Squier Violin

Squier Violin

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Description (Brief)
This violin was made by Victor Carroll Squier of Michigan in 1925. Victor Squier established a violin and string manufacturing company in Battle Creek, Michigan and was known as “the American Stradivarius” for his high-quality work. This violin was made for his niece Olive, for her high school graduation. The violin was played by Olive until the varnish wore off and she purchased a new violin in 1962. She continued to perform until 1990 but rarely used the Squier violin again.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
violin
Date made
1925
maker
Squier, Victor Carroll
Place Made
United States: Michigan, Battle Creek
Measurements
overall: 35.9 cm x 16.7 cm x 3.1 cm; 14 1/8 in x 6 9/16 in x 1 1/4 in
ID Number
2002.0275.01
accession number
2002.0275
catalog number
2002.0275.01
Credit Line
Gift of Gregory M. Parkes, Jonathan R. Parkes, and Judith P. Roelofs
See more items in
Cultural and Community Life: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

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I was Olive (Gould) Parkes’ violin student during my high school and early college years. I had no idea until recently that her Squier violin was part of the Smithsonian collection. Incidentally, my father purchased my first violin, an inexpensive student instrument, from the the Squier Music Company in 1962, its last year of operation. I would love to see Olive’s violin on display some time.

Stephen Shook

Thu, 2020-06-25 09:14

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