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| HurdyGurdy, a work by Jules Richomme (1818-1903) |
And then there were the hurdy-gurdy girls. Embodying both innocence and resilience, they brought their music to Wild West saloons. The original hurdy-gurdy girls came from the German state of Hessia. Beginning in the 1840’s, some daughters of poor families sold handmade brooms on the streets of large cities to help their families survive hard times. Pretty and lively, these girls soon learned that performing helped them draw crowds and sell more brooms. Unfortunately, these young women came to the attention of unscrupulous individuals who enticed their families to allow them to come to America. The girls often agreed to entertain in the West in the hope of earning a lot of money to send home to their families.
The term "hurdy-gurdy" refers to a unique musical instrument that produces sound when the player turns a crank, which causes a wheel to rub against strings. This instrument has its roots in Europe, and particularly in Hessia. Hurdy-gurdy players often traveled as entertainers, performing at fairs, markets, and public gatherings.
In the saloons of the Wild West, hurdy-gurdy girls were more than just entertainers. They were integral to the social fabric of these establishments. As towns sprang up in response to the gold rush, saloons became gathering places for miners, traders, and adventurers. The music and performances offered miners a brief escape from the harsh realities of their lives. Hurdy-gurdy girls provided laughter, companionship, and a semblance of normalcy in a chaotic world.
Life as a hurdy-gurdy girl was not without challenges. Some enjoyed relative freedom and financial independence, but others faced exploitation and violence. Saloons were rough places, and the line between performer and victim could be thin. Some of the girls were treated with respect, but others fell into prostitution.
Hurdy-gurdy girls were entertainers but also individuals with hopes and dreams. They navigated a world that often marginalized them, yet many managed to assert their independence and earn a living through performing. These women were not passive figures in the Wild West but active participants in their own narratives.
Final Thoughts from Janalyn Voigt
I wrote Stagecoach to Liberty to explore the plight of the hurdy-gurdy girls who came to America from Hessia. One of my missions as a writer is to present the Wild West, minus the usual myths, for readers. I'd never given much thought to the backgrounds of the hurdy-gurdy girls until I stumbled across their history. A plot presented itself and grew over time. Elsa Meier was born, a heroine forced to entrust her safety to a complete stranger.
Your Thoughts?
Have you heard of the hurdy-gurdy girls in the American West? Did the history of the original hurdy-gurdy girls surprise you? Can you name any western stereotypes, and do you think they are based on fact? Leave a comment and let me know.
About Janalyn Voigt
Learn more about Janalyn Voigt.
Fall in Love with the Wild West
Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, the Montana Gold series explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west.
Thank you for posting today. I have heard the term "hurdy gurdy" but I'm not sure it was in reference to these women. In general, I think these ladies were as prone to disrespect and exploitation as any of the people who immigrated here for hope of a better future. They may have just been a bit younger and without sponsors or guardians maybe more gullible?
ReplyDeleteI agree with your assessment, Connie. I have traveled to other countries and arrived feeling uncertain of how to survive. It's hard to imagine what these women went through. The entered a lawless land at their most vulnerable. Some of their stories ended happily, but some did not.
DeleteThe first time I heard of a hurdy gurdy girl was in your book. I found the story interesting and loved how you drew out the historical truths to create your story. There are so many things that we misunderstand in the west. Buffalo Soldiers, those who served in the west after the civil war were often African Americans and not white. They got their name from the Native American's who likened their hair to that of a buffalo. We often never learn of their heroic deeds. Or other minorities that made their mark on our country.
ReplyDeleteYou taught me something! I knew about the black soldiers but didn't realize they were the Buffalo Soldiers or that Native Americans named them. Isn't the West without the usual myths fascinating?
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