Why do I persist in researching Rose Smith? I suspect my interest is partly because I see myself in her.
Rose attended, and briefly taught at the Athenaeum. Throughout her life, she played, accompanied, composed and taught. I half-wondered if she gave up playing the organ when the family came along, but no! There she was in 1900, and in 1911, still playing.
Did she leave the baby at home with the maid? There wouldn’t have been a creche! And what about when there were three small children? (They were born ca. 1899, 1903 and 1907.) That’s something I probably don’t need to know.
But when you consider that my own mother told me I’d have to stop playing when the baby arrived (that was in 1993 – and I didn’t stop! Don’t tell me what I can’t do), then for Rose to keep playing in 1899 seems quite unconventional. Or maybe not – I haven’t researched any other Edwardian organists who were mothers.
I’ve temporarily lost track of her organ playing after 1911. And did they move to a closer Episcopal church when they moved house? (I know where to look, but access isn’t easy. Give me time!)
But I do know she was still listed as a piano teacher at the age of 67.
I’ll just keep digging away. I find out a little bit more every time I start looking!
Karen McAulay, Musicologist 