Everyone A Gibsonite

Promotional photo for 1921 Gibson Mandolin Company "Catalog M". Ivers Mandolin Orchestra/Adams Plectrum Society, Adams, Massechusetts.

Members I can identify: Center Middle Row: Joseph Ivers, Orchestra leader, Gibson Mandolin Company Agent,and my Great Grandfather, Center Left Holding a Gibson F-4 Mary Ivers-Bassette, my Great Grandmother, Back Row from left: Leonore Ivers-Carmel, my Great Aunt, George Ivers, my Grandfather, Sitting in front, white dress, Doris Ivers-Hueston, my Great Aunt.

Page 21 Gibson Mandolin Catalog M: See right side second photo from bottom

Page 21 Gibson Mandolin Catalog M: See right side second photo from bottom
I recently discovered that this photo of my Great grandfather's Mandolin Orchestra appears on page 21 of the Gibson "M" catalog, published in 1921, confirming my theory that he (Joseph L. Ivers) was a Gibson "teacher-agent" or dealer, and that this photo was part of the "Everyone a Gibsonite" marketing campaign. Some of these instruments are still owned and played by Ivers family members. For example, my father Robert Ivers still plays the 1914 F4 in the center played by my Great Grandmother Mary Ivers in this photo. He also owns a 1921 H2 Mandola, no doubt pictured brand spanking new somewhere in this photo. I would love to try to contact other family members to see where some of these other instruments ended up.

Water Color "Grandfather's Mandolin" by Robert Ivers of Gibson F-4 #24532

Water Color "Grandfather's Mandolin" by Robert Ivers of Gibson F-4 #24532
Water Color Of My Great Grand Father's F4 painted by my Father, Robert Ivers. Look !!!!!!! Notice unintended ghost image of my Great Grandfather Joseph Ivers in upper left !

Thursday, November 15, 2012


Rest in Peace. Ed Harmon.

Last week Ed Harmon passed away. Ed was a long time member of The Summer Strummers, Chautauqua Institute's favorite sing along string band. Ed played Mandolin, Ukulele, The Saw, and sang in the Summer Strummers. Ed Harmon also entertained as an accomplished ventriloquist, and was a talented cartoonist who's work was published in the Chautauqua Daily. 

When remembering Ed, my father Robert Ivers said, "He took great pride in his collection of string instruments and his knowledge of the lyrics of folk tunes from decades past. Although we always kidded about who was the "First Mandolin" in the Summer Strummers, Ed will always be first. We had great fun playing together. I will miss him." 

Here's the copy from the obituary printed in the Tampa Bay Times:

HARMON, Edward Of Tampa and Chautauqua, NY. Beloved husband of Ellen; devoted father of Jon (Cindy), Amy Snodgrass (Jeff) and Jill Fairman (Frank), and loving grandfather to his nine grandchildren, died on Nov. 3, at age 86. Originally from New York City, Ed was a WWIIveteran, a graduate of New York University and a Principal of P.S. 79 in Queens, NY. A renaissance man, Ed had a multitude of interests. An educational innovator, he also had a lifelong involvement in music both as a performer and aficionado. His keen sense of humor was clearly illustrated in his decades long work as a cartoonist. Ed published four books and his editorial cartoons were regularly featured in The Chautauqua Daily. All who knew Ed will miss him, each in a different and special way, for he touched all who were lucky enough to be his friend. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association: FSH Society, Inc. BBRI R353, 64 Grove Street, Watertown, MA 02472 A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 12:30 pm; Aston Gardens, 11741 Lake Aston Ct., Tampa