Harmonium And Zither Unit: Free Time and Recreation

Instruments such as the zither (main photo) or harmonium (top right) were played to entertain the family and visitors.  'Sing-a-longs' were as popular as television is today.

The zither can either be played with a pick, or by fingers.  What other musical instrument does this remind you of?

At about the same time as Blundells' Cottage was built, this harmonium was made in France.  To play it, the pedal is pushed with your feet to fill bellows, which pump air into it.  Sound is made when a key is pressed and air is released.  This was the most popular musical instrument for workers' families in the 19th century.  Do you have a musical instrument in your house?