Nextplease

This photo of Billy Stewart and his orchestra was taken circa 1936. That’s my grandfather in the upper left with the guitar. I was fortunate enough to get a copy of this photo from my grandmother who filled me in on some of the details about the group.

That’s Billy up front on the right with the violin with his sister daughter Mary next to him. I’m told Mary fancied my grandfather but my grandmother got there first! The group would play dances and events at local taprooms in the Chester Pennsylvania area. Unfortunately no recordings exist.

My grandfather went on to play bluegrass music and build and repair banjos and guitars later in life. We’d get to hear him play at family events and camping trips. He was also a self taught painter and painted the bass drum head you see in this picture.

2 Responses to “Billy Stewart & His Orchestra”

1. Grammy Says:
   April 10th, 2005 at 10:48 am

   Mary Stewart was Billy’s daughter, not his sister. She was the vocalist for the group.

   love, Grammy

2. Dean Says:
   April 10th, 2005 at 10:53 am

   Thanks for the correction! My notes were wrong!