staff photo by phyllis zorn
Derrick Doty plays an old-time tune on a violin in front of a “magic lantern” at Saturday’s meeting of the Holy Redeemer Altar Society.
Tampa altar society entertained with history, music, images
Staff writer
Manhattan resident Derrick Doty regaled members of Tampa’s Holy Redeemer Altar Society on Saturday with music, Kansas history, and an old-fashioned device since replaced by modern technology.
Playing violins, a guitar, a banjo, a ukulele, and a fife, Doty performed folksy tunes composed by Kansas residents, often playing versions not heard today.
The 24 men and women at the altar society’s salad supper clapped after each number.
Doty, who always has been fascinated by historical stories about Kansas, shared stories long since forgotten in the state.
His interest in playing music stems from family history.
“When I grew up on the farm, I heard about my grandfather playing for barn dances,” Doty said.
One song composed by a Kansas native was so popular people likely recognize it today.
Wendell Hall, who played xylophone and sang in Vaudeville shows, composed “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More.”
Doty performed the song, complete with words, while strumming a ukulele.
Using a magic lantern — an early version of a slide projector that used large slides and a candle or lantern — Doty showed sepia images from the state’s early days. Doty purchased the magic lantern from the Cottonwood Falls Masonic Lodge and electrified it.