Harned-Quilliam Papers

Gladys Harned Quilliam and her sister, Jewell Harned, were two major contributors to the musical community in Beaumont, Texas. The Harned family moved to Beaumont from Tennessee when Jewell and Gladys were children. Gladys Harned was a proficient violinist and graduate of Chicago Musical College. She continued her musical education in New York studios with various teachers. Gladys would eventually go on to marry William Reed Quilliam. They would have one child- William Reed Quilliam, Jr. Gladys Quilliam would go on to become a violin teacher along with her sister, Jewell, at Harned Studios. They would also found and direct the Mozart Violin Choir composed of the students at Harned Studios. Gladys served in many roles throughout the musical community such as the director of music at Westminster Presbyterian Church, co-founder of the Beaumont Music Commission, co-founder of the Beaumont Symphony Orchestra, and director of Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society. Jewell Harned-sister to Gladys Quilliam- was also a prominent member of the musical community. She graduated from both Chicago Musical College and Julliard Institute in New York City. For the majority of her life, Jewell Harned taught piano through Harned Studios alongside her sister, Gladys. She also co-founded the Music Study Club in 1921. She was a member of both the Texas Music Teachers Association as well as the Beaumont Music Commission.