It still plays beautiful music, but the century-old piano for sale by a Nova Scotia family has a history forever ingrained by one of Halifax’s darkest days.
The early 20th-century Stohlman New York piano was purchased from Phinney’s Music Shop on Barrington in 1918 by Lois Miller’s grandfather, Stanley Robson.
The piano was on sale because it was damaged on the side that was facing the shop’s window on the day of the Halifax Explosion.
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Shards of glass and debris are stuck into the side of the wood, creating small indentations that are still clearly visible today.
“We grew up knowing it had survived the Halifax Explosion,” said Miller.
“We would feel the marks on the side of the piano where the shards of glass had been embedded.”
Miller said her grandfather had the piano shipped by boat to Owl’s Head Harbour, and then by truck to Clam Harbour where it was enjoyed by her family for generations, despite its flaws.
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After years of happy memories, Miller said she and her husband have decided to sell the relic.
“I thought, the piano has a story, it’s usable, it produces good music. I’d like to see it go somewhere that people would enjoy it and appreciate its heritage,” said Miller.
She said she is open to offers, but would like to see it go to a museum for all to enjoy.
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