Connected with the Orpheus was also a choral of
women's and men's voices. They gave some fine concerts in Oakland at
that time. At the death of Prof. McDougal this society went out of
existence, but afterward reorganized with men's voices only, as it now
exists. Mr. Klose was one of the members of its musical committee for
years. While in San Francisco he was director of the Methodist choir
until he came to Oakland to reside. He sang in the First Presbyterian
church choir for over thirty-five years. He retired about three years
ago. He went to his final rest August 19, 1912, at the age of
eighty-one years. The death of my friend records the last of the
galaxy of fine men singers who came here in the earlier days to seek
wealth. He was always ready to assist in the advancement of the best
music. He sang in the days when we were judged by the knowledge of how
to sing correctly and with intelligent understanding of the work. He
was always a devout Christian, an efficient worker in the Sabbath
school and endeared himself to all by his quiet, dignified manner. I
think this testimony will stand for him in every community where he
sojourned. I, as one of his earliest friends, gladly pay him my last
tribute of respect and place his name in affectionate remembrance in
my record of old singers. Old-time friend, "rest in Peace."

SAN FRANCISCO'S CELEBRATED FRENCH HORN QUARTETTE

GEO. FLETCHER, WM. E. BLAKE, NATHANIEL PAGE, GEORGE STOREY

The picture facing page 118 was taken in the Bohemian Grove on the
Russian river during the annual outing in 1895. This quartette was
part of the Philharmonic society of San Francisco. These musicians
with Mr. Wm. Wellman, flutist, were engaged during the season of
revelry among the pines and with their leader, Herman Brandt,
discoursed the music that made the hills resound with their funeral
chants over the death of dull care. Since this time Mr. Fletcher has
died, Mr. Page is now in London and has risen with great honors as a
composer as well as a fine musician and California is proud of her
native son. Mr. Storey and my son, Mr. Blake, are still in San
Francisco, playing when the occasion presents.

[Illustration:

Pauline Joran
Elsie Joran
Mrs. Blake-Alverson
Lulu Joran

THE JORAN QUARTETTE, 1883]

PROF. MAURO SOLANO

Prof. Solano, one of our best known musicians, has been a prominent
harpist among us since 1873, when he came here from Guadalajara,
Mexico. He was married July