By Rachel Monroe
For many people, Rosevear’s Music Center was the place they first became connected to music. Numerous young people and budding musicians purchased their first instrument from the store or took music lessons from the facility. After 80 years of operation, the store will be closing its doors, but its rich history and inspiring legacy will live on in the hearts of many.
Early History
Rosevear’s Music Center was founded in 1934 by friends and business partners Clarence Rosevear and Robert Messingale. They operated a credit company during the 1920s, accumulating several pianos that had been repossessed. Consequently they decided to open a retail operation selling instruments and musical equipment. The store was first called “Rosevear’s and Messingale” and was located at 211 Wishkah Street. After nearly 20 years, Messingale retired and the store’s name changed to Rosevear’s Music Center. Clarence’s son, Larry Rosevear, took over the store after his father’s retirement and has been at the helm of operations for half a century. Numerous members of the family have been involved with the store including Larry’s wife, Maggie and their children, Mike, Keith and Tamie. Larry’s sister-in-law, Cora Crisp, has also played a part in the music center’s operation.
Impacting the Music Industry
Bringing music to the Harbor has been a critical goal for the Rosevear’s and their business partners. “We love music and feel that it is an important part of life,” said Don Stone, the store’s manager and co-owner. “We’re so proud to say that we’ve been a part of the rich musical legacy that exists here on the Harbor.”
Rosevear’s has always been supportive of local high school bands, offered music lessons for a variety of instruments and rented equipment to professional musicians in the area. They have had the privilege of being influential in the lives of several musicians who later became nationally famous, including Kurt Cobain, Metal Church and The Melvins. Kurt Cobain received his first electric guitar from Rosevear’s Music Center at the age of fourteen. “Knowing we were a part of the early musical lives of players that went on to national and international acclaim is something we are proud of,” Stone said. “But also knowing we’ve been here to help players on every level is something we are thankful for.”
Changes with Time
Throughout the store’s long history, it has seen many changes in the music industry and has adapted itself to those trends. The store began by selling pianos and record players. Over time they have sold nearly every instrument on the market including organs, trumpets, drums, accordions, flutes, trombones, harmonicas and guitars. “Every generation has its own ‘thing’ musically,” Stone noted. “While trends come and go, the instruments used to play the popular music are largely the same as they’ve been for the last 50 years, with a big jump in digital and computer based instrumentation.”
In the past 80 years the store has experienced its share of good and bad times, including the most recent decision to close the store due to declining profits. This was an incredibly difficult decision for the family who hold so many memories surrounding the music center. “Many of our favorite memories revolve around feelings of community,” Stone said. “We could not be more thankful for the years that we have been able to be a part of this wonderful area, and that we have been able to bring music making to so many generations of people.”
Rosevear’s Retirement Party
The family is hosting a retirement party for Larry Rosevear on June 13 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. It will be held at the Aberdeen Elks Club located on 1712 S Boone Street in Aberdeen. Family, friends, former band members and past customers are invited to attend as a way to honor Larry’s contribution to our community and to celebrate the wonderful memories of years gone by.
