Everyone A Gibsonite

Promotional photo for 1921 Gibson Mandolin Company "Catalog M". Ivers Mandolin Orchestra/Adams Plectrum Society, Adams, Massechusetts.

Members I can identify: Center Middle Row: Joseph Ivers, Orchestra leader, Gibson Mandolin Company Agent,and my Great Grandfather, Center Left Holding a Gibson F-4 Mary Ivers-Bassette, my Great Grandmother, Back Row from left: Leonore Ivers-Carmel, my Great Aunt, George Ivers, my Grandfather, Sitting in front, white dress, Doris Ivers-Hueston, my Great Aunt.

Page 21 Gibson Mandolin Catalog M: See right side second photo from bottom

Page 21 Gibson Mandolin Catalog M: See right side second photo from bottom
I recently discovered that this photo of my Great grandfather's Mandolin Orchestra appears on page 21 of the Gibson "M" catalog, published in 1921, confirming my theory that he (Joseph L. Ivers) was a Gibson "teacher-agent" or dealer, and that this photo was part of the "Everyone a Gibsonite" marketing campaign. Some of these instruments are still owned and played by Ivers family members. For example, my father Robert Ivers still plays the 1914 F4 in the center played by my Great Grandmother Mary Ivers in this photo. He also owns a 1921 H2 Mandola, no doubt pictured brand spanking new somewhere in this photo. I would love to try to contact other family members to see where some of these other instruments ended up.

Water Color "Grandfather's Mandolin" by Robert Ivers of Gibson F-4 #24532

Water Color "Grandfather's Mandolin" by Robert Ivers of Gibson F-4 #24532
Water Color Of My Great Grand Father's F4 painted by my Father, Robert Ivers. Look !!!!!!! Notice unintended ghost image of my Great Grandfather Joseph Ivers in upper left !

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Another Ivers Gibson Mandolin Orchestra Photo Turns Up at Montreal Quebec Antique Market

Update on the above mentioned photo: Ward Meeker, Vintage Guitar Magazine editor was nice enough to put me touch with the gentleman who sent the photo to George Gruhn for the Q&A column.  Turns out the photo was purchased at an antique market near Montreal, Quebec /Canada. So the photo made it's way from Lawrence, Mass. to Montreal. Not at all surprising, as my great grandmother's family moved to Lawrence from Montreal. (she's pictured here holding the A Model next to my great grandfather holding the F Model)  Also, the young lad holding the A Model in the front row is more than likely my grandfather George Ivers who later married a French Canadian woman. Small world. And a real fluke for me to learn of this existence of this photo. Thanks to Roland Lafrance for finding the photo, and sending the picture to Vintage Guitar Magazine. Also, thanks to Ward Meeker VG editor, and Greorge Gruhn for their follow up. It's and honor and privilege to have these esteemed giants of the vintage fretted instrument industry take the time to help with this.
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