Picked Bits of History
Durham is home to many interesting collections. There exist deep and rich archives in the two university libraries at Duke and NCCU, an amazing collection of early Americana at the Patterson’s Mill Country Store, the world’s largest collections of low brass instruments, and banjos.
Not just any banjos, either. Durham is home to the world’s largest privately held collection of Gibson flathead five-string Mastertone banjos made between 1930 and 1942. Seven of the approximately 140 known to exist in the world are here. Esoteric? Perhaps – but as the forbearer to which most current banjos owe their design, the collection is important. In fact, owner Jim Mills considers himself a guardian of these instruments. As a professional musician, six time Grammy winner and six consecutive year recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association Banjo Player of the year (the most ever), Mills is, very quietly, an international star in his own right. Mills taught himself the instrument and for the 14 years he played with Ricky Skaggs many considered him one of the best in the world. His collection of awards certainly lends credit to that opinion.
Mills operates a store and showroom here – almost a museum with its memorabilia and products for the serious banjo player. Open by appointment only, aficionados will find parts, music, whole instruments, and lots of history…even an image of the aforementioned Steve Martin who purchased one of his banjos from Mills.
Jim Mills is, if nothing else, humble. His business, career and collection of instruments are the result of continued hard work. Only about 200 of the Gibson Mastertone banjos that Mills collects were ever produced, and the collection is quite valuable. According to Mills, “These are considered the Stradivari of banjos” as he referenced the most valuable and respected violins ever made. Mills and his banjo collection are a treasure equally valued here in Durham, where great things happen.
More info:
>> Other Historical Collections in Durham
>> All Durham History Places
Photo Credit: Jim Mills/DCVB
Sauda Zahra: "With these Hands: Quilting as a Spiritual Odyssey" Exhibit
Art quilts by Sauda Zahra, in the Ella Fountain Pratt Legacy Gallery. FREE admission.
