Rare historical find on display during 2012 Florida Chautauqua Assembly

The String Bass used at the original Florida Chautauqua Assembly performances is now in the hands of the Florida Chautauqua Center.  The relic will be on display at the new Florida Chautauqua History Exhibit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 27 and 28 at the Community Center during the Florida Chautauqua Assembly.  The 1,000 square-foot exhibit is free and open to the public.

W. L. Carrico used the bass in his orchestra from 1904 to 1909 during original Florida Chautauqua Assembly performances. Carrico's orchestra was the official orchestra of the Florida Chautauqua, and was a favorite performance attraction of the original assemblies.

Photographs of Mr. Carrico posing with the string bass and his orchestra in front of Hotel Chautauqua were marketed by leaders of the original assemblies, Hotel Chautauqua, and L&N Railroad.   Carrico also used the string bass in performances at The World’s Fair.

Florida Chautauqua Center archivist and board member Robert Daniel of DeFuniak Springs located the instrument while doing research for the new Florida Chautauqua History travelling exhibit.

“I was communicating with relatives of the members of the Carrico Orchestra when I learned of the existence of the string bass,” he said.  

One of those relatives is Mary Lisa Carrico Boose, granddaughter of W. L. Carrico, who lives in Ohio.

“We were so excited to learn she and the Carrico family still had the original string bass,” said Daniel, “but we never dreamed the family would donate it to us for permanent display in our historic community.”

Daniel and wife Linda traveled to Tennessee this past Saturday to meet Mary Lisa Boose at the half-way point from Ohio and receive the bass.

“We are very grateful to Mr. Carrico’s granddaughter and family for their entrusting us with this significant historical treasure,” he said.

Leaders of the Florida Chautauqua Center plan to begin a dialogue with community leaders to see how the string bass can safely be on permanent display at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood when not displayed in the Florida Chautauqua History traveling exhibit.  The instrument is broken at the base of the neck where it connects with the main body of the instrument.  Area music experts say the piece can be repaired to working order.  The Florida Chautauqua Center is accepting donations at the traveling exhibit this weekend for restoration of the piece.

Sponsored by the City of DeFuniak Springs, the Florida Chautauqua History Exhibit at the Community Center and all other assembly exhibits are free and open to the public.  Tickets to performances and educational sessions, receptions and other activities may be purchased in advance for various prices.  

For a complete schedule of prices for individuals tickets or package deals, visit www.FloridaChautauquaAssembly.org