Family history lesson
Emil Schuhmann of Waldeck
(1856-1937)
Emil Schuhmann was a musician and music teacher for the organ, accordion, concertina and wrote his own music. He was the son of Carl Schuhmann, one of the first Schuhmanns in our family to come to America.
Emil is best known for the unusual toy he built, a baromet. He carved the wood figures and painted the setting. Movement of the figures is from a propeller operating from rising heat from small oil lamps. The toy is on display at the Winedale Inn museum near Waldeck.
Emil was the guiding spirit for the well-known Schuhmann Band, which played during the 1880s. The other members were his father, Carl, Uncle Christian, and cousins, Paul and Gus. Paul played the cornet; Gus played the alto-trombone horn. The band took part in the dedication of the state capitol in 1883.
