Fall–Winter 2010 Volume 36: 3–4 The Journal of New York Folklore Ukrainian Folk Singing in NYC Hindu Home Altars Mexican Immigrant Creative Writers National Heritage Award Winner Remembering Bess Lomax Hawes From the Director Since the found- a student-only conference. There are prec- Mano,” readers will enjoy fresh prose pieces ing of the New York edents for this format, also. In commenting and poetry in English and Spanish from a Folklore Society, the on the 1950 meeting, then-president Moritz recently published anthology, produced by organization has pro- Jagendorf wrote, “Another ‘new’ at the Mexican cultural nonprofit Mano a Mano, vided two consistent Rochester meeting was the suggestion to the New York Writers Coalition, and a group benefits of member- have an annual contest among students of of New York’s newest Spanish-language ship: receipt of a New York State colleges and universities for writers. Musician, discophile, and Irish- published journal— the best paper on New York State folklore. American music researcher Ted McGraw since 2000, Voices— The winner will receive fifty dollars, and his presents a preliminary report and asks Voices and at least one annual meeting. or her paper will be read before the mem- readers for assistance in documenting the In the early years, the annual meeting bers.” (It is unclear whether this suggestion fascinating history of twentieth-century took place jointly with the annual gathering was implemented!) button accordions made by Italian craftsmen of the New York Historical Association, The 2010 meeting was held at New York and sold to the Irish market in New York. the organization from which the New York University, in conjunction with NYU’s Latin Puja Sahney leads us into Hindu homes in Folklore Society originated. The society’s American and Latino studies departments. the New York metropolitan area to explore New York City chapter also conducted an While the meeting did not offer a monetary structure, meaning, and change in domestic additional midwinter meeting that highlighted prize, many graduate students delivered altar traditions. folklore activities within this urban core. The papers on the theme of “Latino Folk Cul- We remember, too, our most brilliant elders first New York Folklore Society meetings ture and Expressive Traditions.” In keeping and inspiring mentors in folk arts. Folklorist focused on papers presented by scholars with our own traditions, the conference Mick Moloney shares a portrait of one of this from New York State, with musical and other also included food, music, and opportuni- year’s winners of the National Endowment performances: Pete Seeger and Frank War- ties for conversation among colleagues. We for the Arts National Heritage Award, Irish ner performed at early New York Folklore thank those of you who joined us in New flute master Mike Rafferty. Robert Baron, Society meetings, and an early meeting in York City—and we hope to see even more director of the New York State Council on Rochester included music by a local Ukrainian members next year. the Arts Folk Arts Program, offers a personal chorus. In the first ten years of the society, Ellen McHale, Ph.D., Executive Director remembrance of the pioneering contribu- meetings were frequently in Cooperstown, New York Folklore Society tions of Bess Lomax Hawes to the field of but meetings were also held in Ticonderoga, [email protected] folklore in New York State and beyond. Rochester, and Elmira in an effort to extend www.nyfolklore.org Also in this issue, Voices welcomes Nancy the reach of the New York Folklore Society Solomon, folklorist and executive director and to fulfill its statewide mission. From the Editor of Long Island Traditions in Port Washing- The general format of the annual meet- This issue of Voices ton, New York, whose new column, View ing has consistently remained the same, celebrates New York’s from the Waterfront, focuses on maritime albeit with a stronger stress on experiencing cultural diversity across folklife, the environment, and vernacular a region in more recent years. Meetings in a wide variety of genres architecture. As always, we remind readers the past fifteen years have incorporated an of folklife and folk art. that Voices is only as strong as the many Erie Canal boat ride (Seneca Falls, 1997), a Ukrainian-American voices and perspectives you lend us through guided walk through a Hudson Valley orchard singer and educator your contributions. Please keep your articles, (Clinton Corners, 1996), and an opportunity Nadia Tarnawsky describes her experience reviews, photos, artwork, and ideas coming to drive at a NASCAR-sanctioned racetrack of exchanging songs with Ukrainian se- our way. (Watkins Glen, 2004). niors at the Self-Reliance Association of Eileen Condon At this year’s annual meeting, held on American Ukrainians Senior Center in Acquisitions Editor November 20, the New York Folklore New York City’s East Village. In “Voces New York Folklore Society Society decided to launch a new initiative: con Eco: A Sample of Writing from Mano a [email protected] “From a distance little communities seem homogeneous, even bland, but from the inside, they feel diverse and exciting.” –Henry Glassie, Irish Folk History: Tales from the North (1982) VOICES: The Journal of New York Folklore Contents Fall–Winter 2010 3 Features 3 Singing at the East Village Ukrainian Senior Center: A Reflection by Nadia Tarnawsky 7 Nadia Tarnawsky: A Ukrainian-American Singer’s Journey by Eileen Condon and Nadia Tarnawsky 12 The Mighty Raff: 2010 National Heritage Award Winner 26 by Mick Moloney 15 Voces con Eco: A Sample of Writing from Mano a Mano Collected and edited by Luz Aguirre Introduced by Emily Socolov and Mary Ellen Sanger 31 Button Accordions: A Call for Information by Ted McGraw 36 Folk Arts Champion: Bess Lomax Hawes, 1921–2009 by Robert Baron 39 Hindu Domestic Mandirs: Home Temples in Greater New York by Puja Sahney Departments and Columns 31 10 Upstate by Varick A. Chittenden 11 Downstate by Steve Zeitlin 14 Still Going Strong by Paul Margolis 26 Artist Profile by Lisa Overholser 30 Play by John Thorn 35 Songs by Dan Milner 38 Good Spirits by Libby Tucker 45 View from the Waterfront by Nancy Solomon Cover: Ukrainian Women’s Voices singers Willa Roberts (left) and Maria Sonevytsky (back) serenade Ukrainian 46 Reviews seniors and others with village songs at the Ukrainian Museum, June 2010. 39 Photo: Eileen Condon (CTMD) Fall–Winter 2010, Volume 36: 3–4 1 1 NYFS Gathering for Latino Artists The first of three gatherings for Latino like-minded individuals who are presenting artists was held on October 24, 2010, in and preserving Latino cultural arts. cooperation with Long Island Traditions Future gatherings will take place in Fall–Winter 2010 · Volume 36: 3–4 in Port Washington. Delegates from as Batavia (March 19, 2011) and Amsterdam Acquisitions Editor Eileen Condon far away as Attica, New York, attended (May 14, 2011). See the back cover for Managing Editor Sheryl A. Englund to compare experiences and connect with details. Design Mary Beth Malmsheimer Printer Eastwood Litho Editorial Board Varick Chittenden, Lydia Fish, José Gomez-Davidson, Nancy Groce, Lee Haring, Bruce Jackson, Christopher Mulé, Libby Tucker, Kay Turner, Dan Ward, Steve Zeitlin Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore is published twice a year by the New York Folklore Society, Inc. 133 Jay Street P.O. Box 764 Schenectady, NY 12301 New York Folklore Society, Inc. Executive Director Ellen McHale Web Administrator Patti Mason Voice (518) 346-7008 Fax (518) 346-6617 Web Site www.nyfolklore.org Board of Directors Julia Gutiérez-Rivera and Juan Gutiérez of Los Pleneros de la 21, a bomba and plena President Gabrielle Hamilton performance group from New York City, demonstrate how they engage school-age children through music and dance. Photo: Nancy Solomon, Long Island Traditions Vice President Elena Martínez Past President Paul Mercer Secretary-Treasurer Delcy Ziac Fox Pauline Adema, Jean Crandall, Karyl Eaglefeathers, Ellen Fladger, Jan Hanvik, Alice Lai, Jessica Schein, Joseph Sciorra, Libby Tucker, Thomas van Buren There is more than one way to Advertisers: To inquire, please call the NYFS support the New York Folklore Society (518) 346-7008 or fax (518) 346-6617. during this holiday season! Here’s how you can help: Voices is available in Braille and recorded versions. Call the NYFS at (518) 346-7008. • Send a tax-deductible donation directly to the New York Folklore Society. Your dollars will support our many programs, including the Latino artists’ gatherings, The New York Folklore Society is committed to the annual student conference, and Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore. providing services with integrity, in a manner that conveys respect for the dignity of the individuals and • Plan to spend your holiday shopping dollars at the NYFS gallery, either online or communities the NYFS serves, as well as for their in person. We have CDs, books, and handmade objects—all made in New York cultures, including ethnic, religious, occupational, and regional traditions. State and sold by consignment. Find us online at www.nyfolklore.org or come to The programs and activities of the New York Folk- our gallery at 133 Jay Street, Schenectady. Members receive a 10 percent discount. lore Society, and the publication of Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore, are made possible in part by funds • Purchase items online by going through www.ShopforMuseums.com or through from the New York State Council on the Arts. www.Goodshop.com. Both of these platforms work with major brand retailers, Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore is indexed in with a portion of your purchase price going to a nonprofit of your Arts & Humanities Citation Index and Music Index and choice.