corner of Hanover and Courts Sts.

1756. Mar. 16. New organ built by Gilbert Ash, dedicated at the
City Hall, New York City, when an organ-concerto by G. A. Hasse
was played.

In the same year a new organ was placed in King's Chapel,
Boston, replacing the Brattle organ.

1756. The first mention of French horns in America made by
Benjamin Franklin, writing of the fine music in the church at
Bethlehem, Pa., where flutes, oboes, French horns, and trumpets
were accompanied by the organ.

1757. Dr. Arne's "Masque of Alfred" given in Philadelphia by the
students of the College of Philadelphia.

1759. The first known American song, "My Days Have Been so
Wondrous Free," composed by Francis Hopkinson.

1759. The first avowedly musical organization in America, "The
Orpheus Club," existed in Philadelphia, and was probably founded
about this time.

1761. Feb. 3. Concert given by Mr. Dipper, organist of King's
Chapel, Boston, in which two French horns were used. First
mention of this instrument in New England.

1761. "Urania, or a Choice Collection of Psalm Tunes, Anthems, and
Hymns, from the most approved Authors," published in
Philadelphia, by James Lyon, A.B.

1762. A St. Cecilia Society (which lasted for one hundred and
fifty years) formed in Charleston, S. C.

1765. A concert of "Musical Glasses" given in Philadelphia.

1765. June 3. The New York _Mercury_ announced a series of summer
concerts (open air) to be given at Ranelagh Gardens. These
concerts were continued for four years.

1769. First American spinet made by John Harris, in Boston.

1770. Jan. 9. Handel's "Messiah" performed in part (sixteen
numbers) at Trinity Church, New York City.

1770. Milton's "Masque of Comus" given by the Hallam Company, in
Philadelphia.

1770. "The New England Psalm Singer" published in Boston, by
William Billings.

1770, The pipe organ said to have been used for the first time in
a Congregational church in America (Philadelphia).

1774. John Behrent, of Philadelphia, said to have made the first
American piano.

1780. (c) The Handel Society of Dartmouth College organized at
Hanover, N. H.

1784. A "Harmonic Society" formed about this time at
Fredericksburg, Va.

1786. Stoughton (Mass.) Musical Society formed by William
Billings, with Squire Elijah Dunbar of Canton as Pr