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  From Gold to Dust  

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Uploaded: 07/02/13 12:24 AM GMT
From Gold to Dust
Views: 1548
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This piano lives in the old mud-brick public Hall (Nolans Hall, built in 1892) in St Bathans ,an old gold mining town in the Maniototo area, New Zealand. In its hey-day St Bathans population was 2000, mostly gold miners. Current population is less than 10+1 ghost living in the Vulcan Hotel.
The piano was very dusty under the keyboard lid, and quite damaged but I like the way it still proudly displays it maker's name. Anyone can have a play on it.

I found this Newspaper Report of a "Patriotic Meeting At St Bathans Hall" dated 25th January 1900, in which the piano is mentioned twice - Mrs Brown and Mrs A. Waterston being the pianists. Miss A Waterston accompanied Miss N Waterston as she sang "Rule Britannia", and the chorus was taken up by the audience, making the hall ring.
Can you imagine the tales this piano could tell of the gold mining days, if it could talk.
Taken with Canon 450D. Comments most welcome :)

Comments

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.snapshooter87
07/02/13 1:42 PM GMT
Always find old buildings and things from the past most interesting.
This just need a few ivories and refinishing to start a new life, but it wouldn't show it's history.
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.biffobear
07/02/13 2:06 PM GMT
Winifred Atwell could make the old Joanna talk..Good one....R.
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Never argue with an idiot. They'll drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
::tigger3
07/02/13 2:11 PM GMT
Lyn, I really like how you did your research to go along with this marvelous oldie but goodie, very good post.
Tigs♥ =^..^=
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Nature in all her glory is my uplift on life and so is my love of photography. sandi ♪ ♫
::100k_xle
07/02/13 2:42 PM GMT
Tickle those Ivories and Play it again Sam.....well Done Lyn.
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This Image GRABBED my EYE. That's Why I Stopped By. Thanks For Sharing ! Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience
.Dunstickin
07/02/13 2:44 PM GMT
This old Honky Tonk surely fired up a fine tune in it's day!
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.gonedigital
07/02/13 4:33 PM GMT
Certainly looks battered Lyn but a treasured relic indeed, apparently pianos that have been constantly played for a long time wear out, & there's little that can be done to restore them.
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Vote on your future here, and check your monitors calibration here.
.0930_23
07/02/13 4:36 PM GMT
Sounds like the Patriotic Meeting was a rousing success, LE.
So is your photo.

TicK

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People are like cameras--sometimes they lose focus.
::Ramad
07/02/13 5:48 PM GMT
That piano has certainly done its share of work. Nice capture of this valuable instrument with a history.
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Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.
::trixxie17
07/02/13 10:20 PM GMT
Wonderful highlighting in this Lyn suits this vintage piano well.
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. . . "What a desolate place would be a world without a flower! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome." A.J. Balfour
.tib
07/03/13 12:24 AM GMT
What a great shot and history Lyn! The piano looks wonderfully rustic and the tones and lighting are fabulous as well.
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Spend a few minutes each day being grateful for what you have and who you have to share it with.
.icedancer
07/03/13 2:31 AM GMT
Super info on this old piano and posting
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Have a Beautiful Bright Day, Skates
.JQ
07/03/13 10:52 AM GMT
love old stuff like this! me and nig once spent a long time in an old chapel photographing an organ! ooerr missus!!
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::luckyshot
07/03/13 5:19 PM GMT
Lyn - The composition is wonderful, enhancing the aged look of this old piano. Thad
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If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. ~Lewis Hine The Earth without art is just 'eh'.
::danika
07/03/13 5:26 PM GMT
A perfect contest entry Lyn ... love the history behind the piano. Best of luck.
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I LOVE LABS!!!
::braces
07/03/13 5:56 PM GMT
I'm sure this venerable instrument has more than few good tales to tell and a few good tunes left in it. A wonderfull, atmospheric image Lyn.
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"Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake." W.C. Fields. So, carry on over to see My Gallery.
::LakeMichigan
07/11/13 12:35 AM GMT
Congratulations on the contest placement !
Way to go !!!
1∈ [?]
I would travel only by horse, if I had the choice. ~ Linda McCartney ~
.bfrank
07/12/13 1:35 AM GMT
Congratulation on the contest placement Lyn!
1∈ [?]
Life's moments are sweet. I just want to capture all that I can of them.
.rvdb
07/12/13 12:51 AM GMT
Congrats Lyn very nice work.

Rob
0∈ [?]
The reason why the sun sets in the evening is because it wants to see the sunrise in the morning. I rise in the morning because I want to see them both. RvdB

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