Women of Strafford County
From the book "New Hampshire Women" A collection of portraits and biographical sketches of daughters and residents of the granite state, who are worthy representatives of their sex in the various walks and conditions of life. Published by The New Hampshire Publishing Co., Concord, NH, J.G. Patterson, Jr. President, ©1895
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Emma W. Howe |
Emma S. Howe, known throughout New England as a gifted singer, a
superior teacher, and a most charming young woman, was born in Wolfeborough,
and is a loyal daughter of that beautiful lakeside town, though her parents,
Thomas Wentworth and Abbie (Nutter) Howe, were from Rochester, the former
having died in 1890. At eight years of age she began to study the piano, and
later, at the New England Conservatory, her vocal powers were developed so
thoroughly as to warrant a request from the faculty for her appearance at the
commencement concert. On this occasion she rendered the difficult Polonaise
from Mignon with marvelous effect, and from that time her success was
assured. While in New York the following spring, then barely eighteen years
of age, she accepted the position of leading soprano in Plymouth church.
Here she won warm friends and admirers, who deeply regretted her
determination to reappear in concert work. In 1882 she toured New England
with Gilmore's band, making a decided success. Colonel Mapleson pronounced
her voice one of rare sweetness and accuracy, saying: "She is the only
American singer I have heard who can sing the part of the Queen of Night in
the Magic Flute. Miss Howe has been teacher of vocal music for seven years
at Wellesley College, and three years at Wheaton Seminary, at the same time
giving private instruction at home to large numbers of pupils. She also
sang for five years in the choir of the Union Congregational church, Boston.
In the summer of 1895, Miss Howe and her mother traveled in Europe. In
London and Paris her voice gave much pleasure to well-known musicians. In
Austria she visited Baroness von Walhoffen (Pauline Lucca), who was warm in
her praise upon hearing her sing, and while there she was invited to sing in
opera before the emperor, but the time of her departure rendered this
impossible. Miss Howe is a valued and interested member of "New Hampshire's
Daughters."
This wonderful file, a rare find, was submitted by Michelle McKenzie who at some personal cost donates them to share with you. Pictures scanned by Michelle McKenzie;
text transcribed by C. ParzialeBack to Main Page