"A History of American Women in Song"
On Friday, October 12th, the Berne-Knox-Westerlo community was treated to a one-woman show presented by the talented Linda Russell. Linda sang and accompanied herself on several musical instruments, some familiar and some unusual, such as mountain and hammered dulcimers, the pennywhistle, limberjacks, and the guitar. Linda told stories and sang songs about colonial women, women in war-times from the Revolutionary War through to the First World War, and the efforts of women to gain the right to vote. Audience members were encouraged to sing-along on some of the more familiar songs. Students in the audience were invited on-stage to try their hand at several of the unusual instruments.
This educational and fun program at BKW HS was sponsored by a grant from the Stewart's Shops Holiday Match Program.
This educational and fun program at BKW HS was sponsored by a grant from the Stewart's Shops Holiday Match Program.
Performer Linda Russell and the student participants.
KHS President Dennis Barber holds 2 of the limberjacks, wooden dancing dolls.
A display of some of the items Linda used in her performance.
- A feather was used with stringed instruments
- Quilts were made using paper as a backing
- A Suffragette hat
- Women spent a good deal of time doing needlework
- Important decisions were sometimes made during a tea party
- A wooden jig toy depicting women doing the unending task of washing clothes.