Jacob Engelbrecht

Jacob Engelbrecht

Jacob Engelbrecht was the son of a Hessian soldier imprisoned in the Hessian barracks who decided to stay in Frederick after the war. This famous diarist of life in Frederick was a musician for most of his life who played in the Harmony Band. He describes the musical, dance, theatrical, literary and visual art activity in Frederick and nearby cities. Engelbrecht himself was a passionate musician. He clearly considered the arts to be important to the Frederick community and to the young nation.

"The Juniors have altered their hall (next to our shop) by...raising a theatrical stage at the east end & having the whole room frescoed by Mr. Ernst Dryer of Baltimore the same gentleman that done the German Reformed Church 2 years ago." - Wednesday April 7, 1852

"There is a company of tragedians in this town. At the head of which are Messrs. Herbert & Williams. They make their first appearance this night, in the Market House. I don't think they'll catch the devil." - Wednesday, June 5th, 1822

"Mr. Kelly of Baltimore gives (this evening) a concert of vocal and instrumental music at Mr. Talbotts Hotel. - Wednesday, July 17th 1822

"Ventriloquy - Mr. Taylor the ventriloquist is at present in this town and proposes to display his powers of ventriloquy this evening at Mr. Williamson hotel." - Thursday, May 5th 1825

Monsieur & Madam Canderbeck & Mr. Hoffmeister who perform on the violin & Harp extraordinarily are at present in town giving concerts at Talbotts Hotel - Friday, February 18, 1831

Engelbrecht's diary shows that traveling groups of actors, dancers, singers, musicians, acrobats, and other performers were common visitors to Frederick throughout its history, and often found at taverns, including those that stood previously on the site of the current FSK Hotel building.

Photos Courtesy the Historical Society of Frederick County, Inc