Current Brandon residents often link the name Farr with Shirley Farr, a philanthropic resident of Park Street who died in 1955, leaving many bequests to this town and the surrounding region. In the 19th century, however, another Farr enjoyed fame in Brandon, namely Shirley’s grandfather, who had the wonderful name Flavius Josephus (F.J.) Farr. Born here in 1821, he was the son of early Vermont settlers Salmon and Mabel Farr. In his own early Brandon days this writer learned from a long-time resident that F.J. Farr was known as “Fiddler Farr,” strongly revealing of his musical inclinations.

Thanks to online access to early Vermont newspapers and other documents, no great labors are required to learn more about Farr’s activities and his place in the community. The 1860 census stated it plainly enough, his occupation being listed as “musician,” while in 1850 Farr told the census taker he was a “dancing master.” Numerous ads back up these statements.

For example, 1853 notices in the Brandon Post under the heading “Quadrille Band” state that “Mr. F. J. Farr respectfully announces to the dancing public that he is prepared to furnish music for balls, private parties, etc., etc.” The band consisted of Farr as first violin, two other string players, and J.G. Gardner (Previously from Boston!) on “clarionett, fragelet, piccolo, etc.” A second ad was headed “DANCING.” It introduced readers to “F.J. FARR, Teacher of Dancing,” with Farr offering training in “waltzing, waltz quadrilles polka, quadrilles, the schottische, etc.”

Shirley Farr’s grandfather clearly remained a popular figure into the 1860s, his band being featured at the newly finished town hall, an enduring central Brandon landmark. An advertisement from early 1864 announced that F.J. Farr’s Quadrille Band would be performing on February 17 at their ninth annual “Musical & Terpsichorean Festival.”

Interest from far beyond the town boundaries was clearly anticipated, the notice stating that the Rutland & Burlington Railroad was offering reduced fares, while “ample accommodations” were to be had at local hotels. Admission to the festival, including “supper and carriages” could be had for $3 per person. (Today, this would be approximately $120.)

Just as today, 19th-century musicians often had to supplement their income to balance the family budget, and Farr was no exception. Thus, F.J. also dealt in “Piano Fortes” (as the ad was headed), offering instruments by two famed New York makers, Hazelton & Brothers and Steinway & Sons. As well, in 1853 he joined partner M. M. Cutts in the “Boots and Shoes” trade, their wares available in the town center at “Morrill’s New Building.”

In 1863, however, Farr began a new enterprise when he purchased a Center Street building that had served from the 1840s until the early 1860s as Brandon’s town hall (lower floor) and St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church (upper floor). Standing just north of the town burying ground and in front of today’s Crosby’s Sales & Service, the structure is said to have been the one-time Baptist Church, moved in 1840 from its Park Street location. (It was probably soon after the move when it received the Greek Revival trim, which was then fashionable. Typically called “Old Town Hall,” it enjoyed various uses over the decades until being destroyed by fire in 1943 while serving as a cafe.)

What was to be the refurbished building’s new purpose? Stated succinctly in deed documents, Farr was opening a “saloon.” As well, typical of such establishments, customers probably enjoyed a game of pool, a fact supported by Farr’s sale of billiard tables just prior to his 1868 move to Ohio and by his chosen career upon arriving in Columbus: “Billiard Room Keeper.” Given his dance band fame, we might guess the former St. Thomas’ space also saw more than a few gala evenings.

Along with that billiard equipment, F.J. and wife Chastina Parkhurst Farr sold a substantial array of furniture, a “44-1/3” acre “creek lot” west of Brandon, and the large house and lot now designated No. 31 Franklin Street. Clearly the Farr family, which included son Albert and daughter Bertha, was lightening their load in preparation for a new life and new directions in the Midwest.

Indeed, developments were soon underway that would ripple down to recent times in Brandon. In 1873, Albert would marry Alice Parkhurst, with daughter Shirley being born in June 1881. Since F.J. Farr survived beyond Shirley’s birth and died in February 1883, one hopes there were opportunities for grandfather to hold granddaughter and thus physically pass on the Farr family link that in the 20th century would redound to the Brandon community’s enduring benefit.

F. J. Farr did not leave Brandon, however, without a final tune-filled memory. Thus, on January 16 ,1868, his Quadrille Band, joined by “Hall’s Celebrated Brass & String of Boston,” presented their “Thirteenth and Last Annual Musical Festival!” Perhaps as a parting gift to Farr’s many friends, admission for the “Concert and Dance” had been lowered to $1.50 for a couple, while a single individual could attend just the concert for 25 cents. With patriotic songs surely in the mix and memories of the recent war still fresh, there were doubtlessly few dry eyes in the crowd as Fiddler Farr took his final bow on that cold winter evening.