Brown Swan Club – Summer Entertainment

On July 24, 2020 I published an article about the Brown Swan Club at Schroon Lake.

 

The Brown Swan Club

 

I recently received an email from John Iacovino of North Carolina who sent some digital photographs of an orchestra called “The Original University Syncopated Orchestra” of Boston, Massachusetts.

 

The Original University Syncopated Orchestra of Boston, Mass.

 

John’s father, Louis Iacovino was the drummer for the orchestra third from left in the photo.

 

Members of the Original University Syncopated Orchestra

 

Members of the orchestra from left to right are: Charles Kenefick, Piano;  Peter Scarfariello, Violin and Director;  Louis Iacovino, drums and Jack Lewis, Saxaphone.

In the early part of the Roaring Twenties, Philip Rice, owner of the Brown Swan Club, hired the orchestra to perform at the club in Schroon Lake.

 

 

At the end of their summer engagement, Philip Rice gave a reference letter to the orchestra  commending the Original University Syncopated Orchestra stating “in addition to the music which they will provide, the more important fact is that they are all perfect gentlemen and merit confidence and respect.”

Note: All photographs were taken at the Brown Swan Club.

edited by Tom Lynch, Collections Manager

contact: [email protected]

 

Source: John Iacovino Collection.

Warren County NY Historical Society.