Asa AND IRA WHITE
Makers of fine violins.....and drums.
"A great deal of information on White is included in Christine Merrick Ayars' Contributions to the Art of Music in America by the Music Industries of Boston, 1640-1936 which describes the White Brothers, Ira Johnson and Asa Warren, as "the first Boston master makers of violins". Both Whites are reported to have been fine woodworkers who taught themselves the craft of violin making by studying instruments from the European masters. Drum making evidently made up a comparatively small part of the brothers' operation who were known primarily for their string instruments.
Ayars reports that Asa and Ira J. were in business together as music dealers, publishers and instrument makers under the name I. J. & A. W. White from 1849 to 1852 at 52 Court Street, and as White Brothers from 1853 until 1863 at 86 Tremont Street. After 1863, Ira went out on his own relocating just north of the city first in Malden, Massachusetts and then later in Melrose. Ira Johnson White died in December of 1895 at the age of 82.
Ira E. White, the oldest son of Ira Johnson, also was a maker and repairman of musical instruments ranging from violins and basses, to guitars, harps and drums. It does not appear that Ira E. at any point was partnered directly with Asa Warren as the two are listed concurrently in local business directories at different addresses." Boston Drum Builder's Blog
"The drum seen here figures to have been manufactured by A. W. White after his brother Ira left for Malden around 1863, but before Asa partnered with Goullaud around 1871. Even if White continued to build instruments under his own label while in business with Goullaud, the drum would date no later than about 1876 by which time White had relocated to 50 Bromfield Street." Boston Drum Builder's Blog
Intact label reads, "MADE BY/ A. W. White,/ MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN/ All kinds of Musical Instruments,/ No. 86 Tremont Street,/ BOSTON, MASS."
14” diameter by 11” tall.
Drum shell and counter hoops appear to be made of maple. Interior label reads "Made by White Brothers 86 Tremont Street Boston."
The dimensions of the drum indicate that it was made for a smaller musician, probably a child. Therefore, this would fall into the category of "toy drum."
A view of the bottom shows the use of a brass tensioner, which would be common for the Boston area. Also, the counter hoops are only drilled with eight holes. Common for a drum of a smaller diameter.
17 ¼” diameter by 14 ½” tall.
The plain maple shell is secured with a vertical row of nails. "J. H. F" are painted in gold lettering, while a wooden vent insert completes the decorations of the shell. A hand-lettered ink paper label reads, “Made by White Brothers/ NO 86 Tremont St./ Boston Mass/ 1859.”
This drum was restored in May of 2004 by William H. Reamer.
Not a drum label, but a violin label made by "A. W. White" dated 1870. The font matches the label found inside the drum at the top of this page.