THE SKIDMORE GUARD
New York: William A. Pond & Co., 1875. Sheet_music. Sheet music (13 1/4 in. x 10 in.) Oval stamp of music dealer (G.C. Aschbach & Co., Allentown, PA) to front and rear
Harrigan and Hart was a theatrical partnership that began with minstrels, and progressed to the production of multi-act plays full of singing, dancing and physical comedy. They ended up in New York in 1872 and continued performing on Broadway until 1885.
"'The Skidmore Guard' was published in 1875 as part of Edward Harrigan and Tony Hart’s “Mulligan Guard” series. The series began in 1873 with a song and sketch performed at the Academy of Music in Chicago; it was developed into a full-length play. The Mulligans were Irishmen; the Skidmores were black, and the two were in constant competition. From 1879 until Hart’s death in 1891, these productions dominated the New York stage.
"...In the years following the Civil War, a number of pseudo-military or hunting clubs were formed, with men wearing what could only be described now as outlandish “military-like” uniforms. Many clubs were also formed by ethnic groups which weren’t allowed membership in the official militia. The Mulligan and Skidmore Guards were spoofs on such organizations, and their drills were subject matter for songs and skits.
Edward “Ned” Harrigan (1844-1911) was born in New York of Irish parents. .... Harrigan met Tony Hart (1855-1891; ... and the two formed the team of “Harrigan and Hart.” They moved to New York and remained in partnership until 1885...Their plays were always performed to full houses..." (Nancy S. Cleaveland on Laura Ingalls Wilder, and the j"Pioneer Girl "Site). Very Good. Item #88016
" 'The Skidmore Guard' was published in 1875 as part of Edward Harrigan and Tony Hart’s “Mulligan Guard” series. The series began in 1873 with a song and sketch performed at the Academy of Music in Chicago; it was developed into a full-length play. The Mulligans were Irishmen; the Skidmores were black, and the two were in constant competition. From 1879 until Hart’s death in 1891, these productions dominated the New York stage.
In the years following the Civil War, a number of pseudo-military or hunting clubs were formed, with men wearing what could only be described now as outlandish “military-like” uniforms. Many clubs were also formed by ethnic groups which weren’t allowed membership in the official militia. The Mulligan and Skidmore Guards were spoofs on such organizations, and their drills were subject matter for songs and skits.
Edward “Ned” Harrigan (1844-1911) was born in New York of Irish parents. .... Harrigan met Tony Hart (1855-1891; ... and the two formed the team of “Harrigan and Hart.” They moved to New York and remained in partnership until 1885...Their plays were always performed to full houses..." Here are the lyrics to several verses :
"We represent de members of de noble Colored troops
Who march about de streets of York
in French imperial suits,
Black pantaloons and yaller stripes, and helmets trimmed with blue,
De wenches shout when we turn out
on South Fifth Avenue.
Dar’s Adjunct General Lem Primrose,
and Parson Simpson’s son,
De envy of de yaller gals, with boquets on der guns,
Dey look just like a circus horse,
when de band’s a playing loud,
For elegant style and sweet hair lie
dem darkies lead de crowd.
We never hire a German band, Italians carry a can
Of lemonade dat’s fresh and sweet,
for every colored man.
Dey follow up de Regiment, Mackrony in de rear,
And when dey get ob-strop-a-lous
we bounce dem on dar ear."
Price: $95.00