium in Hastings brought out a full house, which was a surprise to all.

Who's Who In The Orchestra

A version of this photo appeared in the Hastings Daily Tribune March 3, 1928, with the following information: "The Kitchen Kabinet Orchestra, an organization formed among the members of the Ladies Aid of the Methodist Church at Pauline, has The Kitchen Kabinet Orchestra is shown in this photo that ran March 3, 1928 in the Hastings Daily Tribune. See below to find out who's who in the orchestra. Photo is courtesy of Doris Jones Spain and the Hastings Daily Tribune.received favorable comment not only at its local performance but also at those given at Blue Hill, Ayr, Lawrence, and Glenvil. The story of the performance follows the love affair of Robin Adair, a young fellow from Scotland who attends school at Yale. He meets Adeline, courts her, returns to Scotland and later comes back to Adeline. The entire theme is carried out in music by the Kitchen Cabinet(sic) Orchestra.

"From left to right in the front row of the picture are Mrs. Alfred Lofquist as Mrs. Rub-no-more; Mrs. Onno Valentine, Mr. Quality; Mrs. Howard Overy, Madame Tubinsky; Little Max Dawson, Maxy, the Mascot.

"In the second row are Miss Sara Anderson, Robin Adair; Miss Della Lofquist, Adeline Kettleton; Mrs. Walter Gartner, Mrs. Maggie Jiggs; Mrs. Levi Sherman, Mrs. I.G.A. Butternut; Mrs. Thomas Emil(sic), Madame Co Lander; Mrs. Dan Schuerle(sic), Mrs. Madeline Grater; Mrs. Helen Dawson, Madam Kake Kazoo; Mrs. Ray Allen, reader; Mrs. C.B. Piersol, director, Madam Kitchenette.

"The third row: Mrs. Henry Bott, Mrs. Saxophone; Mrs. Arthur Sime, Mrs. Fordinsky; Mrs. Owen Evans, Flitter Flytox; Mrs. Edgar May, Mrs. Imo Curtain Rod; Mrs. Erle Jones, Miss Slid-a-trombone."

*The brief history of this group is taken from "Pauline and Community, 1887-1987, 'A Trail in Time' ".

 

An enlarged photo of the Kitchen Kabinet Orchestra. Photo identities may be found in "Who's Who In The Orchestra." Photo is courtesy of Doris Jones Spain and The Hastings Tribune.