SKF NOTE: Haskell W. Harr is one of the renowned historical drum instructors. At age 89, Mr. Harr wrote this letter to Modern Drummer to thank us for publishing a story about him and his legacy to drumming. Mr. Harr, as he writes in his letter, is a member of the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. And I remember my surprise and honor at receiving Haskell Harr’s handwritten letter.

Here is the text of Haskell W. Harr’s letter:

August 17th, 1893 (sic)

Dear Sirs:

My name is Haskell W. Harr. I want to thank you for putting an article about me in your magazine in August.

I had a letter from, N. Jersey, Ohio, and Illinois the past week, each having read it.

The one from Illinois is from Jack Brand Drum Studio. They are sending me a drumhead to autograph, so they put it on the wall, in their studio.

I think that is wonderful to give me that space. My troubles, one of them is poor eyesight and I am not able to answer all of the letters.

I am on the PAS Hall of Fame, and I get many letters from them. They furnish me all of my writing paper.

I started the percussion course in the VanderCook College of Music in about 1931. I had a letter from one of the members there about that time. It is surprising just how many letters I get, from young people who are starting in this modern time, and are using my books, 1 & 2.

Will you please send me one of the August issue of Modern Times (sic)? I will mail you a check.

Thanks again.

Sincerely yours

Haskell W. Harr

P.S. I am now 89. Can’t see very well, and don’t do much walking. I am like father time.