Niels Rask

Professor Niels Rask, violin, flute

Kristie writes: Niels Rask came over from Denmark to play in the St. Louis World’s Fair. He eventually ended up in Racine, married and raised one child. This child, Sylvia, was a great friend of mine. She passed away last September at 94 years old.

Sneeberger-Rask. A brilliant wedding was performed last evening at the Bethania Lutheran church on Silver street when the Rev, Mr. Blickfeldt united in marriage Miss Carrie Sneeberger, daughter of Mrs. Emma Sneeberger, 1241 Mound avenue, to Mr. N. R. Rask, a prominent musician of this city and a member of Gilman's band.

Sneeberger-Rask. A brilliant wedding was performed last evening

Sylvia used to tell me that her father, Niels taught himself how to play all of his instruments, and that he had made his own violin when he was a young boy. Sylvia also told me, that when he was a young boy, Niels would play this violin in the barn, and that the mice would come out when he played! So not only did Niels play for the King of Denmark & Kaiser Wilhelm, but he also played for Danish mice!

Niels Rask and his daughter, Syliva "Rask" Sohr, Racine, WI, circa 1913Niels came to the United States in the early 1900’s to represent Denmark at the 1906 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Ohio. Niels was a wonderful musician, and could play every instrument except the drums. After the World’s Fair, Niels came to Racine, Wisconsin to visit one of his relatives. He met Carrie Sneedberger at Church, and they fell in love. She didn’t speak Danish, and he didn’t speak English, but they both loved music. Carrie played the piano at church. Sylvia told me that her father, Niels went back to Denmark to sign his rights away to the family farm, so that his brother, Poul could inherit it. I think Niels had to do this because he was the oldest son.

Sylvia also told me that when her dad first came over from Denmark, he was a traveling salesmen for musical instruments, and that is why he could play all of the different instruments. Sylvia’s dad told her that sometimes traveling could be dangerous, so he always carried a dagger, and that Niels always traveled with his dog.

Retired Musician, Nels Rask, Dies. Nels Rask, 431 Shelley Dr., died at his home Tuesday. A retired musician and painter, he had played before many crowned heads of Europe, including kings of Denmark and England and Kaiser Wilhelm. He was 80 years old. Born in Gjesing, Denmark, July 15, 1871, Rask had been a resident of Racine for 45 years and was a member of Dania Society and Eagles Lodge. He organized and led the Eagles Band and at one time led the Park Board Band. He was a composer as well and a teacher of instrumental music.Sylvia’s mother, Carrie Sneedberger died when Sylvia was just a little girl. Sylvia was raised by her dad (Niels never remarried), and her maternal grandmother. Sylvia used to travel with her dad when he had concerts, and she used to play & sleep under the stage when her dad’s band was playing. I think somewhere I have copies of some of his programs.

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