Banjo. Purchased in San Francisco in 1854. Used at dances in mining camps in the early days. From the History Information Station: Object: Banjo, marked "Jos. Rogers, Jr., Daisy Band"; decorated with symbols of the Masonic order. History: The banjo developed in the South, an offshoot of African stringed instruments played by slaves. Banjos like this one were first made in the l840's; William Boucher of Baltimore is one of the men credited with its final form. This banjo was bought in San Francisco in 1854 and played at dances in the mining camps. William Swain, one of the miners, wrote home about a dance he had attended. "Fancy 150 hombres...each striving to secure one of the seventeen young ladies that were present." (D. Cooper, 6/96) There is a postcard (H26.192) with the following caption: "Marion Clark Pioneer Banjo Sololist of the Pacific Coast. Born in N? State in 1836. This photo taken in Oakland June 1916. He bought this banjo in Ateville? Music Store on Washington St. San Francisco in 1854. While following the mining excitement for 44 years. Played in all the States & Terr - of the Golden West. Marion Clark. Photograph. Photo of Mr. Clark playing banjo." See record H26.192 for image. Description: Banjo made of wood, metal and sinew. Condition: Very good; sinew soiled from use, specially near the neck on both sides of the string; one black inlay piece missing at neck, fourth from body; small split on ivory? bridge.