In the mid-1800s, a number of luthiers emerged that set new, higher standards for the zither. With this continued refinement, the zither began to play a more important role as new players, teachers and clubs began to emerge. In this article, Dr. Joan Marie Bloderer provides a biographical sketch of three early zither makers from Mittenwald, whose efforts led to significant improvements and worldwide recognition of this instrument.

This photo of the San Antonio Zither Club (1892) comes to us courtesy of the DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University. It is likely that the concert zither and its predecessors, such as the scheitholt, have been in the US since Germans landed on these shores. It wasn't until the 1870s, however, that zither clubs started to form, the first being the Detroit Zither Club (1877). Over the next several decades, zither clubs could be found in a significant number of major American cities.

DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, Ag2008.0005. ©

An illustrated periodical, published in the middle of the 19th century in Boston, suggests that Tyrolean minstrels would occasionally travel to America, introducing onlookers to the melodies of their homeland. In the following article, published in Ballou's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion, April 4, 1857, a glimpse of their musical activities is provided.

A native of Germany, Adolf Maurer was a significant representative of the zither here in the United States. After moving to the US, around 1880, he first served as a director for a zither orchestra in Washington, DC. Later on, he relocated to Chicago where he continued his work as a zither instructor and promoter. The following article, published in the November, 1902 issue of The Cadenza, recalls his life and work.

This photo, circa 1893, was taken in St. Paul, Minnesota and shows Pauline Kruger-Hamilton with her Arion zither. A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, she performed as a zither soloist and was a well known artist. For a number of years, she was designated as the official photographer for the court of Franz Josef, former Emperor of Austria.

Zither players from Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania convened once again for the 34th Sterling Zither Seminar. Jane Curtis, whose report follows, served as host for the event and led the zither enthusiasts through a well-structured seminar program, which spanned two days. The seminar was held at the Greenspring retirement community in Springfield, VA.

In Handbuch der Zither, Dr. Josef Brandlmeier provides a brief account of the zither in the US, beginning with the formation of the first zither club in Detroit in 1877. Zither newsletters, additional clubs and personalities emerged shortly thereafter. This translation from the original German text has been kindly provided by Dr. Jane Curtis.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, numerous domestic zither manufacturers emerged in the United States. In Missouri, Franz Schwarzer was producing award winning zithers. Chicago based Lyon & Healy and Hartmann Bros. & Reinard, of New York City, also sold and manufactured zithers. In our Nation's Capitol, on 1417 Sixth Street, NW, zithers and strings were also being manufactured to fulfill the demand of zither-playing Washingtonians.

Light and inexpensive, the zither was a popular instrument in the household as well as for those requiring a portable form of entertainment. On this postcard, dated Oct 11, 1914, a soldier with the Bavarian Leib Regiment poses with his zither. The interpretation, transcription and translation of the postcard text has been kindly provided by Jane Curtis.

This zither photo of the Louisville Zither Club, taken in 1907, was sent to us by The Filson Historical Society. Oscar Below is standing in the back row, second from the right. He was a machinist who worked for the L & N Railroad and lived in the neighborhood in which the German American Club of Louisville was first established. Although not yet confirmed, it is believed the man sitting front row and center is Joseph Hugh, former director of this club.

Photo Courtesy of The Filson Historical Society ©