W.F. Frame Tells His Own Story

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

92–95

text excerpt

We sailed into New York City on a very wet morning, which made our first impression not very favourable.  However, after we had rested for two days we opened our campaign in the Carnegie Hall―a magnificent building.  We were under the flag of the Caledonian Club, which is the largest society of Scotsmen in America.  They accorded us a hearty welcome.

My first entertainment was given on the 23^rd November, 1898, and the large hall was crowded long before the hour at which the concert was timed to begin.  It was estimated that over 3000 were present, which included the elite of New York ― Scotch.  As a memento of the occasion Rampant Lion flags were sold by the hundred to the people as they entered the hall.

I will not easily forget the reception my party and self were given as we stepped on to the platform.  For some minutes we had to acknowledge our kinsmen’s kindness.  It touched me very much indeed.  The entire audience stood as we sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” after which my party retired.  I returned to give my opening “speech” […]

[…]

Then the programme began with real Celtic enthusiasm.  My party included the following:―Miss Florence Hayward, soprano; Miss Annette Gray, contralto; Mr. Walter Gray, tenor; Mr. Walter Haigh, violinist; Mr. John M‘Kenzie, Highland dancer; Mr. David C. Mather, piper; Mr. James Booth, pianist; Mr. W.F. Frame―The man you know.

It was truly twa oors at hame in America.  Our programme finished with the artistes and the audience singing “Auld Lang Syne.”  At the close Dr. Stewart, of the Scottish American, and a number of the leading Scots of New York wished us every success in the new country.  Many of the “Caledonians” had come from all parts to give us a real Scotch welcome.  We received 500 dollars for our first concert―not at all bad for a start.

excerpt from 'W.F. Frame Tells His Own Story' pp. 92–95 (316 words)

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1666820344133