It is great being contacted by family and friends of drummers from the past. I get emails about teachers, friends and family members that were part of the drumming community as early as the late 1800's

They may not be name recognized to many of us, but they were part of the early foundation of the business in some way that now can be looked at as inspirational.

Once such person is William Charles Evans, owner of the Evans Drum Shop 160 E 84th St, New York City. Not only was he a drum shop owner at the ripe age of 14 years old, he invented, built and performed with many of his drumming products.

One such product is the Evans Folding Foot Pedal featured on our bass drum history page. Click on the image to go the complete photo history of that pedal.

It was with great historical significance to get an email from Dick Fitzer Grandson of William C Evans with history, photos and research about his Grandfather. This picture he sent me of his Grandfather in front of his store and at the time, the World's Largest Bass Drum.

As a working musician he was part of the local musicians union. Here is a photo with the group of other musicians.

There is a also a family museum set-up in California where they have his working instruments, patents and other drumming history. Here is one of the main displays and William's gigging outfit!

Here is another unique item from the family collection and it was made by William and it was a small traveling pit marimba

Here is a great photo of william with this Chinese Tom-Tom in his drum shop

Here is a photo of William C Evans father. He emigrated to the us in 1854

Great Grand-dad who worked as a ships rigger in Brooklyn

Wm Chas L and Jennie Evans on an Outing	Helen with Dad Wm Chas Evans
Harry & Helen with Her Parents	Helen & Jenny with Prince and Teddy