Ottumwa’s history is known for being deeply shaped by agriculture and industrialization including coal mining, meatpacking, and manufacturing. You may be surprised to know that in the early 1900’s, Ottumwa was also a vibrant musical community.
Our newest exhibit, Ottumwa Music Makers, spotlights a least 7 known luthiers in Ottumwa in the early 20th century. Violins made by Ottumwa makers Charles M. Woolworth, Ellis Newton and his son Stanley are even featured among the collections at the National Music Museum on the campus of the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD.
We are proud to showcase five stunning violins made and re-graduated here in Ottumwa between 1901-1920. We invite you to view the intricate craftsmanship and care apparent in each of these instruments and learn more about both the professional and hobbyist violin makers that made beautiful music history in Ottumwa.
We are grateful to Tom Shadonix for sharing his knowledge of Ottumwa violin makers, Dennis Wilhoit for loaning the Woolworth violin to be displayed in our exhibit, Tom Leinhauser for the donation of a Newton violin, and Lori Daniels for her extensive research assistance.
