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The mandolin, initially popularized by Italian immigrants, became hugely popular in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis between 1890 and 1920. The instrument attracted musicians of both sexes from various ethnic and socioeconomic groups, many of whom joined mandolin orchestras. Because it was affordable and relatively easy to play, many amateur musicians were drawn to the mandolin, but a number of professional mandolinists in the area were highly respected as teachers and soloists. See also the cover photo and front matter for this issue of Minnesota History, which relate to this article (available through JSTOR).

This lecture chronicled the heyday of the mandolin in Minnesota and was accompanied by a plethora of mandolin-related iconography and photographs unearthed from local museums, libraries, and private collections.

The Italian flutist Tebaldo Monzani established a very successful flutemaking firm in London, circa 1800. The year 1808 marked the beginning of his twenty-year partnership with the instrument maker Henry Hill. As Monzani & Co., the two produced a wide variety of finely crafted and innovative flutes. When Monzani retired in 1829, Hill continued alone, later making his sons partners, until the firm's stock was finally sold at auction in 1845. This article seeks to establish a chronology of selected extant Monzani and Hill flutes based on the serial numbers, hallmarks, and the form of signature and street address found …