Powell streets,
Rev. John Hemphill, pastor. I mentioned the fact to our leader, Prof.
Dohrmann, and he objected to my going, saying he could not replace me.
When I told him I had been offered a year's contract with more pay he
consented. I remained until he obtained another contralto in Miss Ella
Steele. I remained as contralto in this choir for the years that Rev.
John Hemphill held it, which was twelve years, and also with Rev. Mr.
Spucher. At the same time I sang on Saturdays at the Synagogue in
Mission street, Rabbi Bettelheim, with the members of Calvary choir,
excepting the soprano. The choir soprano of the Synagogue was Miss
Carrie Heinemann and Mr. Newman was bass. I was the contralto of both
choirs, Harry Gates, tenor. I continued in this choir six years. I had
advanced toward the age of fifty years and the work of the two church
choirs, my many singing pupils, art work, added to my professional
work, began to tell upon my strength and at last I felt I must do
something as a remedy or succumb to the inevitable. This was in 1886.

My son, George Blake, lived in San Bernardino, where he played in the
Opera House orchestra and was leader of the Seventh Regiment band. My
son William, alarmed at my condition, had written, unknown to me, to
his brother, saying that I had worked long enough and that he should
send for me. I was surprised when I received the word, "Mother, come,"
not aware he knew the condition. I had many hours of thought before I
could decide when my voice was not even impaired, to give up my life's
work and be a drone in the hive. At last I yielded to the desire of
my sons to go south. I promised on condition that I came unheralded. I
supposed I was going so far away no one knew me. Alas, this world is
small, so it behooves us all to make our reputation without fault. I
sent in my resignation to Calvary and the Synagogue musical
committees, and bade good-bye, I supposed, to music and old
associations forever. I would never be able to describe the deep
sorrow that was depicted on the countenance of pastor and people,
rabbi and congregation and the members of the young peoples' societies
of the church with whom I had labored for so many years and assisted
in their successful efforts from season to season. It was the heroic
battle of my life to voluntarily cut loose from all that had been so
auspicious during my many years of service. I was held in great
affection by the people of San Francisco, who al