The only daughter ...................

The Reid’s magnificent Greek Revival mansions was home to a bustling family of seven children. Reigning supreme was Sarah Elizabeth Reid[16], the only daughter. According the family tradition[17], in 1839, a music teacher from Boston, on the advice of her physician, moved to Eatonton and made arrangements to live with the Reids until her health improved. The teacher arrived by stagecoach and a few days later, her piano was delivered. The piano[18] was unpacked and positioned in the parlor. As the teacher began to play, little five year old Sarah was captivated. Although exposed to string instruments she had never heard anything to compare with the beautiful sounds coming from that piano.

The teacher observed Sarah’s eyes light up when she heard the music and realized this charming child had stolen her heart. She promptly took Sarah as her first pupil. With the capable instruction of the teacher, Sarah’s innate musical talent soon became apparent. With patience remarkable for one so young, Sarah quickly became her prized student.

In 1841, her health much improved, Sarah’s beloved teacher packed her piano and returned to Boston, leaving behind a heartbroken child. Devastated by the loss of her friend and the piano, the child could not be consoled. Her parents contacted the teacher and asked her to arrange construction of a piano exactly like hers from the Chickering & MacKay Company of Boston.



TO BE CONTINUED ............