More Dulcimer Memories!
(OK- Click on the photo to hear the ole Appalachian tune, Red Wing!) Thanks, Lee.

This article appeared in The Inter-Mountain, Elkins, WV, on November 13, 1972. Yes, a daily paper at that time costs 10 cents!

Dulcimer Maker, Player Performs At Hermitage in Petersburg Sunday

The making and playing of handmade dulcimers by a Glenville State College science teacher was featured Sunday at one of West Virginia’s arts and craft centers, the Hermitage Motor Inn in Petersburg.

James Meads, maker and player of the Appalachian dulcimer, plucked his in­struments and discussed how they were made as well as related some of their history during a day-long per­formance at the Hermitage.

The Appalachian dulcimer is one of the true American folk instruments, a descendent of those played in Germany, Norway, France and Holland, according to Jean Richie, a well-known authority. The dulcimer has a history relating to many places, and like the songs the early settlers remembered. ‘‘the folk in­struments were remembered in the mind and heart. When at last there was time to shave down a piece of wood and give form to this memory, the ‘new’ instrument began to emerge, simplified and adapted to its stark environment.” The mountain dulcimer is one of the easiest to play of any creative instrument.

Jim Meads has been making and playing Appalachian plucked dulcimers for ap­proximately three years. His instruments are noted not only for their beauty of construction, but for the excellent quality of musical tone. He makes both three and four string dulcimers.

Recently returned from a showing in the Washington. D. C. area, he exhibited dulcimer making and playing this summer at the Visitor Center at Harpers Ferry National Park by invitation of the W. Va. Department of Commerce.

He has also exhibited at the W. Va. Arts & Crafts Fair, Ripley. Meads is an instructor in science foundations at Glenville State College. He, his wife, Judy and daughter Rachael Ellen, live at Sand Fork.

The Hermitage has always been an arts and crafts center in West Virginia’s highlands and is hailed by caraftsmen for keeping a keen and critical eye on the work it displays and sells.

In addition to Meads’ work, the Hermitage also carries pots by Scottie Roberts Wiest, ceramics by Mrs. Pauline Stump, weaving by Mrs. Bernice Coffman and iron by Michael Snyder, all of the Elkins area.