TO MY FRIENDS EVERYWHERE I AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATE THIS BOOK.
IF AS A SINGER AND A TEACHER OF SINGING I HAVE BEEN A FACTOR IN THE BETTERMENT OF INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES, THEN HAS MY WORK BEEN WELL DONE AND I AM CONTENT.
MARGARET BLAKE-ALVERSON
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
JANUARY, 1913
FOREWORD
This book has been written for friends and musical associates of more than half a century.
The author's life has been a busy one, often with events of public import, and so it may be that this volume has value as history. Those who should know have so affirmed.
It is hoped that old-time Californians will find the book good reading. The later generations of students and musicians will be interested in the story of one who helped to prepare the way for them.