Our Past Is Present June 28, 2018

June 28, 2018

            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story is about J. Abbie Clarke Hogan, who was one of Geary County’s famous musicians.  Her parents, Sanborn and Harriet Clarke came to Junction City from Michigan in 1872.  The Clarke family loved music.  When Abbie was eight she heard a traveling violinist and was captivated by the music.  She asked her parents for a violin, however, her mother thought the violin was a “man’s instrument” and not at all proper for a young lady.  However, Abbie persisted and in a fit of exasperation, her mother said that if she wanted a violin, Abbie would have to buy it herself.  So, Abbie promptly took her savings and marched downtown to buy herself a violin. 

            Abbie received formal training from a soldier stationed at Fort Riley.  He noticed her potential and encouraged the Clarkes to take Abbie to Germany to audition for Joseph Joachim.  Mr. Joachim agreed to teach her.

            After spending two years in Germany, Abbie came back to Junction City. When she was 18 years old, Abbie won a statewide music contest in Hutchinson, Kansas and was selected to represent Kansas at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.  She stayed in Chicago to attend college and graduated in 1894 with honors. 

            In the fall of 1896, at the age of 21, Abbie worked with the local school district to organize a high school orchestra.

            Abbie married Thomas Hogan in 1898 and took a break from her musical career.  Marriage, children and business responsibilities kept Abbie close to home, but she still made time for her music.  One of her passions was working with community and high school orchestras.  With her help, curriculum was developed for music education in Kansas.

            She was a member of the Ladies Reading Club and gave concerts to raise funds for the club’s many activities.  She also volunteered at Fort Riley by bringing music to injured soldiers. 

            J. Abbie Clarke Hogan will long be remembered as one of Geary County’s famous musicians.  And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.