THE LATEST COLLECTION ON DISPLAY
AT THE MUSEUM
Features highlights of the musical career of
EDGAR TALIFERRO BRANNER
1913—1990
Band Director at Broadway High School
for 41 years
Donated to the Museum by Karen F. Branner, daughter-in-law, the collection includes memorabilia from Eddie’s long teaching career at Broadway High School and as the leader of his popular dance band.
Eddie Branner was a life-long resident of Broadway Ave. in Broadway, VA. The son of Phillip T. Branner and Mattie Whitmore Branner, he grew up in the home of his three maiden aunts (Ella, Bessie, and Ollie Branner) after the death of his mother in 1916.
Eddie received his first musical training as a piano student with Miss Pauline Winfield in Broadway. He then studied at the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Dayton. After graduation, he formed his own Dance Band, a popular musical attraction at events throughout the Valley. At the same time, he started his career as band director at Broadway High School, teaching band until his retirement in 1976. In addition to teaching at BHS, he also taught numerous private piano and organ students and served as organist at the Presbyterian Church in Broadway.
According to his daughter-in-law, the dance band disbanded during WW II and reorganized with many of the same musicians in the 1970’s. Especially popular with fans of the Big Band Era, the band played to “standing room only” concerts.
In 1938, Eddie married Rebecca Walker. They had two sons, both of whom became accomplished musicians. Rebecca died in 1967. Three years later, Eddie married his second wife, Mabel Myers. They continued to live on Broadway Ave. after his retirement.
Karen F. Branner (daughter-in-law married to Bill Branner) donated the Eddie Branner Collection to the Museum in 2023 and provided biographical information for this exhibit.
Coming September 16, 2023
HERITAGE DAY
CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF
PLAINS DISTRICT MEMORIAL MUSEUM.
Watch for details in the Sept. CRC and website:
plainsmuseum.com
Headlines from
PLAINS DISTRICT MEMORIAL MUSEUM
PO Box 601
176 N. Main St., Timberville VA 22853
540-896-7900
Email: plainsmuseum@comcast.net
Website: plainsmuseum.com
