Souvenir Photos
Following release in 1914 from his French military obligation, Tabuteau traveled to San Francisco to perform as principal oboist in the symphony orchestra of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The following souvenir photographs were sent to his niece, Thérèse Létoffé, documenting his time in San Francisco. In the first one, we find Tabuteau relaxing at the Japanese Tea Garden.
All photos on this page courtesy of Guy Baumier. Translations of the inscriptions by Michael Finkelman.
Souvenir of San Francisco
1915
M Tabuteau
Photo taken by an amateur comrade
Frisco 20-7-15
M Tabuteau
Fond kisses to
little François
Marcel T.
The only thing I am still missing is a cassock!
Best regards and
good wishes to uncle
Octave
Marcel T.
Tabuteau became a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra during its 1915-16 season. On March 12, 1916, Tabuteau reported in a letter to the orchestra’s conductor, Leopold Stokowski, that he had to play in the summer to supplement his income with the Philadelphia Orchestra since his salary was not sufficient. The venue was the Music Pavilion in Ocean City, New Jersey. Here he is in August of 1916 celebrating his catch from the sea in Ocean City. The three photos below could well have been taken by his first wife, Jeanne.
Ocean City August, 1916
Small bag, it will be
very useful to wrap up a
pound packet [of fish]
I embrace you with all my heart
Marcel Tabuteau
Turtle caught by Marcel
at Ocean City the
17th of August 1916
Really, it is too small.
Waiting for the pleasure of hearing from you.
With best regards and friendly wishes,
Marcel Tabuteau