Abby and Eva Turner

“ Abby and Eva Sisters in Music”

          Abby and Eva Turner were not just sisters but close friends.  Both sisters were sent to Germany to study music.  Abby was a pianist and Eva a Contralto vocalist.  As the years passed neither sister lost their passion for music. Unfortunately, in 1925 tragedy struck the family when Eva Turner-Black passed away.  The loss of her sister devastated Abby to the point where she stopped playing her piano for 14 years.  At the end of this time, Abby sent her grandson to the music store to purchase sheet music for her.  He returned with the “Wedding of the Painted Doll” from the first technicolor movie, “Broadway Melody”.  Abby sat down at the piano and played as if she had never stopped playing.

Happy Birthday James Turner

Happy 191^st birthday James Turner! James Turner was born on April 1, 1820 in Cazenovia, New York.  When he was 14 years old his family moved to Michigan.  James made many contributions to Michigan.  In 1855, James secured the construction of the plank roads from Lansing to Howell. Later, in 1864 until his death James helped establish the railroads from Jackson through Lansing and from Lansing to Ionia. 

James was also very active in politics.  During the Civil War, James was appointed Michigan’s Deputy State Treasurer.  After the war, from 1867 through 1868, James was a state Senator for Michigan’s 21^st district of Clinton and Ingham counties.

On October 12, 1869, James Turner died of typhoid fever.  To learn more about James Turner and his other contributions to Michigan, please visit our web site at: http://parks.cityoflansingmi.com/tdodge

Musical Past

Sweet notes fill the air this spring at the Turner-Dodge House.  Turner-Dodge is pleased to present our new, “All Things Music Exhibit”.  From past to present, the Turner-Dodge House has always been filled with melodic melodies drifting through her halls. When Abby and her sister Eva were young girls they attended a music school in Germany.  Abby was an accomplished pianist and Eva a contralto vocalist.

Turner_Dodge: All Things Music Exhibit

Turner_Dodge: All Things Music Exhibit: "Come to Turner-Dodge this spring and learn more about the Turner girls and musical history. This family friendly exhibit is great for..."

All Things Music Exhibit

Come to Turner-Dodge this spring and learn more about the Turner girls and musical history.  This family friendly exhibit is great for all ages and is located on all three floors of the Turner-Dodge House.  Turner-Dodge is wheelchair accessible to the first floor. We are open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Admission is $3.50 for Lansing Residents, $5 for Non-Lansing Residents, and $2 per child.  For more information please visit our website at http://parks.cityoflansingmi.com/tdodge or call us at 517-483-4220.     

The Turner-Dodge House is located at 100 E. North Street, Lansing, MI 48906