Francis Macmillen in Marietta

The Marietta Daily Times, January 29, 1912:

Francis M'Millen Visiting in City

Violinist arrives from Chicago with Hon. Charles Gates Dawes and party.

Hon. Charles G. Dawes, accompanied by Mrs. Dawes, Mrs. R. R. Dawes, and Francis McMillen, the violinist, arrived today from Chicago in Mr. Dawes' private car, "Saint Paul." Mr. Dawes will remain here until Tuesday morning, when he will leave for Cincinnati.

Francis McMillen will remain in this city with his mother, Mrs. M. McMillen, as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. William W. Mills, who will entertain this evening in their honor.

The violinist told The Times today that his visit in Marietta this time would be of a week's duration after which he and his mother will sail for Europe, where he will remain for some time.

The Marietta Daily Times, February 10, 1912:

Many Hear MacMillen

Reception Given Violinist Falls but Little Short of Ovation

Hearers delighted by fine program player.

Great artist given splendid support by Miss Edwards, accomplished Chicago accompanist.

Francis MacMillen, the violinist, scored another distinct triumph Friday evening, when he again appeared in recital at the Auditorium. There was a big audience, composed largely of the friends and admirers of the great artist, who has developed wonderfully since he appeared in his home city about two years ago, and the reception given him on his first appearance fell little short of an ovation.

The recital was a most artistic success. Mr. MacMillen was at his best, and his accompanist, Miss Marie Edwards of Chicago, is a brilliant pianist, whose work left nothing to be desired. In addition to charming with her splendid accompaniments, Miss Edwards delighted the audience with several solos.

MacMillen won his hearers from the start. They received him enthusiastically and made a remarkable demonstration at the close of the program. Remaining seated when he had finished his last number, the audience burst into spontaneous and continued applause. Once more the violinist came before his hearers and he played, as only the great artist can play, "Old Kentucky Home," "Home, Sweet Home," and "America."

This was a farewell appearance, as Mr. Macmillen leaves soon for Europe, where he will remain for several years. His progress will be watched with interest, for it is predicted that some day this young artist will rank with the world's greatest violinists.

Friday evening's program was well chosen. The first and most difficult number, "A Spanish Symphony," was faultlessly executed. Of the second group, "Old Viennese Waltz," by Kreisler, and "Waltz Serenade," by Drigo, had to be repeated to satisfy the audience. The waltz serenade, a muted number, was particularly beautiful.

The final group was made up of four short numbers, the first composed by a former Marietta Man, Charles G. Dawes, of Chicago. The third was an appealing selection, "Causerie," by Francis MacMillen, and it never sounded more beautiful. This selection is truly a gen and it proves the ability of the violinist as a composer.

The last number on the program was the "Finale" from the Mendelssohn Concerto, but the audience would not have it thus and the artist was compelled to respond with several melodies that have long been popular and which gained in sweetness through his fine interpretation and delicate rendition. In the interpretation of such old, familiar selections asl "Home, Sweet Home" and "Old Kentucky Home" the soul of the artist is often revealed and in the hands of MacMillen the tones of the violin seemed almost divine.

Mr. MacMillen was fortunate in having the assistance of such an accompanist as Miss Edwards. Her ability as a pianist was most ably displayed in the brilliant rendition of severaly fine solos and she was heartily encored. in her accompaniments she afforded the violinist excellent support.

Mr. MacMillen and Miss Edwards first played violin and piano together a long time ago, when both of them were children. Each was one of those youngsters with inherent musical talent that early makes itself apparent; they were, in fact, "Infant prodigies." Each began a musical education early and it happened that they were students at the same institution in Chicago. When MacMillen was nine and Miss Edwards six, she first played the accompaniments while the young celebrity bowed his beloved violin.