ARTSNCT helping with restoration initiative

ARTSNCT, a community-focused arts organization, has demonstrated its commitment to the cultural and historical legacy of Newcomerstown through a restoration initiative in partnership with the Newcomerstown Historical Society.

With the support of the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership and local artist Lynn Fraelich, ARTSNCT recently completed the restoration of two historic bass drums — breathing new life into rare pieces of the village's musical heritage.

The first instrument, a nearly century-old bass drum from the Newcomerstown Concert Band (circa 1920-30), was initially believed to be damaged beyond repair. Undeterred, ARTSNCT rallied resources and expertise. Not only was the Concert Band drum restored to its former grandeur, but also ARTSNCT undertook the unexpected restoration of a second antique drum from 1915 belonging to the Newcomerstown Boy Scouts.

These projects represent just the beginning. ARTSNCT has now embarked on a new undertaking: the restoration of a historically significant John Philip Sousa Band uniform once worn by Newcomerstown native and internationally acclaimed musician Manuel Yingling.

A virtuoso trombonist, composer, educator and director of the town’s celebrated Hyperion Band until he died in 1925, Yingling was a local legend whose influence echoed far beyond Newcomerstown’s borders. Yingling toured the country with Sousa’s world-famous band wearing this very uniform, which is now more than 110 years old.

The restoration is being carried out by Chandra Obie Linn, the conservator of textiles at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Linn brings with her a global pedigree, from early work in New York and the National Gallery of Australia to a decade of leadership at CAM, where she built the institution’s textile conservation lab from the ground up.

Her expertise — shaped by an M.A. from the Textile Conservation Centre in England and years of work with historic garments, samurai armor, contemporary Aboriginal art and more — ensures Yingling’s uniform will be preserved with the utmost care and scholarship.

While restoration is underway, only partial funds have been raised so far to complete the project. ARTSNCT is actively seeking additional financial support from the community and beyond. Donations to help restore this historic uniform may be sent to ARTSNCT, 304 S. College St., Newcomerstown, OH 43832.

Once completed, both drums and the restored Sousa uniform will find a permanent home in the music room at the Olde Main Street Museum on Canal Street in Newcomerstown. There, they will serve not only as testaments to Newcomerstown’s musical history, but also as symbols of what a united community can accomplish.

Yingling’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Newcomerstown. A prominent figure in both music and local business, his influence extended through generations. His nephew — American designer Norman Bel Geddes, who worked in Yingling’s music store as a young man — helped redefine American design and theater. That artistic lineage continued with Norman’s daughter, Emmy-winning actress Barbara Bel Geddes, known to millions as Miss Ellie on the television series "Dallas."

“ARTSNCT is proud to honor the legacy of Manuel Yingling and all those who came before us by preserving these tangible pieces of our history,” a spokesperson for the organization said. “Through community partnerships, generous support and expert craftsmanship, we are ensuring that Newcomerstown’s artistic heartbeat continues to resonate for generations to come.”

For more information about these projects or to support ARTSNCT’s ongoing preservation work, call ARTSNCT at 740-575-5710.