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Marian Walton Anderson sheet music collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-MUS-0067

Scope and Contents

The collection is particularly strong in song compilations (including dance and celebrity-themed compilations), musical magazines (including Hit Parader, Musical Record, Popular Songs Magazine, Melody, Song Hits, and the Denver Musical Journal), songs from small publishers in Pennsylvania, works by John Phillip Sousa, and illustrated works by E.T. Paull. The collection also contains bound volumes of sheet music and a variety of popular songs. Included are photographs of Marian Walton Anderson, programs from local concerts she attended, and a biography written by Carolyn Kilgour.

Dates

  • Creation: 1853-1976 and undated.

Conditions Governing Access

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

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 / Historical

Born in Clifton, NJ, Anderson's father worked for the Erie Railroad, and with railroad passes, her family traveled by train extensively during her youth. A trip to Willow Grove Park in 1925 to see Sousa's band and another to see the band perform at Steel Pier in Atlantic City were vivid musical experiences for her.

During her teenage years she became the pianist for her family's church, and with the gift of a baby grand piano from her parents, began to collect sheet music. Anderson always included her maiden name, Walton, to differentiate herself from the famous contralto.

Educated at the New Jersey State Teacher's College in Newark, Anderson graduated with a degree in elementary school education and music. She found employment after graduation at the Belleville, NJ, elementary school. She also became the pianist for the school, continuing to collect patriotic music for her students.

Anderson purchased sheet music at auctions, estate sales, "swap meets," and antique shops. She actively pursued this hobby well over 100 years old. She was particularly interested in patriotic songs, music of war, ragtime, songs of the South, music published in Pennsylvania, and sentiments of mourning. Biography supplied by Anderson's daughter, Carolyn Kilgour

Extent

3.3 Cubic Feet (11 boxes (12x15.5x3 inches) )

Language of Materials

English

Spanish; Castilian

French

Abstract

The collection was amassed by Marian Walton Anderson, a pianist and teacher. It is particularly strong in song compilations, musical magazines, popular songs, and works published in Pennsylvania.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Collection was donated by Anderson's daughter, Carolyn Kilgour.

Cultural context

Topical

Title
Guide to the Marian Walton Anderson sheet music collection.
Author
Sam Bessen
Date
2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
The Sheridan Libraries
Special Collections
3400 N Charles St
Baltimore MD 21218 USA