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30-minute piano lesson. I practiced on Grandma's beautiful big organ and felt well paid for my labors, because she was such a gracious lady. Reflections-------those precious memories are a priceless heritage to me. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa for making them so happy. Source: Author's own personal experiences. JOHN HASSLER--PIONEER MUSICIAN OF CENTRAL UTAH Harry A. Dean Ephraim, Utah Senior Division First Place Honorable Mention, Historical Essay John Hassler was born in Switzerland on April 17th, 1839. He and his wife were converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints through the missionary labors of Karl G. Maesser. He was probably the most prominent and influential musician in Central Utah from 1869 to 1887. This was about the time that A. C. Smyth moved to Sanpete County and Fountain Green, and later to Manti, where he (Smyth) was director of the Manti choir. Brother Symth acted as recorder in the Manti Temple after its dedication in 1888. Before migrating to Utah, Hassler was a member of the Swiss Cavalry Band. When he came, he brought with him, in addition to much music, several horns. Some of them were old broken horns he had obtained from the Cavalry Band in Switzerland. He also brought with him many slides, reeds for organs and clarinets, etc. These he brought in preference to a fine mattress and some household treasures which his wife desired him to bring. Hassler spent much time in soldering these old instruments together. These were used in the first band in Mount Pleasant, one which he organized. Mr. Hassler also organized bands in Fountain Green, Spring City, Moroni, and Payson. Hassler, being a devout church member, was appointed in 1875 to direct the Mount Pleasant choir. In the winter time -65- |
