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Reflections: Bells, bands and full houses in 1926 Listowel

Local newspapers chronicles a busy week of live music, comedy, dancing and community entertainment at McDonald’s Music Hall

Great live entertainment has been available in Perth County for many years. For example, a century ago in 1926, the Ben Hokea Orchestra, whose leader was known as the “King of the Hawaiian Guitar,” performed in Mitchell. Stratford also welcomed a variety of performers throughout that year, including Harry Goodman’s Revue.

In Listowel, crowds gathered on Sept. 25, 1926, to see the Musical Eckardts, who were famous Swiss bell ringers. Earlier the same week, the town had also welcomed the Sunbeam Trio back for a second appearance, adding yet another popular musical attraction to an already lively year of entertainment.

Reflections: Bells, bands and full houses in 1926 Listowel Back to video

The Musical Eckardts were a popular troupe of male musicians and entertainers who performed widely during the early to mid-20th century. Their performances featured a unique combination of metal percussion instruments, vocals and, most notably, Swiss bell ringing.........

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