Music and Dancing

In rural communities like Fairplay and Tarryall, music and dance were central to social life, and the local schoolhouse often served as the heart of these cherished traditions. With few other gathering places, schools became makeshift community halls, transforming from classrooms during the day into lively venues at night. Families, students, and teachers came together to push aside desks, sweep the floors, and fill the space with the sounds of fiddles, laughter, and stomping boots. Whether it was a planned celebration or an impromptu gathering, the schoolhouse offered a place where people could step away from the hardships of daily life and reconnect with their neighbors. Bob Wonder captured the rhythm of the year: “They put on plays there in the wintertime and dances in the summertime and dances in the wintertime,”[1] highlighting how these events brought consistent joy and purpose to community life, no matter the season. 

Park County Orchestra at Fairplay.

One such celebration took place in the spring in 1928, where the town orchestra performed.  Though many of the musicians had not played in nearly two years, the orchestra delivered a performance that impressed everyone. Much of the success was credited to Mr. Davidson, who supported the revival of music in the schools, and Miss Bissenich, who generously volunteered her time.[3] Their efforts reflected the deep partnership between educators and the broader community in sustaining cultural life. On another occasion, for a holiday celebration, the town orchestra performed at Fairplay Hall, and high school students provided supper. The event ran from 8 to 11:30 p.m. and drew a large crowd despite the winter chill.[2] Social events extended beyond holidays—birthday parties like the surprise gathering for Nell O’Mailia featured dancing, visiting neighbors, and shared refreshments.[4] These were not isolated moments, but part of an ongoing tradition in which schools were flexible, inclusive spaces where any occasion—be it a holiday, game, or birthday—became a reason to gather and celebrate. 

The Tavern Theatre Dance Band at Bailey in the 1940s.

Local musicians added a unique and personal touch to each event, helping to shape the musical identity of the region. Jack Smith recalled bands that traveled between towns like Tarryall and Lake George, naming performers like Paul Terhune, who played guitar, trumpet, and slide trombone, and the Parker brothers, who played fiddle and piano.[5] Their music—lively reels, waltzes, and folk songs—set the tone for evenings filled with dancing, storytelling, and laughter. These gatherings were intergenerational, drawing young and old together to share in the rhythm of rural life. Though simple, these gatherings helped strengthen the bonds that held the community together. Music, laughter, and shared experiences brought warmth even in the coldest winters and gave people a sense of connection. At a time when entertainment was limited, these schoolhouse dances and performances provided joy, comfort, and a reminder that, no matter how hard life could be, they had each other.