One of the many stunning artifacts on display at the museum is the Square Grand Piano. The Decker Brothers Company in New York produced the piano in 1884. Square Grand Pianos are unique, working like a harp laid sideways. The tone of the square grand is said to be softer, with less bass and volume compared to today's pianos. These pianos were popular until about 1885 when they were replaced by the upright grand piano.
This particular piano has an interesting history. It was purchased and brought to Florence by William and Ella Clarke in 1884 for their new home, the Clarke House (190 N Main St). It was brought from New York, traveling around the horn of South America to Yuma. Then it was transported to Florence by ox-cart. With the piano, the house became a place of social prominence. The popular opera singer Madame Schumann-Heink from San Diego sang several times at the house.
William and Ella Clarke only had one child, who died at the age of 27. Nott Guild, the nephew of William and Ella, inherited the Clarke House and piano in 1940. After Nott's death in 1956, the Clarke House and its contents were put up for sale, with the asking price of $1500 for the piano. The town doctor, Dr W.F. Tucker, wanted the piano, but couldn't afford it. In a gesture that showed the town's enormous appreciation for the doctor, they took up a collection and purchased the piano for the doctor for $1200. The piano was presented to him at a surprise party and was moved to Dr. Tucker's house, where it resided for nearly 50 years. In 2003, the Tucker family donated the piano to the museum, where it can be viewed by the public.
