The family of Michael and Anna Gertrude Kramer (1853-1917) was large enough to form their own band and orchestra, which played gigs in southwest Minnesota. They recorded some of their music on Edison wax cylinders . I received an estimate from nedcc.org for a professional digitization of the music using their IRENE technology. The estimate is slightly more than $2400. I am looking for help funding this and anyone who contributes will get the high-quality digitizations with notes about the songs. If they find that some are in bad shape and cannot be digitized, I will refund a portion. Thanks for your help!

This is an excerpt from Michael Kramer's bio in the History of Redwood County:

"Among the features which have made the Kramer family famous through this region may be mentioned the Kramer Brothers' Band and Orchestra. These organizations had their origin about 1897, when its senior members began furnishing music for dances, entertainments, and the like. The membership gradually increased as the younger children grew up, until in 1910, when all twelve children 'were members of the orchestra.

"In the early years, the band and orchestra were under the direction of Anton Kramer, later Arnold Kramer was the leader. The orchestra and band attained their highest efficiency in 1907, when the services of the members were in wide demand for the leading social events, dances, entertainments and general gatherings throughout the county. The music furnished was of the very best. The strictest standards of efficiency have been maintained, and the family has had a distinct influence on the progress of musical education throughout the county."