Published: July 19, 2008 05:14 pm            

Historical Treasure: Rose Fehrenbach never forgot her hometown

On Oct. 9, 1880, Rose Fehrenbach was born to Joseph and Rosaline Herr Fehrenbach, their sixth child and first daughter. She was educated at St. Benedict’s School where her lovely voice and musical talent became evident in her school activities.

She was fascinated with music particularly her father’s clarinet. Many times she would transpose clarinet music and play it on the piano. Her voice had perfect pitch. Her music teacher, Florence Sage, was a well known musician and organist at the church. Rose made great progress and helped Miss Sage by playing the organ for high mass, vespers and children’s choir.

At age 16, she won a three year scholarship in Chicago and had many singing engagements in churches, concerts and recitals. Her teacher Mr. Cassel, head of the college, encouraged her for an operatic career. When her schooling was finished she was offered a concert contract with Slayton’s Attraction, which she accepted.

From there, she went to musical comedy with B.C. Whitney and her rise to stardom went very quickly. Her voice was phenomenal; her personality was charming. She also was very beautiful, tall with dark hair, sparkling eyes and always with a smile.

In the early days of her operatic life, she met Joseph Edward Pierce who was another member of the cast. He was also endowed with a great operatic voice and was very handsome.

In the comic opera company, he was cast opposite Marie Roslyn, the stage name of Rose Fehrenbach. They were well suited and became a team later known in vaudeville as “A Whirl of Melody.”

After several seasons, they signed with “Pantages Circuit” which took them all over the United States and Canada. During this time, Rose met the great Italian accordionist, Pictro and was very impressed. She was the first woman to play piano accordion on the American stage. They had several seasons of concerts with Orpheum and Keith Circuits before going to England in 1913. From England, they were booked in all principal cities in Europe, Australia, South Africa and India. From time to time, they would do an Indian act (these costumes were given to the Historical Museum).

In August 1915, they returned to Europe where they were married. They had great success in England and after World War I, were booked in cities all over the world.

In 1937, Mr. Pierce did some movie work and while in England, fell ill with arthritis, and died on Nov. 7, 1937, following a heart attack.

She never forgot her home town, Terre Haute and often visited with her families. At the dedication of St. Benedict’s church, she came from Chicago to be a guest soloist.

While visiting her brothers in Terre Haute, she fell ill in January 1943 and died on May 3, 1943.

        

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