Lewiston, Me., April 7 —(AP)— “Uncle John” Wilder of Plymouth, Vt., uncle of President Coolidge, was given an ovation when he appeared as a contestant in the world-wide fiddlers’ contest at the Armory tonight. He played the time limit, but failed to qualify for the finals. This honor was won by John McKenney of Lewiston, who wore a flannel shirt and bow and was more of the Mellie Dunham type.
Joseph Haskell of Brookline. Mass., “Boy Wonder Fiddler of the Civil War,” a prominent G. A R. man, was such a close second that he was requested by the judges to play a second time for two minutes, before they rendered their decision in favor of the Farmington bowman.
Joseph Lawson of Indianapolis, Ind, made a big hit with the crowd and left the stage amid great applause after his exhibition.
Dr. C. Baldwin of Nashua. N. H., a commanding figure in a tall silk hat, was accompanied to the stage by his valet. The doctor was a dignified fiddler of much talent.
Other contestants were: Jim Marshall of Lisbon: Elzear Lepage of Lewiston: Fred Abbott of Biddeford: Charles Reed of Westbrook, and James Donnell of Indianapolis, Ind.
American and Canadian jig contests preceded the fiddling. Of the American jiggers Michael J. Cook. 62, of Lewiston, a former dancing master, now proprietor of a barber shop, was the winner, while Joseph Gamache, of St. Clement, N. B., was champion of the Canadian group.
Daily Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME, April 8, 1926