Dueling Pianists

November 12, 1863, Saturday Evening Press

With all the talk lately about sheltering in place and social distancing, I was intrigued by what activities our forebearers engaged in to help pass the time, especially before the age of electronic devices, TV, radio, and even phonographs.  And of course, my research led me down the path to- what else? -  music in the home.  

I was surprised a bit, though not too much, to see these competitors for the Twin City (or at that time Twin "Village" ) dollar in piano instruction.  Written in the typical flowery language of the mid-19th century, there seems to be little distinction between the two other than the fact that Miss Crosby does indeed live in Neenah and rooms at the Rev. Thayer's.  I wonder...is that for the benefit of the reader to know where to find her if one wants piano lessons?  Or is it some unspoken morality shorthand where the reader can rest assured that she is of the utmost "character" because she resides at the residence of a man of the cloth?