Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: 15 April 1934

[dbennett]

MUSIC AT THE WHITE HOUSE: A HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN SPIRIT, by Elise K. Kirk states in part, "John Jacob Niles also played the dulcimer. “It can be played at the supper table if you like,” he wrote to Mrs. Roosevelt, who invited him for dinner at the White House on April 15, 1934.”

In the notes for that chapter it states, “A dulcimer, a gift from Niles to FDR, is at the Museum at Hyde Park.”

[dbennett]

President Roosevelt's evening schedule April 15, 1934
7:45pm–11:00pm
(dinner) ER, Sec. and Mrs. Morgenthau, Jay N. Darling, Miss Haas, Miss Ullman, Messrs. Rodden, Stephenson, Boettiger, Mr. and Mrs. Lindley, Miss Dawson , John J. Niles. Mr. Niles played for guests in dinning room and later in Monroe Drawing Room.

Note: Mr. Miles (sic) played for guests in dining room and later in Monroe Drawing Room. FDR left this event for a meeting that began at 2030.
http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/daybyday/daylog/april-15th-1934/