Edwin Litchfield Turnbull papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-0103

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection spans the years 1881-1971 and consists of approximately 400 letters, photographs, loose newspaper clippings, juvenile notebooks, and 13 scrapbooks of newspaper clippings dated 1893-1926 relating to musical, social, or other events of interest to Edwin L. Turnbull.

There are approximately 400 letters, filed alphabetically by author. Of particular interest are the letters and autographs of European musical celebrities. These were acquired and collected by the pianist, Lisa Schmalhausen; Professor Paul Haupt purchased the correspondence in 1924.

Dates

1881-1971

Creator

Turnbull, Edwin Litchfield (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Contact Special Collections for more information.

This collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical Note

Edwin Litchfield Turnbull was born in Baltimore on November 14, 1872, the son of Frances Litchfield and Lawrence Turnbull. As a boy he published a magazine called the "Acorn", whose contributors included John Bannister Tabb and Mark Twain, in addition to other talented young contemporaries. After receiving his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University in 1893, Turnbull studied music in London, Florence and Munich. He became a skilled violinist but soon directed his talents toward orchestral conducting and composition. He began the Beethoven Terrace Amateur Orchestra with a few childhood friends, and this soon grew to an organization of about 30 members which met regularly, and under Turnbull's leadership gave numerous concerts. For many years Turnbull directed the musical programs for various celebrations at The Johns Hopkins University. In 1919 he realized his plan for a university orchestra, and the Johns Hopkins Musical Association, of which he was the first president, was formed. Because of his ability and experience as a conductor he was invited to lead well-known orchestras such as the Marine Band, and some of his orchestrations were played by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He was an active promoter of the Florestan Club which for many years aided the social and artistic life of the musicians of Baltimore, both amateur and professional. He took great interest in the public band concerts in the Baltimore parks, often serving as conductor, and he was a prime mover in the establishment of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Turnbull's devotion to music and the arts did not prevent him from pursuing an active and successful business as real estate broker from 1895 to 1920 when he retired. Edwin Litchfield Turnbull died at Cazenovia, New York on September 22, 1927.

Extent

2.05 Cubic Feet (3 legal size document boxes, 2 flat boxes (15.5 x 12 x 3 inches))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Edwin Litchfield Turnbull (1872-1927) was a musician who helped create both the Johns Hopkins University and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The collection spans the years 1881-1971 and consists of approximately 400 letters, photographs, loose newspaper clippings, juvenile notebooks, and 13 scrapbooks of newspaper clippings relating to musical, social, or other events.

Other Finding Aids

A more detailed container list exists offline. Please contact Special Collections for more information.

Custodial History

The collected correspondence of European musical celebrities was acquired and collected by the pianist, Lisa Schmalhausen. Professor Paul Haupt purchased the correspondence in 1924.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Edwin Litchfield Turnbull Collection was presented to Johns Hopkins University by his widow between 1963 and 1969.

Related Materials

A collection of Turnbull's compositions (Edwin Litchfield Turnbull papers, PIMS.0031) is available at the Arthur Friedheim Library Special Collections, Peabody Institute, The Johns Hopkins University.