Years ago, a former co-worker showed me a square fife/whistle. I only vaguely remember the occasion, except I think the name “McDonagh” was on the instrument. The man has recently contacted me to obtain a phone number of a Square Fife and Drum Museum. I haven’t been able to locate any information regarding the museum, or square fifes for that matter.
I’d welcome comments from any knowledgeable person regarding these questions. TIA!
while there are some pretty specialised museums out there I can’t imagine anything as niche as one for square fifes (and drums?)
I don’t doubt that such an instrument has been made at some point but a whole museum devoted to them?
I’d love to be proved wrong!
I believe that Pennsylvania had a fife corps that used square tubing for their fifes. I think that the only reason for it was that square tubing was all that was available at the time.
Doubt if that information will be useful, but who knows.
And here is an oddity I found in a google search. Popular Mechanics Sep 1927.
You might try inquiring with the Cooperman Fife and Drum Company, who took over the McDonagh line some years ago.
Thanks to all for the help! I’m clearly out of my element here.