In this episode I discuss the culture around music on campus in the early 1900s.

Sources:

Alfred University Archives (Laurie Meehan)

https://www.etymonline.com/word/Alma%20Mater

https://emoryhistorian.org/2016/01/23/alma-mater-to-thee-we-sing/

https://global.cornell.edu/

https://recordinghistory.org/the-history-of-sound-recording/business/history-of-the-music-recording-industry-beginnings-1890-1900/the-first-peak-1900-1925/

Alma Mater Lyrics:

Nestled away ‘mid the Empire State hills,

‘Neath the watch-care of sentinel pines,

Where the murmuring song of the brook hums along,

And a favoring sun ever shines;

In a valley so fair where the forest trees share

Dominion o’er hillside and glen,

Stand the pioneer college of Western New York

Alfred, we hail thee again.

Hail to thee Alfred, thou guide of our youth

Sweet, benign mother, all hail!

Sing out thy anthems of duty and truth;

May thy clear ringing music ne’er fail.

She was founded in toil, cemented with blood

And nurtured thro’ yearnings and tears,

Her treasure the heart of brave heroes who stood

Undaunted throughout trying years

Each stone was a prayer and her battlements there

Have memories of purposes strong

Stanch daughters and sons are her monuments fair,

And they lift up the grateful song

Others may boast of prestige and size

Of numbers and treasure and fame

But Alfred’s pride lies in manhood’s clear yees,

And womanhood’s high stainless name

O’ Alfred, dear Alfred

Thy fame will abide

With Kenyon and Allen and Main and Davis, the builder, and Titsworth our guide.

Her honor and power maintain.