Portraits of Violin Girls, circa 1880s

Zoe Emily Reynolds (1869–1906) and Josie Diademia Reynolds (1873–1957) were the daughters of Dr. Azro H Reynolds and Emily Triphena Allen in Tunbridge, Vermont. They performed together and were often backed by their father as the Reynold Sisters Orchestra and were something of a local celebrity in Orange County Vermont.

Their father wrote (for many years) a gossip column in the Montpelier Argus and Patriot, entitled “Tunbridge Tidbits”. For many years almost every edition contained a plug for his daughters and their playing prowess – ads for concerts etc.

The girls’ parents separated in the 1890s and the sisters went with their mother to Keene New Hampshire, but they continued to play there – both girls ended up performing and teaching violin. Unfortunately, Zoe died young of kidney failure, but Josie lived into the middle of the 20th century.

Taken circa 1880.

Taken circa 1885.