Music is valued but is not free

The Salem Brass Band 1862

Contemporary member of the Salem Brass Band

"The board (of elders) granted a donation of $15 to the Salem brass band toward the purchase of new instruments, with the understanding that the death of the member of the church be announced by blowing of the church tunes from the steeple as had been customary heretofore." -- August 7, 1860


Brother Charles Clauder who has thus far attended the organ bellows for $12 a year, asked for an increase of salary, and the board resolve to raise it to $15 dollars with an extra compensation of $5 for his attendance at rehearsals of music." February 7, 1860