Eden Band original

original scan

In one of her albums, my mother kept a large (something like 8 inch by 11 inch) beautiful black and white photograph of Eden band.  The image was taken in the 1950s, in front of Eden Orange Hall. My parents were obviously very proud of the photo. 

eden band kilrea newspaper

Northern Constitution cutting from when published

It was a lovely shot, taken by a photographer called J. Moore, for the Northern Constitution. The photographer/newspaper will have offered copies of the photograph. Dad obviously bought our copy, as did (I imagine) several other folk in the band.

My initial scan of the photo (see right) from the early 2000s was enhanced in the subsequent years, and has appeared here, and on social media since then. 

My parents also saved the photo article when it appeared in the newspaper at the time (see right).  Mum unfortunately didn’t mark a date on the archived cutting.

Eden Orange Hall was on the same road as our bungalow, just a little over a mile away.  Dad was in the band from an early age.  He drummed, although I have no memory of this era. 

My initial memories are from the early 70’s, of him walking behind the band, in the lodge (with me alongside him).

In old newspapers, I discovered that he also compered several social get-togethers in the hall.  Here’s one from Christmas Night in 1950. He was only 21 years old.

Under the auspices of Eden Accordion Band, an enjoyable time was spent at a dance in Eden Orange Hall on Christmas night, when there was a large attendance.

At midnight, supper was served by the lady supporters of the band.

Songs were contributed by Mr. John Hunter.

The winners in a spot dance were Miss Annie Campbell and Mr. Jim Kelso.

The music was supplied by the Victory Dance Band and Mr. Richard Mulholland was the M.C.

Mid-Ulster Mail – Saturday 30 December 1950

Colour Upgrade

Here’s a newly colourised version of that old 1950’s photo.

It isn’t perfect.  But it’s not bad. I wonder about the colour of the caps.

The colourisation algorithm available at MyHeritage is currently the best on the market.  IMHO

Well worth checking out.  I now have my ten free colourisations used up.

A question.  What year might this be?

Eden Band

Eden Band LOL 2028

BACK ROW: Robert J. Armstrong, Victor Getty, Samuel J. Gorman, Miss Margaret E. Riddell, William A. Henry, Archibald David Henry, Richard Mulholland

MIDDLE ROW: William Armstrong, Miss Sarah J. Riddell, Miss Florence Clarke, Miss Emma Clarke, Miss Hannah J. Henry, Robert George Henry

FRONT ROW: Br. Robert J. Armstrong, Br. David Riddell, Charles V. Riddell, Henry Armstrong, Hugh W. Henry, Joseph Dripps, Henry Clarke

SITTING: Miss Minnie Clarke, George Riddell, Samuel M. York, Miss Pearl E. Riddell.