The Female Snare Drummer

"Silence in both cases a negative."

Well, I should think so! The Berger Family Bell Ringers, late of this post and many other engagements, were looking for a Female Snare Drummer and a Good Male Baritone Singer in 1870, in this wanted ad in the New York Clipper.

Note that they wanted an attractive girl (please enclose a photograph with your application) aged 12 to 17, which seems very young to (a) go on the road with a theatrical troupe and (b) to be competent snare drummer.

Do you think that they found anyone for the job? I have someone right here who would fit the bill perfectly. Meet Mademoiselle Marie Louise, "the Drummer of the Potomac," pictured here in 1870 as chance would have it. She was a variety performer, according to Picture History. I would like to know where her drum is, though.

Extra Note:

The Brooklyn Hoax of 1853 is proving a little convoluted, so I am going to take my time writing it up. No sense in us all thinking: what in the world was that all about? Because there is a good story in there. It just hasn't shown itself quite yet.

DeWolf Hopper is another matter, though - and we'll meet him tomorrow.