ODPC - People

The People of the ODPC
Elgia Hickok In September 1963, Elgia C. Hickok founded the ORIGINAL DULCIMER PLAYERS CLUB in Michigan. It was the first dulcimer club in America. Through this club, many people were introduced to the captivating sound of the dulcimer. The outstanding role of Elgia C. Hickok and the ODPC in the revival of dulcimers in America is documented in the Smithsonian publication, The Hammered Dulcimer in America, by Nancy Groce, published in 1983. The ORIGINAL DULCIMER PLAYER'S CLUB created a market for the instrument and prompted builders to begin building again. The younger generation learned from the older generation to build and to play. And so, the dulcimer revival began and continues today.		Lilah Gillett Lilah Hickok Gillett, charter member of the O.D.P.C., and co-founder of the Prairie Duclimer Club of Kansas City area, gives music her full-time commitment by teaching, performing, recording, and publishing books of tunes and instruction for the hammered dulcimer. She has been awarded the title "Master Folk Artist" by both Kansas and Missouri, making her the only person to receive this award in two states. Her contribution to folk culture has been significant. Lilah, who learned to play the dulcimer by watching her father, Elgia Hickok play, was raised in a family with long-standing tradition of enjoying dulcimer. She has entertained thousands at special events and festivals, and continues to pass her special skills on to many eager apprentices.
Gene Cox 1982 photo In the early days of the ODPC, Gene and his wife Esther were from Hickory Corners, MI. Gene was that kind of person that every organization needs.... he was a catalyst. He was the person who would notice a newcomer and make sure they were welcomed. He also made it his business to make sure like minded musicians met each other. Gene was a founding member of the ODPC and its president from 1967 to 1981. Audio from first ODPC meeting,1963 (scroll down to Gene Cox) Audio from first FunFest, 1973 (scroll down to Gene Cox) Interview with Gene from 1982		Viola Cox 1982 photo Viola Cox was Gene's mother. She played the dulcimer and was an integral part of the club until her death. She played many tunes that became a part of the club repertoire but she didn't always remember the names. "Viola's Favorite" was one that is still played today. Another un-named tune that appears on the recording of the first Funfest was renamed "Viola's Other Favorite" by Paul Goelz. On stage at the Funfest, 1982 Interview from 1982
Bob Spinner 1982 photo Bob Spinner was from Elk Rapids, MI and was playing in public before many of us had even thought about the dulcimer. He had an old beat up dulcimer that had a unique "plunky" sound that was perfect for jams because it didn't have as much sustain as most dulcimers did back then. It was only around 11 courses but he could coax the most amazing variety of keys out of it. In addition to the usual dulcimer repertoire of the day, he also played Polish and Hungarian music on the dulcimer and four string banjo. Bob was one of those treasures that don't come along every day. He was simultaneously the LOUDEST and the gentlest player I have ever heard. He could rise above any jam session, and then in the next breath could coax the gentlest and most musical sounds out of his old dulcimer. And where in the world he found those notes he used for the gypsy music he could play.... all I can say is that you DON'T have to have a chromatic instrument! His sure wasn't. Paul Goelz, 2011 Bob Spinner video collection on Paul Goelz's YouTube channel Audio from first ODPC meeting, 1963 (scroll down to Bob Spinner) Audio from first FunFest, 1973 (scroll down to Bob Spinner)		Glen Morningstar 1982 photo Interview from 1982
Judi Morningstar 1982 photo		Harley and Cloise Sinclair Stage set, 1982 (un-edited)
The Rascals 1982 photo Stage set, 1982		Jay Round 1982 photo In addition to being a fine hammered dulcimer player, Jay was the president of the ODPC from 1981 to 1983. Interview from 1982
Bill Webster 1982 photo Interview from 1982		Paul Gifford 1982 photo Interview from 1982
Bob Hubbach 1982 photo		Ceece Horodko (Webster) 1982 photos Interview from 1982
Bill White 1982 photo		The Olde Michigan Ruffwater String Band 1982 photo (30 seconds before the big storm) Stage set, 1982 (including the big storm)
Wes Linenkugel 1982 photo Another long time past president in the late 80s, Wes lives in Toledo Ohio. Wes was a fixture on the Saturday evening show for many years. He could play faster than anyone and proved it regularly. He also had other intersting tricks like the tune he wrote and played while crossing and un-crossing his hands. Wes is also very multi-talented and in addition to the dulcimer he plays bass and a wide variety of instruments. Interview from 1982		Jim Herald 1982 photo Jim was around for the start of the ODPC... see below for an audio recording from the first ODPC meeting in 1963 as well as video from 1982. Audio from the first ODPC meeting (scroll down to Jim Herald) Stage set (partial) from 1982
Stuart Carmichael 1984 photo		Paul Goelz 1982 photo Originally from Evanston IL and currently living in Rochester Hills, MI, Paul Goelz has attended Funfest from about 1975 to the present. He is also responsible for these history pages.