Salisbury Band Era

The Salisbury family had a band/orchestra that was inspired by a trip of Joseph Salisbury and Abigail (Riley) Salisbury to the Columbia Exposition in Chicago in 1892. Abigail Riley met Joseph Salisbury in Valparaiso. They were both giving music classes at what is now known as Valparaiso University. Their first child was named Laura Salisbury. Laura married Leslie Ulmer, whom was a Federal Drug Enforcement agent.

In the early 70's I was going thru Boston and decided to pay a visit
to my 90 year old grand-aunt staying at the Christian Science Nursing Home.
I had a collection of questions and songs were part of that
list. When I asked what were the songs they played? She answered "all
the popular songs".

Several years ago I donated a framed handbill image of the family
holding their instruments to the Valparaiso (IN) Opera House and it is
still featured in their lobby. My grand-father had been the manager
there as movies replaced live entertainment.The players started
getting married and having children and the band ended.

They had traveled extensively all over the East and mid-West. One time
(1975) while walking thru the lobby of the Grand Hotel in Macinack
Island I spotted a large picture of the band on the wall. It was taken
in the yard of the hotel.

The Salisbury band is also recongized for playing at the first Chautauqua. It occurred at Valparaiso in 1906 at Sager's Lake.

Salisbury band photos